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Rettinger Woodworks & Fireplace Systems
Light up Your Life—and Lower Your Heating Bills. Fireplace systems are cost effective ways to improve the look and feel of your home .

by Glori Gayster

When someone walks through the doors of Rettinger Woodworks & Fireplace Systems their mission statement “Where Details Make the Difference” is evident throughout the showroom. Rettingers is a full-service hearth shop conveniently located within the Voorhees Design Center.

“We work closely with each client to understand their goals. Whether clients are in need of a new fireplace or looking to improve the efficiency of an older system, our team will find the best possible solution” says Dave Rettinger, owner.

Because fireplace systems vary greatly, the best choice of size and style depends on your lifestyle. Direct vent gas fireplaces are convenient while vent free gas options add a level of installation flexibility. However, for many, nothing replaces the aroma and crackling sounds of a wood burning fire.

Alexis Rettinger says, “We start by asking questions. Is the system to be a source of heat or purely decorative? What kind of fuel? What’s the home’s style? The answers ensure the proper product is installed.” For those looking for a bit of charm, a stylish stove, available in a variety of options, may be a perfect fit for its combination of flexibility and charm. Alexis says, “At Rettinger, we carry an extensive selection of respected names in the hearth industry, including Heatilator, Harman, Mendota, Napoleon, Jotul and American Hearth to name a few.”

Save money and the environment
If you are thinking about a fireplace as a heat source, fireplace inserts are an energy-efficient way to zone heat and redistribute warmth throughout the room. And through December 2010, the government is offering homeowners an even better reason to view a fireplace as a way to control heating costs and use renewable fuels. Homeowners who install a qualifying wood or pellet burning unit are eligible to receive a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500.

“Rettinger is a great proponent of helping the environment,” Dave says. “We have many eco-friendly solutions. For example, the Harman PC45 is a direct vent corn or wood pellet stove that offers a 1,400 square foot heating capacity and can generally burn from one to two weeks without being cleaned.”

“I have a brand new home and wanted to replace the existing small wood burning fireplace with something heavy duty that would heat the entire house. The intent was to offset the high propane costs,” says Joe Ricca of Franklinville. “I described what I was thinking to Rettingers and they understood my needs and offered a completely different solution than what I was thinking. It turned out to be the correct choice. The price for was very competitive and the unit should pay for itself in about two and a half years.”

Illuminate the hearth with customization
The area that surrounds a fireplace is as important to consider as the unit itself. In addition to a mantel, this area is another space to combine design and function such as with custom bookcases or cabinetry. Another popular feature is to install a flat screen TV above the fireplace and then hide it with pocket doors when not in use.

“When it comes to the fireplace, the finishing touches are where we add even more. We take the project from design concept through to completion,” says Alexis. “We have our own custom manufacturing facility, employing master craftsmen capable of creating endless possibilities including built-ins.”

Don’t play with fire
Expertise with both the product and venting is key when hiring a contractor to do fireplace installations. The National Fireplace Institute®, an independent, non-profit certification agency for the hearth industry, states on their website that, “Numerous decisions—from proper floor protection to appliance sizing and placement to venting system compatibility and height should all be made with the expertise of a specialist.” Dave says, “We pay close attention to each manufacturer’s specifications, as well as local and national codes. Our employees have studied the critical factors, including protecting nearby combustibles, and are NFI certified.” Rettinger’s comprehensive services include everything from design concept, to service and installation and their knowledgeable sales team are committed to educating customers and ensuring they get the desired result.

Family-owned and operated since 1995, Rettinger Woodworks & Fireplace Systems offers a complete line of wood, gas and pellet burning fireplaces, stoves and inserts, along with custom mantels and surrounds. Their stunning 4,800 square foot showroom, featuring over 45 burning displays, is located in the Voorhees Design Center, at 476 Centennial Boulevard. The showroom is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evenings by appointment. For more information and browse a gallery of products, visit rettingerfireplace.com or call (856) 783-5501.

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family, Volume 1, Issue 8 (October, 2010).
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