There’s something beautiful and homey about a roaring fireplace, especially during the colder months and around the holidays. For many families, a fireplace can become a focal point for parties and even family game night. For single people or couples without children, a fireplace can be a source of romance on date night.
Whatever your reason for wanting a fireplace, it’s important to pick one that fits your home and your lifestyle. There are many different kinds of fireplaces, although people often choose one of four primary types. Depending on your needs, your space, your budget, and other factors, you can find and install the perfect fireplace with a little research and consideration. Once you know the features or style that most appeal to you, you can make an informed decision about installing a fireplace in your existing home or planning to include one in a new construction project.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces Remain a Cultural Staple
For many people, fireplace is synonymous with wood-burning. After all, historically, wood has been the only real option for heating the home. Fireplace design for many years focused on the challenges and demands of a wood-burning system. Although other popular fuels and fireplace options now exist, wood-burning fireplaces continue to hold a special place in our culture.
You have many kinds of wood-burning fireplaces to choose from, including the traditional open hearth. These are often made of stone or brick. The downside is that these fireplaces aren’t very efficient for heating. Thankfully, modern enclosed fireplaces reduce thermal loss and the potential for smoldering ash to start a fire in your home. If you have an open hearth fireplace, you can also purchase an insert, which can turn it into a more efficient, enclosed fireplace. Finally, there are wood-burning stoves, which may not allow you to view the fire, but provide substantial heat from wood fuel.
Wood-burning fireplaces have both benefits and downsides. Some of the positive factors include the smell and sound of a crackling fire, which even the most upscale alternative fuel fire may struggle to replicate. Advances in fireplace technology now also allow you to reduce heat loss and improve performance.
On the negative side of things, a wood-burning fireplace requires far more work and maintenance than any other kind of fireplace. If you have already built or own a home, installing a wood-burning fireplace and chimney can be quite expensive or even impossible. You have to maintain a stock of wood or have a local source where you can buy it as needed. You will also need to regularly maintain your fireplace and chimney, or hire experienced professionals to handle that work for you. Cleaning out ash, soot, and creosote can be dirty work that requires some special equipment to do properly.
Electric Fireplaces Are Modern and Easy to Install
For those on a budget, there’s no question that electric fireplaces are the most cost-effective fireplaces to install and maintain. They don’t require special ventilation or a chimney. They simulate the appearance of a fire, while providing heat for your space. The two most common forms of electric fireplaces are mantle fireplaces and entertainment stands with a fireplace built in underneath.
In addition to being cost-effective, electric fireplaces have several other perks. These include a number of settings that allow you to adjust the temperature or change the appearance of the simulated flames. Also, these fireplaces often have a remote control for ultimate convenience. The downsides include reduced heat generation when compared with gas or ethanol fireplaces and a lack of the beloved smells and sounds associated with a roaring fire.
Gas Fireplaces Are Efficient and Provide Great Heat
Unlike electric fireplaces, which only simulate flame, gas fireplaces do have actual fire glowing inside them. One of the most popular kinds of gas fireplaces is the gas log. These styles replicate the appearance of flames by simulating a fire. There are also glass beads and other attractive options to add a modern appearance to your fireplace.
The perks of a gas fireplace include lower operating costs than a wood-burning fireplace, ease of installation, and their attractive flames. On the negative side of things, some of these systems require venting, either through a special vent, a pipe, or a chimney. There are also ventless versions that feature a blue flame for cleaner, more complete gas consumption. Exhaust fans or other venting may reduce any issue of residual contaminants.
Ethanol Fireplaces Are Increasingly Popular
The newest form of fireplace technology is the ethanol fireplace. These easily installed and modern-looking fireplaces can work in just about any home. You can have an existing fireplace converted with a simple ethanol-burning insert. You also have the choice of mounting certain versions on any wall in your home, or even operating certain versions on a tabletop, which can make for wonderful decorating focal points.
One of the benefits associated with ethanol fireplaces is how cleanly it burns fuel. You won’t notice any kind of unpleasant smell associated with its use. While they may not generate as much heat as gas or wood fuel fireplaces, they are certainly eco-friendly options.