Fireplaces are something that seems to have a timeless appeal about them. Even though they aren’t used to heat a home anymore, and are mainly just decorative, they still make a room seem warm and cozy. People love starting a fire in the fireplace, stoking the flames, and adding wood as they sit nearby. Fireplaces are attractive, practical, and can add value to your home if you have or decide to install one.
However, it can be a challenge to find the right fireplace for you and your home. What sort of fireplace you have can depend on the style of the room, how much you’re willing to spend to install it, and what sort of fuel you want to burn. Some fireplaces are higher maintenance than others, which could be a major deciding factor for you. However, the amount of maintenance needed might end up being worth it if you’re able to achieve the look and warmth your fireplace can provide.
Wood Fireplace
A wood fireplace is about as traditional as fireplaces can get for a home. It is a genuine hearth that acts as a practical and attractive centerpiece for the room it’s installed in.
One advantage of a wood fireplace is that no other type of fireplace can compete with its classic atmospherics and ambiance. There is something about the smell, the crackle, and the snap of firewood in a wood-burning fireplace that cannot be emulated in any other way. Some major perks to wood fireplaces are that wood fireplaces don’t require electricity, meaning you have both a light and heating source during power outages, and you can even cut down on utility bills during the winter by lighting up the fireplace instead of cranking up the heater. Wood fireplaces are also a much cheaper option when compared to gas or electric fireplaces, as you’re not relying on utilities to help you start the fire. Just wood you could purchase at any home goods store or chop down yourself.
On the downside, masonry wood fireplaces aren’t that great at heating an entire home. The sparks emanating from a fireplace could also pose a fire hazard if you don’t take the proper precautions, such as a screen to put in front of the open flames. A wood fireplace can also be messy as it generates soot and ash you need to clean out once you’re done using it. If you don’t clean your chimney regularly, you could also end up dealing with a severe fire hazard.
Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces are cleaner than their wood counterparts and are a more efficient option for central heating. They generate a smokeless flame as they burn propane or natural gas. Gas fireplaces are versatile and can be vented or ventless.
Your gas fireplace can be made to emulate a traditional fireplace with ceramic firewood placed inside an existing fireplace. This is a good option if you are looking for a low-maintenance, flickering fireplace that looks nice but is not needed for heat. The main advantage of a gas fireplace is that it does not need a pipe or flute. You can connect it to a wall thermostat to control room temperature, which is something you can’t do with a wood fireplace.
The main disadvantage of a gas fireplace is that they don’t produce authentic-looking flames. You do not get the sound or aroma of burning wood. Also, you must be sure to keep the fireplace properly maintained and investing in a carbon monoxide detector. Failing to do so could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or even death.
Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces can be considered the safest option for someone wanting a fireplace. They don’t emit fumes, smoke, or any byproducts. Most electric fireplaces are just for decoration and don't have any sort of heating element.
The advantage of an electric fireplace is that you can spruce up an existing masonry fireplace without needing to start an actual fire. This can be great for homes, or apartments, that don’t allow you to use the fireplace. This way, you can still achieve the look of having a fireplace without having to actually use one.
The downside to an electric fireplace is that you lose the ambiance and romance of a traditional fireplace. The fireplace is good for looks only, you can’t get the smell, sound, or heat that a gas or wood fireplace is able to provide. Additionally, if there is a power outage, your fireplace is rendered useless.
Fireplaces have been and will continue to be an attractive addition to any person’s home. The heat, aesthetics, and value to your home they provide are all great reasons to think about installing one if you don’t have one already. The biggest decision you’ll have to start with is simply which type you’d prefer. You will have to judge for yourself if an electric, gas, or wood fireplace is suitable for you and your home.
