Which Fireplace Is Right For You?

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.

Make Your Dusty Old Fireplace Look Modern and New

Fireplaces are intended to be the centerpiece of a home's living space. Unfortunately, when that centerpiece looks outdated and dingy, the entire room and even entire house can suffer. Here are five easy ways to make your dusty old fireplace look modern and new again.

Do a Basic Cleaning

Sometimes all your fireplace needs is a good clean. Soot from log-burning fireplaces is an obvious problem. Clean the firebox of old wood, charcoal, and ash as thoroughly as possible. Wash both sides of the glass door. Finally, vacuum, dust, and wet-wash all exterior surfaces using cleaners designated for wood-burning fireplaces.

"Clean burning" gas and propane leave behind an invisible layer of film that can attract dirt. A thorough wiping with soapy water around the mantle, face, and door will work wonders for your fireplace's appearance.

Deep-Clean the Masonry

If your fireplace's masonry needs a deeper clean, a "paint and peel" masonry cleaner may be in order. You simply brush the cleaner on the brick or tile and let it dry, then peel it off, removing embedded dirt, dust, and soot with it. This is a great way to clean out the natural divots and pits that give masonry its beautiful earthy coziness.

Replace Old Logs

Artificial logs lose their luster over time. The average lifespan of artificial logs is 3-5 years of regular use. Revive your logs by replacing them with vent free gas logs, which come in natural gas or liquid propane versions. You can also find them in a variety of different arrangements and wood styles to best fit your decor.

Update Your Mantle

The mantle of a fireplace can either enhance or diminish the appeal of what lies underneath. By updating your mantle with paint, fresh stain, or an entirely new mantle altogether, you can dramatically improve the modern feel of your old fireplace with minimal cost.

Refinish the Face

Last but not least, consider refinishing the face of your fireplace. Your fireplace face doesn't need to be completely demolished and replaced to modernize it. Simply whitewashing an old brick fireplace face can immediately brighten your room. Or go a step further and install a wood, tile, or stone veneer hearth over an existing face.

These are all easy and fairly inexpensive ways to make your dusty old fireplace look modern and new. Doing one or all of these will revive your living space and provide a sense of overall energy throughout your entire home.

How to Maintain a Home Fireplace

Fireplaces are beautiful interior amenities that convey elegance and sophistication. Nothing sounds cozier than warming up next to roaring fire in the middle of winter while reading a good book or playing a board game. Yet not many homeowners understand what it takes to keep their fireplace clean and dirt-free. Fortunately, this guide on how to maintain a home fireplace will help. Read below to find out how you can ensure safety and value with yours.

Clean the Interior

Assuming it’s a wood-burning fireplace, the interior will become dirty with soot, ash, and wood chips. Sweep these out regularly. Doing so keeps the fireplace’s interior clean and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, having too much debris can backlog the heat (pun intended) so your fireplace won’t perform as effectively. Instead of throwing this debris away, use the ash in potting soil or the garden for excellent fertilizer.

Remove Soot Buildup

When wet wood burns, it leaves behind soot and creosote. That’s why you must ensure all wood is dry and properly stored before burning it. Nevertheless, dark residue can collect on the interior and exterior of your fireplace and/or chimney. Hot residue could potentially collect on flammable materials and start a house fire as well. While DIY guides exist, call a professional fireplace service to remove creosote and other residues every year.

Install a Fireplace Mantel

There are many benefits of a fireplace mantel, from both a practical and decorative viewpoint. With their intricate designs and artwork, mantels provide a finishing touch to the beauty of a fireplace. You can showcase collectibles and art on your mantel. More important, mantels shield the fireplace. Stone and brick mantels protect your interior from the fire’s smoke and flames, and the heat will not damage them. An elegant mantel can also increase market value for homeowners wanting to sell.

Keep Working Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms Installed

The final tip for how to maintain a home fireplace may be most important, as it involves your safety. Always have working carbon monoxide and smoke alarms installed. Fireplaces can pose safety and health risks. Properly installed fireplaces should have no issues, but a clogged chimney or ventilation system could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Likewise, when the chimney or vent systems clog, smoke can fill the house, causing respiratory issues.