Your key consideration will be whether to buy a wood burning,
gas, or electric fireplace. You’ll also need to choose the size and style that is
right for your needs. Considering the following points will help lead you in the
right direction.
The Look of the Flame
The winner for a realistic flame is, of course, a real flame in a
wood burning fireplace. In the past, choosing a traditional wood burning
fireplace meant settling for the least efficient heating option. Luckily, with new
clean burning wood fireplaces, this is no longer the case. There are now many wood
burning fireplaces that meet energy-efficiency criteria through the use of updated
technology, so you can have a beautiful flame, a warm room, and the good economy
of saving on heating costs. However, other factors may lead you to consider gas
or electric options, and even the best of these aren’t quite the same as the look
of a wood fire. Many come close though, and may be close enough for your tastes
and needs.
Convenience
This is the area where
gas and
electric fireplaces far surpass wood burning ones. For gas or electric
fireplaces, with the flick of a switch or even a click of a remote control, you’ll
have your fire and heating source working. With a wood burning fireplace, you’ll
need to have dry wood available or be willing and able to go collect it. Then you’ll
have to put some work into getting the fire going and continue feeding it to maintain
the fire. For some, this is part of the tradition and fun; for others, this is a
major drawback.
Décor Enhancement vs. Heating
In the past, it may have been necessary to choose between these two goals. Now,
with the addition of new EPA-certified wood burning fireplaces, there are options
for all fuel types to provide great ambience and efficient heating. However, if
you are on a budget, you might find that you need to be willing to prioritize a
bit. For example, you may have to choose a less expensive mantle design in order
to afford a large enough fireplace to heat your room properly.
Style and Appearance
There are as vast a range of fireplace styles as there are décor styles, spanning
from casual to formal looks. Regardless of wood burning, gas, or electric, you will
have many choices. The material and style of the
mantel or surround and the glass doors will play a major role in a fireplace’s
appearance, though keep in mind that you may need to purchase these separately.
The inside of the fireplace will also influence its look. Brick-lined interiors
are popular and attractive. Whether you like clean lines or ornate details, rustic
or contemporary styling, you’ll find a beautiful fireplace that suits your taste.
Size and Number of Openings
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Reputable manufacturers will provide parameters to guide you to the right size fireplace
to heat your room. In addition, experienced installers and/or contractors will help
you make the correct size choice. Keep in mind that high ceilings, as well as square
footage, will play a part in heating ability. Other factors include home insulation
and the number of windows. Overall, the larger the room, the larger the fireplace
needs to be to heat it well. Of course, if you are buying a replacement fireplace
for an existing chimney area, this will determine the size needed.
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In addition, fireplaces have choices in number of openings. They can be open on
one side (the traditional choice,) as well as two (see-through, for enjoyment in
two rooms at once,) three (peninsula,) or four sides (oasis).
General Quality Considerations
In general, high quality fireplaces include the following features: strong and solid
construction, heavy duty faces, quality materials (including brick, stone, and marble,)
and EPA-certification. In gas and electric fireplaces, realistic flames are another
measure of sound workmanship. Ceramic glass doors with frames of brass, stainless,
or other high quality materials are a top of the line option. Heavy-duty steel grates
are another high end addition. The more features designed to increase heating efficiency,
such as blower fans, heavy duty doors, and insulation, the better the fireplace.
Installation and Maintenance – Safety First
Keep in mind that gas and wood burning fireplaces are subject to rigorous safety
codes on a local and state level and require permits for construction and installation.
They also require regular maintenance in order to operate properly and safely. It
is vital to have a wood or gas fireplace installed and maintained by a qualified,
licensed, and experienced professional. Electric fireplaces generally need no installation
other than plugging them in.
Running Costs
Running costs are difficult to quantify, since they depend on the cost of gas vs.
electricity in your area, and wood availability for you. If you have a free source
of firewood, a wood burning fireplace can be a great inexpensive and renewable fuel
choice. A well-insulated house will increase the efficiency and lower the cost of
any fuel option.
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When most people think of wood burning fireplaces, they call to mind the cozy tradition
of relaxing and watching flames dance on a cold winter night. However, old style
open wood burning fireplaces actually pollute our atmosphere, aren’t effective at
providing heat for a room, and are even banned in some areas. Therefore, in buying
a new fireplace, you’ll want to move beyond this style to the newer, technologically-advanced,
EPA-certified versions which burn with substantially less smoke and vastly
greater heating efficiency. You’ll still get the ambience you love, without the
pollution and with the benefits of heating efficiency. Clean burning and EPA-certified
fireplaces provide good heating, even for large rooms, when they are sized properly.
Plentiful style and size options are available.
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Installation: Since there are building and safety permits required, as well
as local and state codes to meet, it is always recommended to have a fireplace professionally
installed. Manufactured units are simpler and less expensive to install than masonry,
since masonry has higher labor and material costs. Proper installation is vital
for a wood burning fireplace to work safely at top efficiency. The extent of construction
required will determine the cost of installation of a new wood burning fireplace.
Maintenance: These fireplaces are more labor intensive than the other options.
You’ll need a supply of wood and will have to start the fire, adding more wood as
needed. Cleaning ashes is also a necessity. Burning harder seasoned woods will usually
keep a fire going longer, as well as help prevent creosote build-up in your flue.
You should always have fireplaces and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by
a certified professional.
Bottom Line: A wood burning fireplace is the traditional choice for someone
who loves the look, feel, and smell of burning wood, regardless of the extra work
involved with collecting and storing wood. Invest in a clean burning model and enjoy
your treasured fireplace guilt-free. You’ll enjoy the heating savings too.
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Gas fireplaces are popular options. They turn on with the flip of a switch, making
them far more convenient to use than wood burning fireplaces. Many are also available
with remote controls and wall thermostats. They are clean burning and efficient
at providing heat. Both liquid propane or natural gas versions are available. There
are many models, sizes and styles. However, even the best ones don’t offer the same
flame look as a wood fire.
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There are both direct vent and unvented gas fireplaces available.
Direct vent fireplaces use zero-clearance technology, meaning they don’t
need chimneys or foundations (very little space is needed between the unit and combustible
materials.) A direct vent allows all of the combustion gases and moisture to leave
your home. Venting is usually though a wall or roof, allowing more flexibility than
if a chimney was required. They are also easier to install than units with a chimney
and give you greater placement options.
Unvented options are not recommended. Usually they will not meet state or local
codes, since they can allow dangerous by-products and odors to build in your home.
Moisture can also build, causing mold. In addition, they burn less attractive fires.
Installation: A gas fireplace can be installed anywhere that a gas line is
available, both in the middle of a room or along an outside wall. Only HVAC contractors
or licensed plumbers are permitted to run gas lines. It is important to have a gas
fireplace installed by a licensed professional in order to meet safety codes.
Maintenance: The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) recommends an
annual inspection of the burner, fan, venting, pilot light and thermostat.
Bottom Line: If convenience is more important than the look of a wood-burning
fire, these are a great option. You’re sure to find a style that you find attractive.
As long as you choose a vented option, these are a sound and energy-efficient choice.