What You Should Know About Fireplaces

No other type of heating appliance is as romantic or as relaxing as a fireplace. Depending on the type you select, fireplaces provide a heating solution, a decorative element, or an efficient heating source. From wood-burning fireplaces to gas, electric, or pellet, there is a fireplace that is waiting to welcome you home.

Wood-burning fireplaces are often chosen by fireplace purists who need the crackling sound, aroma, and visual appeal of a real fire. Some even enjoy the experience of splitting wood or having free wood available to them. There are several different options to choose from: open hearth, wood-burning fireplace, wood-burning stove, and indoor enclosed wood-burning fireplace, also known as a zero-clearance manufactured fireplace.

Open Hearth Fireplace

• An open-hearth fireplace is a fireproof structure built into the wall, usually brick or stone. These fireplaces are generally used for occasional enjoyment rather than as a primary heating source for the home. Some might install a mantel to surround the hearth as a decorative and aesthetic room element. The cost of installing a new fireplace can be costly, but they are inexpensive to run, especially if you have a free source of firewood. One important annual expense is hiring a professional to maintain the safety of the chimney.

Wood-Burning Stove

• If you already have an open-hearth fireplace, a wood-burning fireplace insert can be installed to improve heating efficiency and safety. Cost is certainly a consideration. I suggest a professional do this.

• A wood-burning stove is a freestanding cast iron or solid steel box that offers more advantages than an open-hearth fireplace. Wood-burning stoves require less firewood and can be used to efficiently heat homes of thousands of square feet. The embers of this stove are enclosed and are a safer choice than the open-hearth variety, especially with children and pets in the household. These stoves also produce less polluting smoke in the home, a consideration for those with health concerns. A wood-burning stove will need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. If you have a catalytic wood-burning stove, the catalyst will need to be replaced every few years. While installation costs can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, firewood can be an inexpensive way to heat your home.

Indoor Enclosed Wood-Burning Fireplace

• An indoor enclosed wood-burning fireplace has the best aspects of the open-hearth fireplace and the wood-burning stove, as a fully enclosed metal box is built directly into the wall. Many feature glass fronts, providing safety and heating efficiency. This fireplace can burn wood, wood pellets, or gas. For practical reasons, an indoor enclosed wood-burning fireplace is limited to new construction. The price tag ranges between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the type of fuel used. They will also need to be serviced once a year.

Other option

Gas-fueled inserts for wood-burning fireplaces are a popular choice, given their heating efficiency. These inserts do not depend on wood for fuel. The amount of heat you want generated can be adjusted with a remote control. Unlike a traditional wood-burning fireplace, gas-fueled inserts do not function during a power outage.

Direct-vent inserts are the most popular choice. They draw air from and vent to the outside through the fireplace chimney. They are highly efficient, safe, and non-air polluting. Best of all, the visual effect closely resembles a wood-burning fireplace. Since gas is the primary fuel source, you will need to have a gas line hooked up directly to the fireplace.

Installation of gas-fueled inserts can be costly to begin with. You also need to consider the price of gas consumption on an ongoing basis. Like other fireplaces, they will need to be cleaned and inspected periodically.

Before you start chopping wood, consider the pluses and minuses of all your fireplace options. Once you have made your decision, enjoy all the comforting moments your fireplace brings to your home. Contact us for more hearth-warming ideas on fireside living.