Fireplaces make a magical addition to any home. Functionally, they can help keep your home heated throughout the winter as a secondary source of warmth. Aesthetically, they tie together a room, make for great decor, and make a home feel cozy.
But not all fireplaces are the same. There is a wide variety of ways to customize your fireplace to make it your own and suit your home. Color, stone choice, and more.
There are some basic types of fireplaces that you can choose from to customize for your home. Read on to learn about the different types, fireplace installation and get an understanding of what may suit your home best.
The Three Main Types of Fireplaces
Three main types of fireplaces are common choices for homeowners that are looking to liven up a room or bring warmth to a living room. The primary three are gas fireplaces, wood-burning fireplaces, or electric fireplaces. Here is a little more about each type.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are a popular choice for a home fireplace. They are cost-efficient, and because many are ready-made for use, they save a substantial amount of money on installation costs. Most electric fireplaces are ready to use as soon as you remove them from the box.
The savings from the fireplace installation costs that would be higher among the other types can be reallocated to purchase a higher-end electric fireplace or to spend more on the mantel and surroundings.
One trade-off to keep in mind with electric fireplaces is that there will be increased electricity costs associated with using the fireplace.
Wood-burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces are the classic fireplace. They are the image we conjure when someone asks us to imagine a fireplace. They are most often found at cottages and ski lodges, creating a cozy feeling and heating your home.
It is important to ensure that your house has the infrastructure to support this type before installing a fireplace. You will need a chimney or flue to ensure that the smoke can escape, and ensure it is safe for your home and family. Wood-burning fireplaces tend to be the most expensive option of the three, as they cost the most to install.
Safety is also a consideration. It is important to child-proof your wood-burning fireplace if you have children at home.
Gas Fireplaces
The third popular type of home fireplace is a gas fireplace.
There are two types of gas inserts to choose from during gas fireplace installation. These two choices are: direct vent gas inserts or Ventless. Vent-free inserts do not require venting of emissions through a chimney flue.
They are passed through a series of filters, removing pollutants from the air which are then directly vented into the home. Direct vent gas uses air from the house for combustion but then vents them outside through an existing chimney. This type of insert more closely resembles a wood-burning fireplace.
Gas fireplaces, like from The Flame Company offer a great compromise between the fuel efficiency and safety of an electric and the flame of a wood-burning fireplace.
Find Your Fireplace
Fireplaces are a great addition to the home, and choosing from the different types of fireplaces is important. Be sure to consider the look, cost of installing a fireplace, and infrastructure of your home when considering fireplace options.
