A fireplace can add a calming aspect to your home. Whether it is in literature or Christmas cards, fireplaces have always represented the warmth and security of home. But, a fireplace adds so much more than just warmth. As the central gathering place, the fireplace is often the focal point of any room. The type of fireplace you choose depends on the intended use and personal preference. When you get ready to make your decision, think about overall cost, maintenance, appearance, and heat efficiency.
DIRECT VENT FIREPLACES:
Wood Burning Fireplace:
The wood burning fireplace has long been the fireplace of choice. The smell of burning wood and sound of a good fire are inviting as well as romantic and relaxing. For some people, the act of building a fire is as comforting as the fire itself. In addition to the ambience, this type of fireplace is great for lowering heating bills, particularly if a blower is installed, helping thrust the warm air all over the house. Along with the benefits of a wood burning fireplace, there are other considerations. For safety reasons, the fireplace must be cleaned on a regular basis. This includes the chimney. Additionally, when burning real wood you must provide constant attention, especially when it comes time to retire for the night. Another consideration when adding a new fireplace is the code requirements. To comply may cost more than you are willing to pay.
GAS Fireplace:
Gas fireplaces are convenient and advanced technology has made them very well-liked. Most gas burning units burn cleaner than any of the wood burning fireplaces. This fire appears very real with its ember bed and glowing logs. Options include a thermostat that will start the heat where you set it. Gas fireplaces will work without electricity which is ideal for power outages. Gas fireplaces can also be located on an outdoor or interior wall. They are very useful to heat one room versus a whole house. Screens or glass doors can be used with these fireplaces and you have a choice of different mantel styles to fit your décor. The problems are that most require professional installation for the pipes that deliver gas to the fireplace. This requires permits as well as code requirements. Also, a venting system needs to be constructed. You have a pilot light that is constantly burning along with yearly maintenance.
VENT FREE FIREPLACES:
Gel Fuel Firplaces:
Gel fireplaces offer portability so you can move a fireplace anywhere you would like to have a fire. Even if you are without electricity, you can use the gel fireplace because it burns with alcohol gel fuel. There is no need for professional installation because this fireplace requires no venting. Gel fireplaces can be a perfect edition to your condo, apartment, cabin or home. It lends itself perfectly for zone heating and to keep a room warm. 3,000 BTU's per hour; up to 9000 Btu's per hour combining more than one can. The gel fireplace is for people who enjoy having a fireplace, but do not want the hassles of a wood-burning fireplace. Gel fireplaces are beneficial if there is a power failure. Gel Fireplaces offer a real fire experience and will crackle like a real wood flame. To enjoy more realism like you would experience from an outdoor or indoor fireplace, you can even purchase a variety of scented oils to enhance your fireplace experience. These scented oils will leave your home smelling like Wisconsin pine, coffee bean or even a Smokey campfire smell and many other scents are available. For those that have a real wood fireplace but prefer to burn Gel Fuel, a fireplace insert is available.
Some manufacturers like Sunjel offer gel fuel in bottles which offers more savings. However, when purchased in this type of packaging, the gel fuel will need to be dispensed into a can certified for burning in a gel fireplace. Alcohol gel fuel burns into water vapors and is environmentally safe. Carbon monoxide emissions need to be below 4 parts per million to be consumer safe.
Electric Fireplaces
Another alternative to a wood fireplace is an electric fireplace. An electric fireplace can be a convenient heating solution for zone heating in apartments, condos, town-houses, cabins or anywhere in your home, inside or outside. Other features that might make an electric fireplace more desirable may be the more enhanced features of today's electric fireplaces. More energy efficient with forced air heaters and thermostat heat control. With the introduction to LED technology, which is "Light Emitting Diode", the savings and more sensational features have made today's electric fire more real. Your guests may not even notice that it is electric. Every fireplace has an electric insert that provides different options. There are sounds and visual effects that can be adjusted and regulated by a remote control for many models or by a panel hidden on the front face of these fireplaces. There is also a heat on/off button available which makes it possible to have a fire year-round. All you need is a 120-volt outlet available for the Electric Fireplaces and you can start your fire. The electric fireplace offers many design flexibilities and has mantels in all different styles. The quality of the materials used and the craftsmanship need to be considered when purchasing a fireplace.
The main thing is to take your time when selecting a fireplace. By looking around and considering all your options, you can save money and end up with an amazing heat source for your home. Remember that you want your fireplace to wow people when they walk into your place.
