Adding a fireplace to your home or upgrading what already exists adds charm and value to your property. Here's what the experts advise when it comes to picking the right fireplace for maximum comfort and home equity.
Whether you’re building a new home or planning a renovation, adding a fireplace can boost your property value, provide an efficient source of heat and add charm to your home. But how do you choose the right fireplace?
Consider your options
Take a moment to learn more about the types of fireplaces available to homeowners and see what might be right for your home:
1. Wood-burning fireplaces
- Pros: Wood-burning fireplaces are time-tested classics. The pop and crackle and the sweet aroma of burning logs conjure warm, happy memories for many, which makes wood-burning fireplaces a top choice for homeowners.
- Cons: Wood-burning fireplaces require quite a bit of upkeep. You’ll either need to chop your own wood or buy logs and/or quick-light logs. You’ll also need to clear ashes and soot from the fireplace regularly to avoid build-up and to prevent it from soiling your carpets. Chimneys will also need to be cleaned regularly to avoid potential home fires.
2. Gas fireplaces
- Pros: Start a beautiful, comforting fire in your home with the push of a button or the swipe of a remote control. You need not provide wood for gas fireplaces; many models come with fake logs designed to look like real logs.
- Cons: Gas fireplaces can be more expensive than wood-burning or electric counterparts. By using gas, they will raise your energy costs every month. Gas fireplaces, due to their advanced technology, cost more to purchase and install.
3. Electric fireplaces
- Pros: Purchase an electric fireplace, plug it in and enjoy the warmth of a fireplace immediately!
- Cons: For many people, an electric fireplace simply isn’t a “real” fireplace. If you’re looking for a great way to heat a room and change up your décor, an electric fireplace may be ideal. If you desire the ambiance of a true fire, then you may want to consider other options.
4. Pellet-burning fireplaces
- Pros: Pellet-burning fireplaces represent some of the most eco-friendly fireplace models available to homeowners. The pellets produce virtually no smoke and make these models a good choice for homeowners concerned for the environment.
- Cons: The cost of the corn and wood pellets used in pellet-burning fireplaces is high and may prevent some homeowners from fully enjoying their fireplace. Pellets may also be difficult to obtain in some areas.
5. Ethanol fireplaces
- Pros: With ethanol fireplaces, there is no need for a chimney, which can help you save money as you build your home or remodel. This also means that ethanol fireplaces can be moved throughout your home, and even taken outside to provide a source of heat. Ethanol fireplaces, due to their clean flame, also do not produce ashes and only trace amounts of soot.
- Cons: Ethanol fireplaces should not be used as a primary source of heat. They give out about the same amount of heat as a radiator. The extra mobility can also make some homeowners careless, causing burns and accidents.
Adding a fireplace to your home can help you reduce heating costs, add elegance to any room and make you comfortable all winter long. Contact an experienced fireplace dealer in your area for more information!
