As the dog days of summer begin to wind down, the cold of winter isn’t far away. Now is the time to make preparations for keeping warm when the temperature drops.
Perhaps you are considering installing a fireplace in your home but aren’t sure which is the best fireplace to meet your needs. There are plenty of good ones to choose from. So, let’s take a quick look at them to see which might be right for you.
How to Choose the Best Fireplace for Your Home
The fireplace is often a favorite part of the home, where late night memories are created. But to enjoy your fireplace to its fullest potential, you need to choose the right one. Here’s an overview of the different types, so you can decide which type is the best fireplace for your home.
Wood-Burning
There are few things more relaxing or romantic than lounging about in a room with a wood-burning fireplace. They create a warmth that is magical, and it’s hard to beat the atmosphere of crackling embers and red flames dancing among the logs.
On the downside, they require a chimney and don’t heat a home efficiently. Soot can be a significant issue, and you’ll have to deal with cleaning out the ash.
Gas
A gas fireplace is much easier to maintain than the wood-burning option. There is no wood required, and thus no mess to worry about. Using the best gas fireplace is basically like setting the thermostat to heat the house.
Gas fireplaces feature ceramic logs that turn on with the flip of a switch or with a remote control. The only drawback is purely aesthetic, as you lose the charm of hearing the crackle and pop of wood logs burning.
Electric
An electric fireplace is really no different than any kitchen appliance in your home. It doesn’t produce a burning flame, so there is little to no cleanup required.
It’s important to know that this type of fireplace doesn’t typically heat a home well because it lacks wood or gas to push the heat from room to room. This can be a good option for small apartments with only one or two rooms, but will not efficiently heat a larger home.
Another drawback to consider with an electric fireplace is power outages. If your home loses power from a storm or high winds, the fireplace won’t work.
Bioethanol
This is the most eco-friendly option on our list. Bioethanol fireplaces run on neither flame nor gas, and they don’t require electricity. They also produce no smoke, soot or ash, so there’s no need for exhaust.
Keep in mind that these clean-burning fireplaces are the most expensive on our list and don’t heat as efficiently as gas.
Pellet Stove
Pellet stoves are another option that require much less maintenance than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The upside is that the wood pellets they burn are a renewable energy source, and 50 pounds of pellets will keep a stove burning for up to 48 hours.
The main drawback with these is that the pellets are sold in large, heavy bags that require ample space for storage.
A Source of Warmth
There are plenty of fireplace designs to choose from. The best fireplace for your home will depend on a number of factors, but will ultimately come down to preference and need. Big homes will have different needs than smaller spaces, so you’ll need to pick a type accordingly.
Want to learn more? Click to see five tips for fireplace repair and safety. Or, if you need expert chimney care in the Milwaukee area for your fireplace, contact us today to schedule an appointment!