Whether you are building your dream home or updating an existing
home, a fireplace can add warmth and coziness in the winter months.
There are many considerations for choosing a fireplace that’s right for
you, and all will add to the value of your home.
There are a few common concepts for heat to consider for your fireplace – gas, wood, or a wood-burning stove.
- Gas log fireplaces. Gas logs provide more atmosphere than warmth,
but can still heat a room enough to be comfortable. They may also be
installed in fireplaces that don’t have any ventilation and run off of
propane or natural gas. After the fuel supply is connected to the gas
log set, the fireplace is ready to enjoy at the click of a button,
making it more convenient than starting a traditional wood fire.
- Wood burning fireplaces. Burning wood in your fireplace involves
maintaining the chimney for proper ventilation, keeping a supply of wood
on hand, and starting a fire by hand. Traditional wood burning in a
fireplace can pull heat out of your home as well as most of the heat
from the fire, making it a major source of energy loss in winter. On the
bright side, roasting marshmallows indoors and smelling the wood burn
elicits a fondness for times past and is not available with gas logs or a
stove.
- Wood burning stoves. Wood burning stoves do require a steady wood
supply, but have the ability to heat an entire house. Additionally, the
heat from a stove can be routed through your HVAC system and reach every
room, significantly cutting down on your energy bills. Many also
include a top that can be cooked on in the event of a power outage.
The design surrounding your fireplace will have an overall effect on
the ambiance a fire has in a home. Stone and ceramic surrounds are both
popular choices. A raised hearth is nice for sitting beside the fire on
cold nights, but a level hearth may suit your needs just as well.
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