There is nothing quite like gathering around the fireplace on a cold winter’s night. Providing both literal and figurative warmth, a fireplace can have a major impact on the ambience of a room. Now, more than ever before, homeowners have countless options when it comes to fireplaces. The pros and cons of wood versus electrical versus gas used to be black and white; with today’s technologies, the lines between the types are becoming blurred.
In your quest for the perfect fireplace, you’ll want to consider several options before determining the best fit for you. Here are six factors to consider.
The Sensory Experience
A real wood fire is one of the most comforting things on Earth: that distinct smell and crackle simply cannot be replicated by anything else. If you’re looking for the “real deal”, there can be no substitute for a good old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace.
A gas fireplace can offer the look and warmth of a flame, but you won’t get the sounds or smells that a wood-burning fireplace will provide. An electric fireplace will emit heat, but it won’t be from real fire—in fact, an electrical fireplace will provide an illusion of the fire, but not the real thing.
Installation
If you’re looking to put in a fireplace where there is none, the cost will vary greatly depending on the type you choose. A wood-burning fireplace is not cheap to add to a home: it essentially requires that you make a hole in your home and build a chimney to go with it. A less expensive option is a “factory-built” fireplace, which is an insulated steel box that lets you burn real wood, with the smoke escaping via a small hole leading to the roof.
A gas fireplace is still an investment, but will cost less than installing a wood-burning fireplace. If your home already has a gas supply, a gas fireplace can be installed just about anywhere. Exhaust fumes from the burned gas are redirected outside. Note that the price of a new gas fireplace will vary greatly depending on the style you choose. There are some models out there that cost an arm and a leg, but they are truly works of art.
The least expensive option, by far, is the electric fireplace. The only requirements are an outlet and space to put the fireplace. You can even put one in a mobile home! The units themselves cost as little as a few hundred dollars, making it a great option for someone who wants a fireplace without breaking the bank.
The Aesthetic
There are so many types and models of fireplaces available today, whether it be gas, electric or wood-burning, that you are bound to find something to suit your tastes and style. Electric fireplaces used to be considered a little tacky, but have since come a long way. Whether you’re aiming for a glass-and-metal industrial look or a traditional mantel, you’ll find something that works for you.
Wood-burning fireplaces tend to be a little larger than gas or electric, but they too are available in a variety of styles. A cast iron wood-burning stove can offer a great vintage feel to a room. Gas fireplaces probably offer the widest range of styles, including some very modern-looking options.
Safety
Electric fireplaces are the safest route, given that you’re not working with real fire. Since the flame is simulated, you can put your hands right up to the glass without risking a burn.
A wood-burning fireplace can be a fire hazard—proper installation is imperative. You need to ensure that proper ventilation is available to avoid creosote build-up. You’ll also want to make sure that the fire is always properly extinguished before leaving the area unattended. Kids will also need to be supervised.
Gas fireplaces have their own set of risks: they require proper circulation and ventilation, they get quite hot to the touch, and there is the risk of a gas leak. Proper installation and maintenance are important. If the glass is cracked or broken, the fireplace should not be operated.
Ease of Use
A wood-burning fireplace is the most demanding of the three types. Not only do you need to acquire and store the wood, but you have to work to build the fire! Many fire purists enjoy the craft of building their own fire and see that as a perk. Of course, the cleaning up and ash disposal aren’t quite as much fun.
Electric and gas fireplaces are both a cinch to use: simply flick a switch to turn it on, and do the same to turn it off. Aside from ongoing cleaning and maintenance, both types are relatively effortless to operate.
Source of Warmth
A wood-burning fireplace will work even in a power outage, but it won’t necessarily be the most effective heating option. Wood-burning stoves are known to produce a good amount of heat, but your traditional wood-burning fireplace will lose roughly 90% of its heat through the chimney.
A gas burning fireplace does not rely on electricity to run, so it too will operate during a power outage. It will also produce substantial heat.
Given that it runs on electricity, the electric fireplace will be ineffective if the power goes out. Otherwise, it will provide heat more-or-less the same way a space heater does. In other words, it’s not the most cost effective method of heating, but it will get you warm.
Whichever style you choose, note that fireplaces are most effective when paired with a cozy blanket, a warm beverage, and a good book.
