A Fireplace Buying guide – Everything you Need To Know To Buy The Right Fireplace

Have you ever wanted to build a fireplace in your house? Then you are not alone. Fireplaces have traditionally been used to create a comfortable and pleasant living space. However, a lot of people decide against installing a new fireplace because they lack the complete information and the right set of knowledge to pick the best one.

It can be challenging to narrow the alternatives to a smaller number due to the diversity of types and styles. However, you shouldn't be concerned about this. This article will cover the various types of fireplaces offered and provide you with all the knowledge you need to buy an indoor fireplace confidently. 

Which Style Do YOU Like?

Position, style, finishing material, and fuel type are all important considerations when selecting a fireplace. These days, fireplaces are available for every indoor space and are customized to fit different expectations and lifestyles.

When it comes to enjoying a warm fire, understanding the appropriate fireplace for the room is key. Although specific fireplaces need professional installation and servicing, the benefits exceed this and are completely worth it. Today, fireplaces come in a wide range of materials and styles. It’s essential to choose the one that matches your taste.

Why Do You Want One?

You are the only person who can respond to this. You must be aware before you start looking for a fireplace. There are various ways that fireplaces can improve your house. And that's why it's crucial to decide early on whether your main focus will be for the beauty and mood-setting characteristics they offer or the comfort and warmth they can add to your home.

Knowing precisely what you want will significantly reduce your time searching because every fireplace is unique. Additionally, it will make it easier to select the perfect fireplace for you. Setting expectations early on in the purchasing process will help you avoid unneeded frustration and post-purchase dissonance later on.

Fireplaces and Fireplace Inserts

Understanding the distinction between an actual fireplace and a fireplace insert is very important when buying a fireplace for any home. A fireplace is an enclosed space where you can light up the fire for warmth, cooking, or decorative purposes. A fireplace insert is a device inserted into an existing fireplace to improve efficiency. Fireplace inserts come in various sizes and shapes, but they all have one thing in common: they help make your fireplace more efficient.

A fireplace insert is just what you need if your house has a masonry fireplace installed but you want to make some changes for increased efficiency. However, if you're going to give your fireplace area a whole new, modern design, a complete fireplace is the best option.

Fuel Sources

There are different fuel sources you can use for your fireplace. Let’s have a look at each so that you can decide which will work best for you.

Wood

The conventional type of fireplace is one made of wood. A wood-burning fireplace has a number of advantages, but it also has some drawbacks. The fuel itself is one of the most important advantages. You can purchase the fuel off-season, allowing you to stockpile it when it is most affordable.

The burn duration, the amount of heat produced, and even the smell of your fire can all be determined by the type of wood you use. The labor needed to use and maintain a wood fireplace can make them seem disadvantageous. Regular maintenance is required on a wood fireplace before, during, and after each burn. 

Additionally, you should exercise a certain amount of caution when using wood fireplaces. If hot ashes or embers are not adequately confined, they might be dangerous. 

Furthermore, you should check with your local code enforcement organizations to see how a wood fireplace might be governed in your region. Making sure the desired installation complies with local laws is thought to be the responsibility of the homeowner.

Gas

Gas fuel for indoor fireplaces has quickly risen to the top of the list in popularity. The two most popular styles of gas fireplaces are briefly discussed below, along with their benefits and drawbacks. 

Propane

For those who don't have access to municipal natural gas utility lines, propane is typically the preferred choice. Homeowners occasionally discover that they already have a propane tank on their property. This is particularly true if the home already has other propane-powered appliances and the gas is delivered by truck. It's also crucial to remember that propane is heavier than air and can condense into potentially harmful gas pools.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is still the most frequently consumed gas fuel in America for heating, despite being on a steady decline. The reason is that the government uses it extensively and in large quantities. Furthermore, there are numerous benefits of using natural gas, one of which is that it is simple to clean the fireplace because there is no soot.

In the winter, utilizing your fireplace when the power goes out can be cost-effective because most natural gas fireplaces don't require electricity. Natural gas is lighter than air, compared to propane, which prevents the hazardous accumulation of gas that can happen with propane gas.

Electric

There are many benefits to installing an electric fireplace as it doesn't require an expensive gas pipeline or the challenge of keeping the stock of wood. It only requires plugging the fireplace with a proper connection, and you can enjoy the pleasant fire with your family.

The fact that many electric fireplaces are integrated into mantels is an additional benefit as they may be taken with you when you move out, making them an excellent option for people living on rent. The fact that electric fireplaces are relatively inexpensive is perhaps their best advantage.

Types Of Different Fireplaces

With so many options out there, it’s challenging to choose the right one. Check out the different types of fireplace to decide which will work best for you.

Open Wood Burning Fireplace

These are like traditional fireplaces that are open to the room, burn the wood, and require a chimney on the top. When it comes to heating, it is a wrong choice since it loses all of its energy through the chimney. However, they make an excellent choice for the beautification of your house.

Direct Vent Fireplaces

The direct vent fireplaces are fueled by gas and the most heat while giving the same vibes as the traditional ones. They are not open to the room and don't require internal air for fire exhaustion, making them a better choice among asthmatic people.

Ventless Fireplaces

Due to the efficiency of the ventless fireplace, they don't require a chimney on the top to release the fire and exhaust outside of the house; instead, the heat remains in the area.

Important Things To Keep In Mind Before Installing A Fireplace

Once you've decided to add a fireplace to your house, you'll need to learn more about the installation procedure. First, you must familiarize yourself with the building regulations and other permissions that apply to installing a fireplace. Remember that some parts of North America have very tight rules about the permitted vents. 

Therefore, before beginning any installation on your property, you must obtain this vital information. Here are some resources to aid with your understanding of the federal, state, and regional fireplace codes:

• National Fire Protection Association
• EPA Regulations
• Chimney and Fireplace Codes

Make individualized web searches for your particular city by confirming with your local code authority or fire department to ensure compliance with your local fireplace codes. To ensure your fireplace complies with all requirements needed to pass coding and safety standards, you'll also want to engage with a qualified fire safety inspector.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, we conclude that while a wood fireplace is present in the world of fireplaces, they don't offer the same amount of convenience to the users compared to gas-powered or electric-powered fireplaces.

The popularity of electric fireplaces is rising, and it's no wonder! They offer many benefits that other types of fireplaces can't match. They're safe. Electric fireplaces are one of the safest types of fireplaces on the market. There's no risk of sparks or embers, and they don't produce harmful fumes. 

Moreover, if you want a clean, efficient, reliable, safe, and cost-effective source of heat during the chilly nights of winter, then you should go for gas-powered fireplaces.