During cold days, the heating in your home should be operational and flawless. The ‘cherry on top of your heating system cake’ can be a smartly chosen fireplace. It can be used for heating or as an additional source of warmth. This modern hearth or Watson’s antique fireplace will quickly warm any room, saving on central heating and your heating bill.
But a fireplace is not just an effective heating unit. It adds to the ambiance of a home. The warmth and glow of the flames can calm and relax the mind. Moreover, this hearth can be the centerpiece of romantic evenings, family gatherings, or just reading a good book by the fire.
Fireplaces can help you create your unique decorating style. You can choose a modern or classic hearth depending on your interior and preferences. In any case, you should consider different factors and find the retailer that can provide the right style and look for you.
Fuel Type
Whether you use your fireplace for aesthetics or heat, choosing the right fuel type is essential. Nowadays’ models rely on eco-friendly or renewable fuels, such as gas or electricity. But you can still find good, old wood-burning models. The right fuel type will help you keep warm during cold months. But the choice will depend on your budget and fuel availability.
A wood-burning hearth will generate more heat than a gas-fired or electric model. Also, it looks great in traditional homes and spacious living rooms. But these units are inefficient and lose heat faster than other types. They’re also costly to install and need intensive maintenance.
Natural gas is the preferred fuel in modern hearths, as it has almost no maintenance and is easy to install. These units are great for suburban settings but need a propane tank to run. Also, they need a gas outlet and a good vent line, which can add to installation costs.
That’s not the case with electric models. These units need only a power outlet to run. Since they don’t produce smoke and ashes, there’s no need for vent lines and chimneys. As a result, they can warm up small rooms without problem. But in most cases, you can’t use these fireplaces as the primary heating source in large rooms.
Open or Closed Hearth
Many homeowners want to strike a balance between an open and closed fireplace. Open hearths offer the visual appeal of dancing flames and crackling log fires. They also give the living room a more rustic feel. The sound of a crackling fire and the smell of burning logs enhance that feeling.
Open hearths are decorative but not economical heating options, especially for large rooms. A large portion of heat is wasted, so you can opt for this model if aesthetics is on your mind and you have other heating options. Also, there’s a matter of safety, as smoke, ash, and open fire can pose a great risk if mishandled.
More tips on maintaining these heating elements find below:
https://www.thespruce.com/fireplace-maintenance-tips-5078136
But if economical heating is your priority, you’ll choose closed hearths. They are almost ten times more efficient than open units and use less fuel. Also, as the fire and fumes are enclosed, they can’t escape and pose any risk. Sure, these fireplaces are costly and tricky to install. But with regular maintenance and cleaning, they can serve you for many years.
Freestanding or Built-In
The choice between a freestanding and built-in fireplace will depend on the size and aesthetics of your room and the existing house structure. So look for heating units that appeal to you the most. Popular brands usually guarantee durability and dependability.
Built-in fireplaces are usually wall-mounted. Their installation requires some spatial changes or upgrades. On the other hand, freestanding models can be placed anywhere you like. These units are smaller and less expensive than built-in hearths. But they can be highly stylish and efficient.
Style and Size
Once you’ve decided on a fireplace, make sure the model you choose is the proper size and style for your space. Some units fit in standard fireplace openings, while others need to be installed into a framed wall structure. Again, there are electric fireplaces that require simple wall-mounting. Some guidelines on DIY gas fireplace mounting are on this link.
If you’re not sure about the size and location of the hearth opening, you can always hire HVAC specialists. They will do a project and provide you with a cost estimate. That will help you choose the best fireplace model that fits your needs and budget.
Choosing the right fireplace can help you enjoy your new living room amenity for years. While this unit can come with a high price tag, you may save a lot of money on your household bills throughout the year. So before deciding on the right hearth for your home, make a list of requirements and determine the costs involved.
