There’s a lot to consider when you’re building a new home, from architectural details to layout to building materials. One item that’s often overlooked is the fireplace. While many new homes feature fireplaces, many people building a home miss the opportunity to upgrade their fireplace. With that, they miss the opportunity to increase their home’s value and lower their home heating bills.
So why should you consider a fireplace upgrade?
Increase your home’s style and value.
A fireplace serves as the focal point of a room and, often, of a home. When you hand select your fireplace, you’re choosing a fireplace that fits your taste and the style you envision for your new home. Because upgraded fireplaces have more visual appeal, they can increase the value of your home by up to 10 percent.
Increase efficiency.
The efficiency values of fireplaces vary widely, and by choosing a fireplace wisely, you can lower your home’s heating bills and your home’s carbon footprint. Traditional, open-hearth fireplaces send up to 90 percent of a fire’s heat up the chimney, while fireplace inserts, whether they are wood burning, pellet burning, or gas, can return up to 99 percent of a fire’s heat to your home. That gives you the opportunity to heat your main living space while turning down the thermostat for the rest of your home, lowering your home heating bills. Additionally, inserts produce little to no smoke and soot, improving air quality in your home and in your neighborhood.
Increase convenience.
Traditional, open-hearth, wood-burning fireplaces are a lot of work. Wood must be purchased by the chord, or harvested yourself, and must be hauled, stacked and stored. Fires must be constantly tended to maintain their flames. But with other types of fireplaces or fireplace inserts, you can save yourself from a lot of work. Even a wood-burning insert maintains a burn longer, meaning you tend the fire less. Pellet stoves are self-feeding, and filling the hopper once can fuel the fire for up to 24 hours. Of course, the easiest option is a gas fireplace, which can be turned on and off with the flip of a switch or press of a button. Gas fireplaces often are fitted to a thermostat to regulate their heat output.
Increase quality.
Most fireplaces that are installed in new homes are builder grade. That means they are chosen for their low cost and ease of installation. When you choose to upgrade your fireplace, you can select an appliance that is higher quality and will last you for decades with simple annual cleaning and maintenance.
If you are planning or are in the process of building a new home and would like to hear more about the benefits of upgrading your fireplace, talk to the experts at FireSide Hearth & Home. We can explain the benefits of different types of fireplaces and inserts and help you select the one that is right for your new home.
