Are you looking to upgrade your hearth? The first questions you’ll ask when shopping for a new fireplace is: Which type of fireplace is the best? The most common options when it comes to hearth appliances are wood, electric or gas. Each of them bring different advantages, and it all depends on your lifestyle and habits when deciding which type is right for you.
Wood-burning fireplaces
Wood fireplaces are usually the traditional choice since they provide a great deal of ambiance with their gentle warmth and glow, and the woodsy scent. However, many homeowners leave their wood-burning fireplaces unused because they do require a lot of work. A wood fire means procuring, stacking and hauling firewood, as well as building and tending a fire.
While other homeowners prefer wood-burning fireplaces or fireplace inserts as they provide a cheaper way to heat their home. If you cut and prep your own firewood, then this can fuel your fireplace for cheap. And purchasing firewood is also fairly cost-efficient for heating your home. Open-hearth wood-burning fireplaces provide little heat to your home while letting 90 percent of the heat escape. A wood-burning fireplace insert provides a similar look with a closed system, and it burns the wood effectively while also returning the that heat back into your home.
Gas fireplaces
Recently, gas fireplaces have become a popular option for new homes. It’s because gas fireplaces are convenient to use. With a gas fireplace, you can enjoy a fire without having to procure the fuel or build and tend that fire. Thanks to direct-vent and ventless gas fireplace technology, they are safe to use anywhere within your home.They are also incredibly efficient at heating your home. The newer models do an excellent job of mimicking the look of a traditional wood-burning fireplace, so you get the traditional look of a wood fireplace without all the work.
Electric fireplaces
Like gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces allow you to enjoy a roaring fire without putting in all the work. Electric fireplaces have easy installation, and they don’t require any ventilation either. Electric fireplaces can be built into the wall to create a more traditional hearth look, or they can just be mounted on the wall for quick, easy installation and portability.
If you’re looking for the best fireplace option for your home, stop by one of FireSide Hearth & Home‘s four showroom locations! Our experts can show you various types of fireplaces in action, answer your questions about each types of fireplaces, and help you choose the best fireplace for your home and your lifestyle.
