What Are the Different Types of Fireplaces That Exist Today?
Did you know that there’s an ideal temperature for your home? The WHO suggests that homes should reach no lower than 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
So to ensure that you reach the ideal temperature, consider investing in a cozy fireplace. The warmth and glow of a fireplace can provide such a relaxing effect on everyone. It brings not only emotional comfort but also physical warmth.
To ensure that you pick the right one, here are the various types of fireplaces that may fit your residential or commercial space.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
The old-fashioned open fireplace and most heritage homes have an enclosed combustion or open hearth stove. They usually construct open fireplaces from stone or brick, with a stone mantle or timber.
They do offer the rustic ambiance of real flames and crackling wood. However, an open fireplace can release airborne pollutants across the room and can lose some heat up the chimney.
They are also unsafe for children and pets and can be messy. It also emits flying embers and builds creosote residues on the glass panel or chimney.
Consider efficiency, safety, availability of firewood, chimney cleaning, and inspection. Building an open-hearth fireplace is costly, but it’s typically budget-friendly. Stylish closed combustion stoves might be a more reasonable option.
This enclosed wood-burning cozy fireplace is sustainable, energy-efficient, and makes little ash. It offers the effect of actual flames, glowing embers, and heat, being more effective than open fireplaces.
They need less firewood than an open fireplace and are safer for pets and kids. Also, there are wood fireplace inserts it’s enclosed combustion fireboxes that can fit into any open hearth space.
Electric Fireplaces
An electric fireplace is an electric heater that emulates a fireplace burning wood or coal. When remodeling a home, most people replace their old fireplace with an electric one. You only plug in electric fireplaces, so no fumes get released over your home. There are many online stores where you can buy discounted electric fireplace.
Due to no real burning wood to create heat, it’s easy to clean and low maintenance. An electric fireplace is quite simple to use and can also get designed in different ways. They are a unique, stylish, and safe option for a smart homeowner.
Brazier Outdoor Fireplace
Also known as a chimenea or firepit, this fireplace is perfect for outdoors, backyard, or patio. A brazier is an uncomplicated, portable, wood-burning receptacle like a dish on feet or a metal box.
It allows airflow from underneath and the sides, minimizing smoke production. You can even incorporate a pizza oven or grill to cook.
Ethanol fireplaces
Ethanol fireplaces are also called bio-ethanol or plain bio-fireplaces. Ethanol fireplaces burn clean fuel, alcohol-based, with no toxic vapors, so they don’t need a chimney. It’s a ventless fireplace system that has real flames.
It comes in free-standing or table-top versions and makes the impression of a flame coming from a table. You pour the ethanol fuel directly into the burner and use a remote or long lighter to light it.
There is also a firebox with insulated stainless steel boxes around the burner. They can be risky if you spill the ethanol and ensure airflow as it consumes oxygen like any other open flame.
Gel fireplaces
Gel fireplaces are like ethanol fireplaces but burn other fuel. Instead of ethanol, gel fireplaces come in cans and burn an isopropyl alcohol gel mix. They can last two to three hours, so they are cheaper than ethanol.
However, the fireplace uses three cans at once, so the fuel cost will increase over time. Some gel fuel comes with hissing sounds and popping to mimic a wood-burning fire. Slide the cover back on the can to extinguish the flames.
Moreover, gel fireplaces have a liquor smell that burns off. You cannot change the flame level, and they have inherent safety risks.
Gas Burning Fireplaces
This stylish option for a residential fireplace can fit an existing hearth area. Lightable with piezo ignition or remote control, a front glass panel, and realistic faux flame embers, pebbles, or logs. It’s an affordable option as gas is cheaper than electricity and has lower pollution than wood-burning.
The flue’s route can be through a ceiling vent, rear wall, or an existing chimney. The wide range of styles ensures there is an option to fit every décor. These types of fireplaces may need batteries or electricity for operation.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts are wildly popular but constantly mistaken for traditional fireplaces. Gas inserts get installed into an existing fireplace. It needs minimal construction as it can fit right into any fireplace opening.
Gas inserts are much more fuel-efficient compared to other types. Due to the direct venting and sealed system in your existing chimney, the gas insert will burn fuel at around 70% fuel efficiency. This is much better compared to the 10% to 20% fuel efficiency from wood.
Gas Log Fireplaces
A gas log is the best fireplace that offers all the warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fire without hassle and mess. Gas logs are generally made of ceramic but can look like wood from driftwood to oak or more.
Gas fireplace logs are a perfect option for many reasons, as you don’t have to carry around heavy piles of wood. Also, no dust or soot, so it’s easier to clean up and lower maintenance. Finally, there’s no need to chop wood.
Do you have a type of fireplace in mind for your residential or commercial space? Consider checking out this fireplace installation near me as we have the best team for your needs.
Learn More About the Types of Fireplaces
Fireplaces can be a vital feature of a home and its overall appearance and function. Fireplaces aren’t as generally placed in modern homes compared to older homes. So it’s reasonable to be choosy on the types of fireplaces for your home to get the best value and use from it.
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