Types of Fireplace Available For Home User

Fireplace isn’t a new concept at all. Humans are using this technology for years. Every year new types of fireplace are including in the type of fireplace list since technology is improving tremendously. choosing the perfect type of fireplace isn’t easy as bring the wrong type of fireplace at home will make you frustrated. Purchasing the best quality fireplace will not only keep you home warm and cozy but also enhance your home decor.

1.Wood Fireplace

When we think about a fireplace, the first thing that will come upon your head is a traditional wood-burning fireplace. People are using this type of fireplace for years. The view of the real burning of wood in a fire pit or stove, the cracking sound of fire roaring and the sweet smell of wood-burning will make your house environment very romantic.

You may find different models of wood fireplace based on category, how to install, how easy it can be installed, how heat is come out from it and how efficient it is.

Pros

• Will make your home or apartment aesthetically wonderful
• Fire is real
• Sound of burning real wood will make you more romantic
• Burning quality wood makes an awesome smoky scent
• Cost of fuel is not huge

Cons

• Not easy to install, you have to hire a professional for it.
• Maintenance cost is very high
• Especial safety is need since you have to deal with real fire
• Emit carbon-di-oxide

Types of Wood Fireplace

1. Wood Buring Masonry Fireplace

Wood burning masonry fireplaces tend to be the priciest yet most aesthetically pleasing wood burning fireplace. Usually, it is mostly constructed with stone or brick. And the brick or stone firebox allows the fireplace to efficiently radiate heat throughout a room, while a chimney minimizes fumes and vents smoke properly. A wooden mantle adds visual interest to the structure. Construction of wood-burning fireplaces may require permission in some states. So, check the state laws addressing wood buring and air quality before investing on it. 

2. Enclosed Wood Fireplace

 

Enclosed Wood Fireplace

According to Baby Mom, Homeowners desiring more efficient wood-burning fireplaces may decide to install an enclosed fireplace over a traditional open-hearth fireplace. While open-hearth fireplaces create a more authentic ambience within a room, they do not radiate heat as effectively as enclosed fireplaces. Enclosed fireplaces have a glass panel that allows occupants the luxury of enjoying the beauty of a soft burning fire with less heat escaping through the chimney. This results in a more concentrated flow of heat. Admittedly, glass panels lessen the charm of a fireplace by blocking out the wonderful aroma of burning wood and muffling the sound of its crackling.

3. Wood Fireplace Inserts

Wood Fireplace Inserts

In an effort to avoid paying tens of thousands of dollars in demolition and construction costs, many property owners purchase wood fireplace inserts capable of transforming outdated and inefficient open-hearth fireplaces into more modern and efficient fixtures. Installers simply slide the insert into the opening of an existing fireplace. Fireplace inserts typically consist of cast iron or steel. Similar to enclosed fireplaces, inserts use glass to optimize heat efficiency without compromising the visual effects of the fire. Heavy insulation combined with fans that direct heat generated in the firebox greatly improves the heating capability of fireplace inserts. Unfortunately, fireplace inserts have a limited heating range, as they only emit heat from the front. Those hoping to use a fireplace insert to heat an entire house will want to consider other options. The installation of a fireplace insert runs around $3,000 to $4,000.

2. Gas Fireplaces

The poor efficiency and hazardous emissions of wood burning fireplaces drove the search for better alternatives. The first gas fireplace emerged around 1895. It used heated cast iron to direct heat into rooms.

According to the owner of kayakingfisherman.com, The cost of installing a new gas fireplace ranges from a few hundred dollars to $20,000. Although less authentic than wood fires, modern gas fireplaces are designed with special effects that add realism to ordinarily lifeless blue flames commonly associated with gas fires. Homeowners even have the option of installing ceramic-fiber logs. Although anyone skilled in carpentry and drywall can install a gas fireplace in a matter of days, it is advised that homeowners hire a National Fireplace-certified technician to ensure the safest installation. The price of operating gas fireplaces varies by region. The high efficiency of gas fireplaces positively contributes to the environment by reducing the amount of energy necessary to warm a home.

Types of Gas Fireplace

Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

Direct vent gas fireplaces require chimneys or piping to pull outside air into a chamber for combustion. They do not need a flue since they generally produce cooler combustion gases. This eliminates the risk of back drafting. Direct vent fireplaces generate approximately 70% usable heat. Glass panels seal in the heat which lessens the amount released through ventilation. The ability to vent these fireplaces through walls and roofs makes them extremely versatile. In contrast to ventless gas fireplaces, vented gas fireplaces have a more authentic flame coloring. However, their flames tend to be smaller in comparison to other fireplace configurations. The cost of installing a direct vent gas fireplace is around $4,500.

Ventless Gas Fireplace

The simplistic installation of ventless gas fireplaces makes them ideal for homeowners looking to reduce the cost of labor. Automatic ignition allows homeowners to start fires without electricity which means they can be used during power outages. They do not require a chimney, as no smoke is released in the heating process. This has the potential to be problematic, however, since carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide can be released into the home. Consumers also complain that ventless fireplaces radiate a less appealing blue flame that detracts from the charm of having a fireplace. Ventless gas fireplaces rank high in affordability. The average cost of installation is roughly $1,200.

3.Ethanol Fireplaces

Inspired by ancient lanterns, bioethanol fireplaces hit the market in 2005 as a viable alternative to less environmentally friendly fireplaces that release unhealthy particles into the air. These stainless steel fixtures consist of a burner tray, cover, and protective screen. Similar to ventless gas fireplaces, ethanol fireplaces do not require chimneys or flues since the only by-products of ethanol combustion are heat, carbon dioxide, and steam. The ease of installation drastically reduces upfront costs. Homeowners can easily install most ethanol fireplace models in a matter of hours. Ethanol fireplaces use renewable energy derived from grains. Ethanol fuel is roughly $20 per gallon. At the highest burner setting, ethanol fireplaces will burn for approximately 7 hours on 1.25 gallon of ethanol. Though cleaner and less detrimental to the environment, ethanol fireplaces should not be used as primary sources of heat because they are highly inefficient and require frequent refueling.

Types of Ethanol Fireplace

Ethanol Fireplace Insert

Ethanol fireplace inserts are made with two layers of stainless steel insulated with stone wool to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the outer layer. This allows them to be safely recessed into walls, cabinets, or other types of surrounds. These configurations use liquid ethanol fuel that burns without releasing overwhelming odors. Unlike traditional wood burning fireplaces, ethanol fireplace inserts do not produce messy ash, soot, or embers. They require very little maintenance. The absence of vents makes them extremely versatile, giving homeowners the flexibility to install them in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces. Ethanol fireplace inserts also conform to the modern design trend of simplistic elegance. Although these fireplaces do not emit smoke, users must exercise caution when operating ethanol fireplaces. Without adequate circulation, they will release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide which can be dangerous in certain high concentrations. The cost of installation ranges from $3,500 to $10,000.

Wall Mounted Ethanol Fireplace

Comparable to ethanol fireplace inserts, wall mounted ethanol fireplaces consist of fire safe construction materials that allow them to be mounted on walls with minimal risk of incident. They have the same versatility as ethanol fireplace inserts, as they are ventless. Installation can be completed in a matter of hours and does not require the labor of skilled professionals in most cases. The main difference between wall mounted ethanol fireplaces and ethanol fireplace inserts is that wall mounted units are not recessed into walls. While they lack the charm of more traditional fireplaces, their sleek design gives them a contemporary look that is in high demand.

Tabletop Ethanol Fireplace

A unique application of ethanol fireplace technology is the table top ethanol fireplace. This design option modernizes the concept of a candlelight dinner by replacing them with miniature fireplaces. These freestanding fixtures have a wide range of customization options and add artistic flair to modern spaces. They require no installation or ventilation, and they use the same clean, renewable energy as ethanol fireplace inserts and wall mounts. This allows users to enjoy an open flame without the hassle of smoke, particulates, wax, and odors. Their environmental impact is minimal. Unfortunately, these units are strictly for decoration. They are not intended for use as primary heat sources in a home. The price of tabletop ethanol fireplaces ranges from less than $100 to the lower end of $1000, making them a highly affordable option for many.

4. Electric Fireplaces

Interestingly, electric fireplaces originated in theater as a means of lighting up stage productions without starting uncontrolled fires. Since the most American homes still lacked electricity in the 1920s, electric fireplaces would not become popular in the home goods industry until the 1950s. Today, electric fireplaces stand out as a highly affordable option for homeowners desiring the feeling of owning a fireplace without the exorbitant construction costs.

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The initial cost of best electric fireplaces ranges from $200 to $2000. LED technology mimics the appearance of real flames without the use of wood or gas for combustion. Similar to ventless gas fireplaces and ethanol fireplaces, electric fireplaces do not have chimneys or flues which allows them to be easily installed and moved without the use of skilled labor. The absence of a chimney allows consumers to heat specific zones within a space without loss of heat. The annual cost of running electric fireplaces amounts to approximately $25. They actually have a positive environmental impact, as they release smaller amounts of carbon dioxide and are not fueled by wood. Zone heating allows homeowners to rely less on central heating. Thermostats can be adjusted to an energy saving setting without compromising comfort.

Recommended To Read: Are Electric Fireplace Safe To Use?

Type of Electric Fireplace

Wood Fireplace Inserts

Wall mount electric fireplaces resemble modern televisions with their sleek space saving design. Not only do they serve as effective zone heaters, they also add visual appeal to space. Wall mount electric fireplaces use metal coils to conduct heat along with fans that divert the heat to a room. A light bulb and refracted light produce an imitation of flames. These models are highly efficient and capable of radiating heat with no loss. Units can be safely mounted since the heat generated by the coils does not transfer to the outermost surface. A major flaw of wall mount electric fireplaces lies in their inability to perform as a primary heat source in a home. They are, however, affordably priced with options ranging from $200 to $800.

Electric Fireplace Insert

Unlike most electric fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts are not standalone units. Instead, they are designed to slide into existing fireplaces. Electric fireplace inserts allow users to upgrade less efficient configurations without taking on the high cost of renovations. They have the same portability as other types of electric fireplaces because they do not need chimneys or flues to vent emissions. Unfortunately, electric fireplace inserts lack the authenticity of traditional fireplaces. They are often described as fake looking. Nonetheless, they are also very affordable with prices ranging from $100 to over $1000.

 

Electric Fireplaces with TV Stand

Electric fireplaces with TV stands combine fireplace technology with media furniture. This functions very well in small spaces. These units do not require skilled professionals to assemble because they do not rely on chimneys or flues for ventilation. Electric fireplaces with tv stands provide zone heating that allows homeowners to turn down the thermostats of their central heating units during cold seasons without sacrificing comfort. This eliminates energy waste. However, consumers often complain that these units come up short in aesthetics when compared to traditional fireplaces. What they lack in authenticity, they make up for in affordability. The price of electric fireplaces with tv stands range from $400 to over $2,000.

Also Read: Electric Fireplace Vs Infrared Heater: This Is The Best for Winter??

Wrap It Up

The most suitable fireplace configurations depend on the individual needs of consumers. The beauty of today’s market is that practically anyone can enjoy the luxury of sitting around a fireplace. For those with generous budgets, traditional wood-burning fireplaces offer superior aesthetics and a more authentic ambiance. However, they require more maintenance and cleaning than other options. Consumers of more modest means can opt for electric fireplace s that has minimal effects on the environment. Although a mere simulation of flames, electric fireplaces allow users a measure of flexibility in deciding where they want to install them. Gas fireplaces are fairly versatile and user-friendly but sometimes stifle the auditory and aromatic pleasures characteristic of wood fires. The best advice for those in the market for a fireplace is to thoroughly research each option and consult with professionals.