Choosing the right fireplace for your space.

Baby, It’s cold out outside! Tis the season for hot chocolate, cuddling and a warm fire. Fireplaces are known to be the heart of your home and often serve as a focal point in a room. Whether a traditional wood-burning fireplace, gas, or electric, fireplaces enhance your space and add value to your home. Here are a few options on choosing the right fireplace for your home.

Wood Burning– The oldest and most traditional option is a wood-burning fireplace. You can’t beat the rich smell of wood and the crackling sound of a roaring fire.
There are a few key facts you must keep in mind when burning wood. First and foremost, maintaining a clean chimney (flue system) is imperative for wood fireplaces at least once a year. Also, the work of splitting, stacking, storing and hauling in the logs. However, a real wood fireplace is a significant investment in the long term.

While gas fireplaces lack many of the features that create the allure of a wood burning fireplace, the gas fireplace is safer, easier to use and more attractive than most wood stoves and wood burning fireplaces.

Gas – Gas Fireplaces will provide a little more ambiance than an electric unit. The fire is real and works like a gas oven, with the burner hidden by ceramic logs that spread the fire and make it look like a real wood fire. Gas fireplaces burn either natural or propane gas. They burn pretty clean but do produce some carbon monoxide, so they need a chimney. Because there is a real flame, gas fireplaces do get very hot.

Electric– With electric fireplaces, anyone can enjoy the dancing flames in any room of their home. Since there is no need for a chimney, electric fireplaces can be placed in any room to provide the calming environment. Electric fireplaces also come in wall mounts and corner units. Renters and those living in apartments, condos, and small homes get to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace.

A fireplace is where everyone likes to congregate for warmth and a place to feel safe and secure. A fireplace will improve the value of your home, so consider what is most important to you when deciding which is right for you and your family.