How to Select the Right Fireplace, Stove, or Insert for Your Home

If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, stove, or insert for your home you are not alone. Every year many people want to either upgrade what they currently have or add one to their home. Having a fireplace, stove, or insert in your home is a popular option for numerous reasons. People love the fact that they can keep their home warm and at the same time lower their heating costs plus add a warm inviting atmosphere and ad value to their home.

Since the age of time “fire” has been a main source of survival and enjoyment.  .So if you’re considering upgrading or installing a New Fireplace in your home, there are a few things that will help you make an informed choice.  The more you know and understand the easier it will be to narrow down which one is right for you and the right choice will give you value, warmth and enjoyment for years to come.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Open Wood-burning fireplaces are a timeless tradition. Folks have loved gathering around them for years and years, however, in todays world many things have changed which may impact your decisions.

  • It’s true, open fireplaces offer a nostalgic atmosphere and some heat, but you should verify that it’s ok to burn wood in an open fireplace in your area.  Many cities and states have implemented burning regulations on open fireplaces.
  • New EPA certified efficient wood burning fireplaces like the Fireplace Xtrordinair are readily available and a great option in leu of an open fireplace, they are wonderful heaters, very attractive and bring increased value to your home.
  • Your ability to get wood and store it should also be considered when thinking about a wood burning fireplace.
  • Today’s modern wood fireplaces and inserts are a vast improvement in both heating and efficiency compared to traditional wood burning open fire places.  The Fireplace Xtrordinair and LOPI lines offer many beautiful and high efficient models to choose from so be sure to check them out first.

Gas Fireplaces and Stoves

A popular choice in today’s world is Gas burning Fireplaces.  More and more people are turning to gas because of its convenience, realistic beauty and efficiency and many models are operated with Remote Controls or wireless wall thermostats.

Gas fireplaces and stoves still require a vent to the outdoors but are easy to install and are very versatile allowing them to be placed almost anywhere in your home.

  • The LOPI and Fireplace Xtrordinar lines offer many models that are efficient, beautiful and affordable.
  • Not only are they a great heat source for your home, but they are also considered to be more environmentally friendly. Burning gas is cleaner than burning wood in most cases.
  • Maintaining your gas fireplace is also quick and easy.

 

Pellet Stoves and Inserts

A popular option today are pellet burning heaters.  Many models offer a wood stove look with a much more convenient process and a safe venting system to the outside of your home.  They are efficient, attractive and are great at providing heat for your home. If you have a traditional fireplace you can also consider using a pellet insert.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you are considering a pellet stoves or insert:

  • Pellet heaters burn small wood pellets made of sawdust and resemble Rabbit food.  They are poured out of a 40lb bag (like rock salt) into a hopper (a bin area) with a lid and then are fed into the stove automatically by an auger.  All you need to do is keep the hopper filled with pellets and perform the easy weekly, monthly and yearly cleaning maintenance and you are all set. It’s fairly simple.
  • Unlike using wood in a fireplace or older wood-burning stove, pellet stoves are cleaner burning and easier to use, when needed you will empty the ash pan tray which is as easy as pouring the ash into a metal container and putting it in your garden or around your plants as fertilizer.
  • Many pellet stoves and inserts will burn over 20 hours providing a constant and continuous source of efficient heat. You can also control them with a thermostat or remote control.
  • Pellet heaters are convection heaters just like your furnace. A blower circulates warm air throughout your home keeping most rooms close to the same temperature.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are great for zone heating where you are focusing on warning up a particular room or area, rather than the entire home. The alluree of electric fireplaces is usually that they are easy to use, hook up, pleasing to watch and easy to move.  If you want a fireplace for the ambiance and not heat, this may be your pick. They are typically less expensive as well.

Here are some things to keep in mind when considering electric fireplaces:

  • The electric fireplace is easy to use and can be moved around from room to room. You can put it anywhere you’d like to because there isn’t any venting required.  They are small efficient heaters and many people like the cozy feel they give to a room.  Many are available installed in beautifully crafted cabinets too!

These are some of the most popular options when it comes to having a fireplace in your home. Whether upgrading and replacing a current unit or adding one to your home for the first time, you will want to consider the benefits and factors regarding each one and then decide which makes the most sense for you and your home.