There's nothing quite like the warm glow of a fireplace. You know the feeling – the heat that seems to come right at you, get deep into your pores, and almost forces you to relax. Staring into a fire hypnotises you – makes you want to fall asleep. And, while central heating is a much more efficient way to heat the house, a fire might just improve your mood. That's why more and more people are installing fireplaces today.
Types of Fireplaces
There are two major types of fireplaces on the market right now:
- Gas Fireplaces – A gas fireplace uses an external fuel source, like a gas line or tank, to supply the gas needed for the fire. The burn is clean, but the heat is real. Usually, these fireplaces are for show only and not used as a primary source of heat since the burn tends to be inefficient compared to modern HVAC units.
A gas fireplace also need to be properly installed by a professional company and requires periodic maintenance to make sure the gas lines have not been compromised. Still, these units work quite well for the ambiance and, if you're sitting right in front of them, they're really warm.
They're also easy to operate. All you have to do is flick a switch and it's on. Tired of the fire? Turn it off. No cleanup required.
- Traditional Wood-Burning Fireplaces – For most people, this is where it's at. There's no replacing the smell of a fire, and the heat that a wood-burning fireplace puts out can heat the entire home if there's ducting in place for it. It's not the most efficient form of heat, however, and it does require that you either chop your own wood or buy it from someone that does.
There's also the cleanup. You have to constantly keep the chimney swept and clean or creosote may build up and start a chimney fire – not good.
Important Things To Consider When Buying a Fireplace
If you're determined to get a wood-burning fireplace installed, just make sure you stay on top of the maintenance. It's not difficult, but it does require some effort. Heck, the chopping of wood would also be a good workout for you.
If you're determined to get a gas fireplace, like the ones like John Lewis specialise in, there are a few things to keep in mind, even though these tend to be lower maintenance. One of the biggest complaints from gas fireplace owners is the size of the flame.
A balanced flue is energy efficient, yet many homeowners cheap out on their fireplace thinking they'll get the same quality of fire as more expensive units. Some of the low-cost gas units, however, have real-life running costs that are higher than wood-burning units.
The input on some units is high, yet the flame picture and heat output is rather low. Most UK homes have central or underfloor (radiant) heating, so a high heat output isn't as important as low running costs and a realistic flame. Just keep in mind that not all balanced flues are the same. Ideally, you'll buy one with a good flame picture and low gas input.
Finally, it's probably a good idea to not mount a flat screen T.V. over the fireplace, regardless of which fireplace unit you choose. Even though you see it all the time in magazines and on the Internet, those are primarily for show. The heat could quickly fry the components or drastically shorten the unit's lifespan.
Ruby Richards has several fireplaces, both inside and outside her home. An avid writer, you can find her entertaining and information articles on various websites.