Choosing a fireplace

Purchasing a home with a fireplace can provide tremendous benefit in heat efficiency and home resale value. Almost 80 % of the home buyers look for homes with a fireplace or stove that cost $100,000 and consider this as being the most lucrative amenity for the home.

Over the years the purpose of a fireplace has changed. There was a time when fireplaces simply used to be for recreation while entertaining guests over dinner. Today fireplaces still provide these benefits but are more e...

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Electric Fireplace

If you love the warmth and coziness of a fireplace but live in an apartment or a home without a chimney or have a tight budget then consider an electric fireplace. The current designs of electric fireplaces are designed with rich wood tones, stone marble and brick.

Another feature of the electric fireplace is that they look exactly like the normal wood burning fireplace. On an average you can expect to pay any where from $500 to $1500, for an electric fireplace which would include everything you need including the logs.

Operating an electric fireplace is very cost effective. On an average you would expect to pay two cents on a dollar for every hour of use.

Additionally most of these fireplaces have thermostats so you can set the amount of heat you want output, which keeps the room nice and toasty and also checks the cost.

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Fireplace Maintenance

Keeping your fireplace clean and properly is extremely important. Regardless of the type of fireplace owned, gas, wood burning or freestanding it is good to have it inspected once a year by a professional.

Birds, squirrels and even raccoons are famous for building nests and adding waste to the chimneys. When chimneys are not checked for obstructions homes catch on fire and you have a real problem in your hands.

In addition to professional service you can do numerous other things to keep your fireplace on an on-going basis and ensure safety.

1) Use a tooth brush or Worcestershire sauce to keep brass shiny.

2) Avoid burning the fire for more than five hours and be sure the door is open for proper venting.

3) Always keep the screen shut to keep the hot sparks from jumping into the carpet.

4) To prevent water damage, animal waste and other types of debris to obstruct the chimney use a chimney cap.

Since coals can stay hot several days after the fire is extinguished never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the ashes. You can easily end up in flames.

Keeping the fireplace cleaned can also make the fireplace more pleasant to use and can make it a better feature for quests and visitors.

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Gas Fireplace

Gas: These fireplaces obviously burn gas fuel that is pulled into the fireplace through a gas line. They are easy to clean and use. With the positive aspects such as lower heating bills, a cleaner burn, and a better fire control you certainly cannot go wrong with a gas fireplace. If you have a wood burning fireplace you can easily have it converted into a gas fireplace or simple select a freestanding fireplace which can be placed in any room of the home.

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Outdoor fireplaces

Anyone who has been at a campfire or a bonfire understands that having a fire outdoors is truly an exhilarating experience. Outdoor fireplaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Some are similar to the type of fireplaces that you might find in a house, except that they have no wall around them. These types of outdoor fireplaces just appear like an open chimney. Other fireplaces are actually attached to the wall of the house and are located on the patio or deck area. This can be a good idea since this is the corner where people tend to congregate. There is nothing more wonderful than using an outdoor fire pit. One of the most popular styles in the market today is the pentagon shaped fire pit. This pit is also called the Patio campfire. The Patio Campfire is used very much as you would use your barbecue grill. In addition to the heat produced by these fire grills you can cook over them as well.

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