You have pictured yourself sitting in front of the fire on a cold winters evening, warming yourself. You have even considered the practicalities such as the design, installation and cost of it. However whether you are simply replacing your existing fireplace with a new one or adding a much needed focal point to a family room you will need to make an important decision.
Gas Versus Wood Burning Fireplaces
These days there are many types of fireplaces to choose from and you may quite literally be spoilt for choice. You will need to consider the merits of both gas and wood burning fireplaces and decide which type of fireplace is going to work out best for your home.
Gas Fireplaces
A gas fireplace can be operated by the flip of a button, a simple on/off switch from anywhere in the room. It is both easy to operate and convenient in comparison to a wood burning fireplace.
Manufacturers have also improved the design of gas fires to achieve the realistic blaze of burning embers to rival those of a more traditional fire. Ceramic logs and dancing flames give the feel of a wood burning fireplace which can be enjoyed with the advantages of convenience and efficiency of the gas fireplace.
With a gas fireplace there is no need for a chimney, as the fire is installed with an outside vent, which means you have increased flexibility when choosing where it is going to be installed. If you have an existing wood fireplace you have the option to convert to a gas fireplace with the use of fire inserts which may also serve to reduce your energy costs.
Wood Fireplaces
The smell of a wood burning fire and the images it evokes may prove more charming for some. Far from being 'old fashioned' the choices of wood burning fires today are vast.
Fortunately the wood fireplace is now much cleaner and more efficient, designed to produce minimal ash. A firebox in the unit works to trap warm air inside letting oxygen circulate freely whilst trapping cold air outside. This makes for a cleaner fire with less dust and smoke to deal with.
With significant improvements made in the design of gas and wood burning fireplaces, the look and feel of the fireplace you choose to go for is up to you.
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