Is there anything better than a night in front of the fire?
There are four common types of fireplace, which include the traditional wood fireplace, as well as gel fireplaces, electric fireplaces and gas fireplaces. Here’s the lowdown on each type together with their pros and cons, for you to make an informed decision about which one suits you best. A fireplace can become a beautiful feature and really enhance a living room or other space.
A wood fireplace
Nothing can replace a real fireplace, although to build one you’ll need a professional in order to erect the chimney and put in a good venting system. This type of fireplace needs to be kept clean due to ash. If you live in the countryside it may be easier for you to buy wood, if not, wood transportation costs could be high. Remember that if you live in an area plagued by smog you have to follow local ordinances. Consider whether you need high temperature heating constantly or only occasionally when it gets really cold.
The gel fireplace
A gel fireplace provides most of the benefits of a real fireplace- enjoying the crackling, dancing and flickering flames, as well as the cosy atmosphere. Importantly there’s none of the disadvantages- you don’t need to keep monitoring the fire or have the chimney swept once a year. Gel fuel fireplaces are simulated fireplaces, using alcohol gel fuel. This is environmentally safe as alcohol gel fuel burns into water vapours. Even during power outages or a storm, a gel fireplace will continue to work. This type of fireplace doesn’t need a venting system so professional installation isn’t necessary.
The electric fireplace
An electric fireplace can be a convenient heating solution for zone heating in apartments, town-houses, cabins or anywhere in your home, inside or outside. Nowadays, electric fireplaces have become more economical and energy efficient- using forced air heaters and thermostat heat control. With the introduction of LED technology(“Light Emitting Diode”), the savings have become more apparent and the variety of features have made electric fire a real and attractive possibility. Each fireplace will have different options controlled by electric insert, and there are all sorts of models available. You can adjust and regulate sounds and visual effects with a remote control or with a panel. A word of caution though-make sure you use quality materials and chose a model with superior craftsmanship.
The gas fireplace
Gas fireplaces are convenient and use advanced technology, which makes them a popular choice. The fire also looks very realistic due to the ember bed and glowing logs. Moreover, you can start the heat when you want thanks to its thermostat. You will however need professional installation for the venting system and for the pipes to be laid to deliver gas to the fireplace. Nevertheless, you could get units fuelled with propane. A gas fireplace will continue to work without electricity; so even during power outages or a storm, your fireplace will keep working and keep you warm! There are several different models of gas fireplace, so you can choose one according to your tastes and your home’s design. Also, gas fireplaces can be located on an outdoor or interior wall and screens or glass doors can be used too.
| Type of fireplace | Assets | Disadvantages |
|
Wood fireplace
|
–– If you live in the country and can get to a store of wood easily- you or someone else will have to saw it, transport it, store it and let it season. –– Purchased, cut and delivered wood: it’s still maybe cheaper than the rising costs of fossil fuels. –– Traditional fireplace experience. –– Real wood smell. –– Can be used to heat water or cook. –– Different styles and designs available. |
–– Takes time.
–– Needs constant attention. –– Having to maintain a store of wood and add it to the fire. –– Removing ash. –– Cost of yearly chimney sweeps. –– Creosote build-up can cause chimney fires. –– Soot and smoke problems. –– Needs air flow. –– Code Requirements may be needed. –– Construction and installation required. |
| Gel fireplace
|
–– No Electricity or Gas Needed.
–– Real fire experience. –– Portable. –– Easily create a fire whenever you want. –– No venting required. –– Burns alcohol gel fuel –– Environmentally friendly, non-toxic. –– 3,000 BTU’s per hour, up to 9000 Btu’s per hour combining more than one can. –– Can be converted to burn gel fuel. |
–– Won’t heat an entire home.
–– Having to buy gel fuel. –– Not a real wood fire. –– Having to replace the gel fuel regularly. –– Variation of each container of gel fuel for burning: about 2-3 hours, it depends on humidity levels. |
|
Electric fireplace
|
–– Real fire experience with or without heat.
–– Heat or flames with the push of a button. –– 1350 watts (4600 BTU’s) up to 37m2. –– 3-prongs and 120 volts electrical outlet required. –– About €0,23 per hour without heat with incandescent bulbs and about €0,08 per hour with heat with the bulbs. –– With the LED system you will save about €50 a year in comparison with bulbs. –– Portable. –– Doesn’t contain pollutants or need cleaning-up. –– Environmentally friendly. –– Clean and safe. –– A thermostat for heat regulations. –– Forced air heat. –– Safer than gas or wood-burning fireplaces. |
–– Electricity consumption. –– No heat during power outages. –– A nearby electrical outlet is required. –– Not a real wood fire. |
|
Gas fireplace
|
–– Real fire from natural gas. –– Needs no electricity. –– No mess. –– €0,13 per hour to operate. –– Cleaner |
–– Venting required. –– Pilot light is always burning. –– Expensive installations required. –– Materials for installation –– Required permits and code requirements to follow. |
The fireplace, considered one of the oldest types of heating is still a pleasure for most people- a roaring fire, a cup of cocoa and a good book are all that’s needed to wile away the Winter. Nowadays there are a variety of models and types of fires to choose from, so you really can find the right one for you. However France is introducing a new regulation- an alarm system including a fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector will be essential in each home.