When you’re ready to add a fireplace to your home, there are a number of decisions you'll need to consider to make sure you make the right choice for your home and for your needs.
The first decision you must make is, what is the main purpose and use of your fireplace? Are you intending for it to be a primary heating source for a common room, such as a living area or outdoor entertaining space? Or are you intending for the fireplace to be a beautiful addition to your home’s aesthetic? Or is your fireplace designed for cooking, such as a grill or pizza oven? Understanding exactly what you require is the first step to finding the right fireplace.
So what will work for you? Wood, Gas, Pellet or Electric?
Different types of fireplaces utilise different types of fuel. Knowing the pros & cons, together with what you prefer will pave the way to helping you decide.
#1 Wood Heaters
Wood heaters are (as the name suggests) fuelled by wood, they give you a feeling of core heat with the ability to heat from 2 to 35 square meters of your building.
Some wood heaters are purely radiant models, and will radiate the heat out at a steady rate. Others have a fan to push the heat out faster. Fireboxes come in a variety of sizes, depending on the area you wish to heat.
A good quality wood heater that is used efficiently and well maintained can last around 20-30 years. Together, with advances in technology, they are now not only more efficient than ever, they’re also more stylish.
The best wood heater for you depends on your situation, needs and personal preferences. They come in both freestanding and inbuilt options. An inbuilt unit can be for an existing fireplace (making it more efficient and cheaper), a new construction or even for double-sided heaters!
#2 Gas fireplaces
Gas Fireplaces are a ‘mess-free’ option that not only heat but also obtain the visual ambience of a wood-burning fire. The effect and heat is almost instant, with the ability to heat from 2-14 building squares. If you have a heater with a high heating output and low mega joule consumption, the unit will be efficient to run. Some gas fireplaces even have ducting so that you can easily heat the other rooms in the home.
It’s important to understand that gas fireplaces are used as a secondary heat source with another form as a back up, but many are designed to at least heat individual rooms. In essence, gas fireplaces can create a focal point in any room, as well as providing warmth. Even if you have other heating like central heating, a gas fireplace can be used to complement this heating source.
There are primarily two different types of gas fires, open gas and glass fronted. Both are available in freestanding, inbuilt and double-sided varieties.
#3 Electric fireplaces
Electric Fireplaces mimic a fireplace burning coals, wood or pebbles and are primarily used for decorative purposes, not heating.
The benefit of these fireplaces is that they require no flueing and can be floor standing or wall mounted. They are great in units or townhouses where sharing walls, body corporate or other issues make flueing a difficult option.
#4 Pellet fireplaces
Pellet fireplaces can reduce heating bills and because they use renewable fuels, they have a low impact on the environment.
Pellets are the cleanest-burning biomass fuel available and are derived from the leftover wood shavings from the milling of plantation timber. Featuring simple technology, these freestanding stoves are easy to operate and maintain and provide clean and efficient heat.
Other THINGS TO CONSIDER….
Open or Enclosed
An open fireplace (available in wood or gas) is more visual, with some supplementary heating. There is flexibility in terms of sizes and style; however, the running costs are greater for both wood and gas-burning fireplaces. A glass-fronted fire is generally a lot more efficient and effective, with a higher heat output and lower running costs. Another benefit is safety, as there is no exposed flame.
Inbuilt or Freestanding
An inbuilt fireplace is built into a wall in your home, whether it be an existing chimney or a purpose-built wall. A freestanding fireplace either stands on its own, either near a wall or in the middle of a room.
The main difference between the two varieties (beyond their visual appearance) is the cost of installation. Adding an inbuilt fireplace to your home will generally cost more than a freestanding fireplace as the existing area must be prepared and finished in accordance with the home’s existing décor.
We have a full range of gas, electric, or traditional wood burning fireplaces in-stock to suit your home heating needs. With two store locations across Gipplsand in Sale & Traralgon. Our team will provide you with the answers and advice you need to choose the right heating for you.
Original article published by woodpecker heating