5 Types of Fireplaces
From the purely aesthetic to the strictly practical and everything in between, there are several types of fireplaces to choose from. Here is a brief guide to help you understand what the best type of fireplace for your home might be.1. Masonry Fireplace
- Classic aesthetic appeal
- Somewhat efficient at heating a room
- Requires wood and upkeep
A masonry fireplace is the traditional wood burning fireplace built into a brick chimney. They are quite permanent and are fairly efficient at heating a room. This classic option is best if you have easy access to affordable firewood, whether from trees on your property or from a retailer. It is also important to consider the chimney maintenance and safety measures that must be taken with masonry fireplaces. For those that enjoy the crackle of a wood fire and don’t mind the upkeep, a masonry fireplace can last a lifetime.
2. Fireplace Insert
- Practical, efficient heating
- Requires wood and upkeep
A fireplace insert is a metal firebox that is installed in a masonry style fireplace. The insert controls the airflow into the fire, which reduces the burn rate and improves the heating efficiency of the fireplace. If you are looking for a practical way to heat for your home, an insert is an economical alternative to burning wood directly in a masonry fireplace. If you are less concerned with aesthetic appeal and are interested in energy efficient heat, consider a fireplace insert.
3. Natural Gas Fireplace
- Convenient upkeep
- Visual appeal
- Somewhat efficient at heating a room
- Increased gas costs
For some, natural gas fireplaces are a convenient alternative to wood burning fireplaces. Gas fireplaces don’t require gathering or purchasing wood, and can be turned on with the twist of a dial. They are often more for visual appeal than for heating a house, though they can heat up a room nicely. Using natural gas may raise your utility bill, but the convenience outweighs the cost for many.
4. Electric Fireplace
- Convenient upkeep
- Visually appealing
- Mild heating power
Electric fireplaces are usually a combination of a heater and a digital screen which displays a video of fire. They are not the most efficient heat producers, but they can warm up a room. They are sometimes portable and can be mounted up on a wall. For those that are looking for the visual appeal of a fire without dealing with upkeep, an electric heater may be the best option.
5. Pellet Fireplace
- Practical, efficient heating
- Requires access to pellets
- Available as an insert or portable stove
Pellet fireplaces burn compressed wood or biomass pellets in a fireplace insert or a portable stove. They offer an energy efficient way to heat up a home, but require access to pellets. If you are looking for a practical heater, you may consider a pellet insert to go into your brick fireplace or a standalone pellet stove.
Whitmire Custom Homes builds beautiful houses in North Georgia. To learn more about how we can install the perfect fireplace in your new custom home, contact us today.