A Guide to Selecting the Right Fuel Type for Your Fireplace

A Guide to Selecting the Right Fuel Type for Your Fireplace

As you navigate to find the right fireplace for your home, you may wonder which fuel type is the best option for you. To help you with your decision-making, we’ve defined each fuel type below and listed its advantages and disadvantages. 


To start, consider the following questions:

  1. What is already available in your space? Electricity? Natural Gas? Propane? Access to wood supply?

  2. How ample is the space?

  3. What maintenance are you willing to do to keep up with your fireplace?


Answering these questions will help you better define what you want from your fireplace and what you need. Now, let’s take a look at your options for fuel.

Wood

Wood produces crackling, robust blazes. As long as the chimney is operating correctly and the firewood is properly seasoned, wood fires are simple to start. They require the most maintenance of the three types of fireplaces. They can get dirty quickly, require cleaning at least once a year, and may require buying, chopping, or lugging wood. However, many prefer having wood-burning fireplaces because it provides the true ambiance of a hand-built crackling fire.



Gas

Gas is an increasingly popular fuel type for fireplaces. The advantage most enjoyed by homeowners is convenience. Gas heating appliances can be started and adjusted with a switch, thermostat, or remote control.

They provide efficient heating and low maintenance. It is important to know that gas fireplaces require safety precautions. For a gas fireplace to work, you must hook it up to a gas line (in some states, this may require a gas technician).When installed, they are fully encased into the wall so that heat will not escape.

Gas fireplaces use either natural gas or propane and burn a real flame that emulates the look of a traditional fireplace without the hassle of burning wood. The difference between propane and natural gas is that propane is more energy-efficient and considered a green fuel, while natural gas is not. Natural gas is delivered to houses via gas pipelines. Propane is delivered in propane tanks.



Electric

An Electric fireplace is an electric heater that mimics a fireplace burning coal, wood, or natural gas. Electric fireplaces are often placed in conventional fireplaces that can no longer be used for traditional fires.

Electric fireplaces are ideal for homeowners who aren’t interested in having a real fire. Electricity is a reliable energy source. When you use an electric fireplace, there is no need to obtain firewood, venting, or a gas line. Heat similar to standard electric heat is produced with a faux fire in the firebox.

Electric fireplaces work by drawing in cool air, heating it internally using a heating coil, and gently forcing the warmed air back into the room by a fan. Some electric fireplaces also use infrared technology, directly heats objects within a room. In both cases, supplemental heating is provided for the desired area without the mess, fumes, or dangerous gas.



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  1. Wood Fireplaces
  2. Gas Fireplaces
  3. Electric Fireplaces
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