Popular Alternatives to Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces can create a nice ambiance in your home with a warm, crackling fire. But they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, can be expensive, and release potentially harmful chemicals in your home from the soot and ash it creates. The great news is that wood-burning fireplaces aren’t your only option if you’re looking to replace your current fireplace or install a brand-new one in your home.

Here are some options that will allow you and your family to stay cozy this winter.

1. Electric fireplace

Electric fireplaces are a great alternative to wood-burning fireplaces for many reasons. They require no installation and only need to be plugged into a wall outlet to start doing the job. On top of any easy installation, there are many other benefits to electric fireplaces, including the following:

• Fume free. Because electric fireplaces have no real flames and rely on electricity to operate, you can get warmth immediately without inhaling any potentially toxic fumes. They also come with lighting and sculpted logs to create the aesthetic of a traditional fireplace.
• Energy efficient. During the winter, it doesn’t take much to raise your energy bill. Electric fireplaces can work as a large space heater, keeping certain areas of your home warm without the need to fire up the furnace.
• Easy installation. The great thing about electric fireplaces is that there’s no need for a heavy remodel. Setting up an electric fireplace is as easy as setting it up near a wall and an electrical outlet.
• Low maintenance. You no longer have to worry about the hassle of cleaning ash and soot from your chimney. That’s because real wood is not being burned, eliminating most maintenance and upkeep.

2. Gas fireplaces

If you’re looking for something that offers the best of both worlds, a gas fireplace may be your best option. Ceramic faux logs are designed to look realistic, even including glowing embers and bark to increase their authenticity. They can also generate heat without burning real wood, so you can still avoid the soot, ash, and fumes that a wood-burning fireplace produces.

Here are the advantages of a gas fireplace:

• Convenient usage. Most gas fireplaces have remotes that allow you to start and stop the fire immediately. Some even have timers to enable users to set how long they want the fireplace to stay on.
• Several installation options. With a wood-burning fireplace, you’re restricted on places to remodel or move the fireplace due to the chimney. Gas fireplaces offer flexibility in their location, so you can choose where it goes, whether that’s in your living room or the basement.
• Clean alternative. Natural gas does not leave behind any harmful residues and requires little to no cleaning in between uses to function correctly.
• Adjustable temperature. You can set the amount of flame from your gas fireplace, allowing you to adjust the temperature easily.

Get in touch with Capitol Chimney Service to learn more about gas log fireplace inserts.

Are you looking for the perfect touch to make your home feel complete? Why not add a cozy fireplace and turn it into an inviting focal point within the decor? Plus, nothing beats having the comfort of warmth on chilly nights.

If you're considering gas fireplaces, look no further than Capitol Chimney Service—our gas log fireplace installation service will ensure your gas fireplace is installed safely and correctly! We bring more than 20 years of experience to help you find the perfect gas or electric model for your home.

So get in touch with us today by calling (301) 962 0120 (DC Metro Area) or (410) 962-5551 (Baltimore Metro Area).