If you’re interested in installing a fireplace, there are many types of fireplaces to choose from. There are many factors to consider when determining what type of fireplace is best for your home, so it’s important to know what your fireplace options are and the benefits they deliver.
A masonry fireplace is the most traditional type of fireplace, built with brick, cement, or natural stone. Because a masonry fireplace is not the most efficient form of heating, many people opt to put a gas or wood-burning insert into their masonry fireplace.
One of the biggest benefits of a masonry fireplace is its attractive brick appearance. They also are not susceptible to rust like metal inserts.
A prefab fireplace is a one that has been manufactured and assembled in a factory before being transported and installed at a job site. Many prefab fireplace designs are ventless. This allows the user to burn a gas fire without the need to vent any fumes to the outside of the home. Many prefab fireplace units are installed inside of an existing fireplace, while the majority of units are built for new construction or remodeled rooms.
The single most important thing about prefab fireplaces (and fireplaces in general) is that they must be installed correctly and that they are inspected annually and cleaned when necessary.
Freestanding stoves are chimney-connected heaters that are not connected to an appliance such as a fireplace. They burn wood, gas, coal, wood pellets, oil or are electric, and many use a space age ceramic glass to provide fire viewing.
Freestanding stoves are generally used to heat a specific room or zone of the house. Stoves are very efficient and control of the fire, heat output, burn times, and installation options are greatly improved.
Fireplace inserts come in wood-burning insert and gas insert options. Inserts can be placed in an existing masonry or factory-built wood-burning fireplace and require a working chimney to operate. Fireplace inserts come in wood, coal, gas, propane, and pellet-burning options, and they are generally made from cast iron or steel. Fireplace inserts can look more attractive than a conventional fireplace. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles to complement and enhance your room.
A wood fireplace insert adds value to your home, saves you money on your heating bill, and creates a memorable space in your home. You can easily insert wood fireplace insert into your existing masonry fireplace and stop losing as much as 90 percent of your fire's heat up the chimney!
If your home has access to natural gas, you can also install a gas insert fireplace. Gas fireplace inserts are extremely efficient and can heat a medium-sized room. Because they're great for zone heating, they can help homeowners keep their gas bills down. Additionally, gas inserts eliminate the need to purchase and store wood for your fire.
If you have questions about what fireplace is best for your home, contact Capitol Chimney Service. You can feel confident that we have the knowledge and experience to resolve the toughest problems and that we understand the basic fundamentals of chimney cleaning, construction, and design.
