For many home-buyers on the search for their dream home, a fireplace might feature high on the list of features the perfect home might have. Especially in colder climates, there’s nothing better than being able to light a beautiful, warm fire in your home fireplace and cozy up to it while feeling the warmth and sharing quality time with your loved ones. There are a lot of different options when you’re considering a fireplace, however, so it’s worth taking the time to decide if it’s worth it and what might be the right option for you.
The Classic Wood-Burning Fireplace
If you love the experience of setting up the wood and lighting the fire yourself, or if you just want the traditional feel of a wood-burning fireplace and a chimney, this is the only option for you. No other fireplace will sound or smell like the classic one does, and it’s easy to use for S’mores or other treats at home.
Unfortunately the wood-burning fireplace also requires the most maintenance and creates other problems for you to keep track of. Aside from having to buy wood, you need a chimney, which isn’t something that can be cheaply added on to an existing house. Chimneys require regular cleaning as well. “Chimney care is one of those things you’ll want to hire a professional for,” says Steven Adams, founder of Not Guilty Adams. “Getting an expert to clean and inspect your chimney will help you avoid dangerous accidents or expensive repairs later on.”
The Gas Option
Gas fireplaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some don’t even require a chimney or vent to outside your house. They are quick and convenient because you can just press a button and switch on and off, but they lose a bit of the charm of old-fashioned wood fireplaces, and using them too long can run up your gas bill. Regular maintenance is still necessary to avoid dangerous gas leaks.
Going Electric
Electric fireplaces are by far the easiest option for a late addition to a home. If you don’t have a chimney or any existing fireplace, an electric fireplace can be easily fit into the style and design of your house and then you simply plug it in. You can buy them at varying levels of heat production, and they may be the safest option in terms of avoiding accidents or even minor burn injuries. Unfortunately, electric fireplaces don’t use real flames, so if you want the look of a real fireplace and more than just a cozy heat source with fake wood, this won’t be your choice.
