Choosing a Fireplace
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Pick A Fireplace That Is Right For You And Your Home
A fireplace is an invaluable addition to any home. They are perfect for providing some comfort during cold days and nights but better than that, they are fun. A fireplace gives off feelings of love and camaraderie along with their warmth. No one can deny how nice it is to gather with family or friends in front of a flaming fireplace sharing stories and laughter. When you think of a fireplace, you may have images of the old built in type with a brick chimney up the side of the house. Today that is not the case, you can find fireplaces of all shapes and sizes that are portable and use a variety of fuel.
The main types of fireplace you will come across are either gas or wood burning models, although you will find a few that use electricity. A fireplace mantel can be a fancy and ornate part of your living room or den; however, they can also be subtly functional pieces that hold the firebox. Choosing a great mantel will make your fireplace a central piece and are very easy to put in. Conventional fireplaces, while old world charming, are not the most energy efficient and if you are not knowledgeable about their proper use can actually pose both a health and physical hazard.
The main types of fireplace you will come across are either gas or wood burning models, although you will find a few that use electricity. A fireplace mantel can be a fancy and ornate part of your living room or den; however, they can also be subtly functional pieces that hold the firebox. Choosing a great mantel will make your fireplace a central piece and are very easy to put in. Conventional fireplaces, while old world charming, are not the most energy efficient and if you are not knowledgeable about their proper use can actually pose both a health and physical hazard.
Alternative Fireplaces:
When electric fireplaces were first introduced in the 70's and 80's they were a cheap and tacky looking affair. Today with innovations, electric fireplace mantels can look quite real. In fact, you cannot tell the difference on many of them without looking really close. This alternative may not be as charming as the real deal they are more portable and energy efficient. A good electric fireplace can put out enough heat to warm a 400 square foot room quite efficiently. You also have the options of hundreds of different styles, unique fireboxes and mantels. There is a portable fireplace to fit any style or need.
A top energy alternative today is propane, this is the refined substance left over from the processing of oil and natural gas. Fireplaces that are equipped to burn propane burn much hotter than other types of fireplaces. While they are only a bit more energy efficient they do emit fewer pollutants such as particulate matter than conventional fireplaces. Compared to gel or electric propane fireplaces are cheaper to use, however they do put off more potentially harmful pollutants, like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It is a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home with this type of fireplace. Overall, if you want a flame-burning fireplace that is economical and somewhat environmentally friendly you should go with a propane fireplace.
An alternative to the electric fireplace is the gel; these are new and actually burn with real fire. The fuel required for these is a gel like substance that is odorless, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. These fireplaces all meet the EPA standards of cleanliness, without using wood or gas. One canister of gel is enough fuel to burn at 3,000 BTU's for up to three hours, this is not as energy efficient as an electric fireplace but they are nice for heating a localized area. One way to increase their heat output and coverage area is to burn two canisters at one time. This will increase the BTUs and allow you to heat a larger area. Even though they are less cost effective than an electric fireplace, they are perfect for the person who wants to keep the romantic quality that comes with a conventional type fireplace and all without any possible consequences of wood smoke.
Fireplaces are nice and a perfect addition to any house. There are many styles of fireplace mantels available each different in their use and abilities. It should not be difficult to find one that fits both your needs and wants while providing you and yours with warmth and comfort.
A top energy alternative today is propane, this is the refined substance left over from the processing of oil and natural gas. Fireplaces that are equipped to burn propane burn much hotter than other types of fireplaces. While they are only a bit more energy efficient they do emit fewer pollutants such as particulate matter than conventional fireplaces. Compared to gel or electric propane fireplaces are cheaper to use, however they do put off more potentially harmful pollutants, like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It is a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home with this type of fireplace. Overall, if you want a flame-burning fireplace that is economical and somewhat environmentally friendly you should go with a propane fireplace.
An alternative to the electric fireplace is the gel; these are new and actually burn with real fire. The fuel required for these is a gel like substance that is odorless, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. These fireplaces all meet the EPA standards of cleanliness, without using wood or gas. One canister of gel is enough fuel to burn at 3,000 BTU's for up to three hours, this is not as energy efficient as an electric fireplace but they are nice for heating a localized area. One way to increase their heat output and coverage area is to burn two canisters at one time. This will increase the BTUs and allow you to heat a larger area. Even though they are less cost effective than an electric fireplace, they are perfect for the person who wants to keep the romantic quality that comes with a conventional type fireplace and all without any possible consequences of wood smoke.
Fireplaces are nice and a perfect addition to any house. There are many styles of fireplace mantels available each different in their use and abilities. It should not be difficult to find one that fits both your needs and wants while providing you and yours with warmth and comfort.
Helpful Articles
- Electric Fireplaces : Alternative Heating
- Typically, an electric fireplace puts out approximately 10,000 BTUs of heat, yet its energy consumption is a mere 1400 Watts or so. This makes them far more efficient than the average method of home-heating.
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by bencampbell
bencampbell
I am a freelance writer in San Diego.
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