There are several types of fireplaces available
today including masonry, gas, electric, prefabricated and woodstoves. When deciding
on the size of the fireplace you want, or the style of fireplace you first must consider the area, including the square footage
or the area where the fireplace will be as well as the purpose the fireplace will serve.
In other words, will you be using the fireplace to heat a large or small room or will the main purpose of the fireplace
be strictly as a decorative focal point of the room.
Large stately masonry fireplaces that burn natural
wood are commonly seen in large home with high ceilings and enormous rooms. Whereas
wood burning prefab fireplaces as well as gas fireplaces are becoming more common as they are easier to install and use. While large masonry fire places offer an old world charm that’s difficult but
not impossible to acquire from a gas fireplace, large masonry fireplaces, however, are not the most energy efficient means
of heating a home as a large amount of heat escapes up the chimney.
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Gas fireplaces are available in a variety of different
styles including gas fireplaces that are vented through a top vent, which can be installed inside an existing wood burning
fireplace. Gas fireplaces are designed so that they do not require wood, or matches
to produce a warm and welcoming blaze. With many, the flame roars to life with
a simple flip of a switch.
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For even smaller spaces, electric fireplace are perfect as they provide the ambiance and warmth
of a fireplace with out the need of a chimney. Electric fireplaces have an added
advantage in that they can significantly reduce heating cost.
Prefabricated or zero-clearance fireplaces are fireplaces,
which have increased insulation, giving the ability to be installed in the close proximity of flammable materials. Prefabricated fireplaces
have made the perfect choice for new construction, as they are lightweight, and quicker as well as easier to install than
building a masonry fireplaces.
Another style of fireplace is the
wood-burning stove,
which is usually made from cast iron or brick line welded steel plate. Modern
wood-burning stoves are airtight and
with a controlled air feed that allows you to control the feed to the flame for higher efficiency.
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