What is the Most Efficient Type of Fireplace for a Home?
The majority of homeowners want a fireplace in their homes, and for this reason, over 50% of new houses being put on the market are equipped with this feature.
However, if you’re an existing American homeowner that dreams of having a relaxing fire to sit in front of, you likely are looking at ways that you can install a fireplace within your home. There are a lot of different options for types of fireplaces out there that you may be feeling overwhelmed with choices, but this is actually a good thing. It means that you have more freedom to choose the fixture that’s right for your individual needs.
Here, we’re going to take a look into the efficiency, cost, and popularity of the most common types of fireplaces. Read on for more information on whether a gas, wood, or electric fireplace is the right option for you!
WHAT IS THE MOST EFFICIENT TYPE OF FIREPLACE FUEL: GAS, WOOD, OR ELECTRIC?
There are four basic types of fireplace fuels that you can choose from for your home: those that are powered by gas, wood, electric, and alternative fuels (coal, pellets, corn, etc.).
There are three different types of units, which are inserts, direct vents, and stoves.
Here, we’re going to take an in-depth look at these three types of fireplaces and answer the question of which one is the most efficient.
How Efficient Are Gas Fireplaces?
Gas fireplaces are those that are powered by gas within your home.
One of the most efficient things about gas fireplaces is the time that they save and the high-efficiency rating because of hot air that they provide does not go out a chimney like a wood-burning unit does.
With a gas fireplace, you aren’t going to need to go out and find firewood that will fuel your flames. Assuming that this was a task you’d need to perform every time you used your fireplace, you’ll be saving a few hours a week if you use your fireplace regularly.
Furthermore, you don’t need to spend time inserting wood into the fireplace while you enjoy its warmth. This gives you more time to relax and enjoy a good book or some s’mores.
Natural gas is one of the largest natural resources in the United States and is the lowest cost that is available to providing heat to your home.
Propane heating, however, is a different story. It costs more and therefore some people, especially in rural areas, may prefer to use wood or alternative fuel sources (Pellet, etc).
How Efficient Are Wood Fireplaces?
When we say ‘wood fireplaces’ we don’t mean that your fireplace can be made of wood. That would go up in flames like the kindling that it is and cause a massive fire within your home! When we talk about a wood fireplace, we’re talking about one that uses wood as fuel to keep the fire burning. The actual fireplace itself will be made from stone or concrete, which are strong materials that will keep your fire contained.
When you think of an outdoor fire pit, you likely think of something similar to a wood fireplace. You need to continuously insert logs into them for kindling to keep the flame alive. If you intend to place a fireplace outdoors, wood is by far the best option since you won’t need to plug it into a nonexistent source to make it work.
The efficiency of wood fireplaces have continued to be improved, but they still let a lot of hot air from escape through your chimney. One of the more efficient alternatives, if you like burning wood, is either a wood-burning fireplace insert or a wood-burning stove, which also greatly improves efficiency.
How Efficient Are Electric Fireplaces?
Generally hailed as the most efficient types of fireplaces, electric fireplaces have it all.
They’re incredibly environmentally-friendly (if you assume that your electricity is generated by solar, water, or wind) in all the ways that gas and wood are not, since you’re not leaving a huge carbon footprint by obtaining gas or burning wood. They also save you time because, like with gas fireplaces, all you need to do is flip a switch and enjoy the warmth.
Electricity does not have high-efficiency transmission rates like natural gas does. The generation of electricity at a plant does not transfer along the line to the home with the same efficiency as gas.
This warmth provided by an electric fireplace is spread throughout your house with a fan for thorough heating. Despite the lack of a real flame, electric fireplaces can use inserts or digitally generate images and sounds of a crackling fire to give it a lifelike feel.
WHAT ARE THE LEAST EXPENSIVE TYPES OF FIREPLACES TO USE?
Having any fireplace installed within your home can definitely add to your property value. This means that each and every type of fireplace is a good financial decision. However, some of them cost more or less to operate than other types, which is definitely a factor to consider when choosing a fireplace on a budget. Read on to learn which is the most inexpensive type of fireplace on the market!
How Much Are Gas Fireplaces?
A gas fireplace isn’t that expensive to maintain. You’ll need to pay a little extra on your monthly gas bill, but the price won’t be that steep. In fact, this is a pretty inexpensive bill to pay.
You may need to install a chimney if you want a gas fireplace. This can become expensive pretty quickly. However, this is a one-time installation fee, so some people might not mind it. If you’re willing to make the investment, then a wood fireplace may work well in your home.
If you don’t want to install a fireplace, you may be able to have a direct vent installed through an exterior wall or through your roof.
We suggest that you put a quality fireplace unit in, regardless if it’s gas, wood, electric because unlike a kitchen appliance, you will not want to remove the stone or brick facing with a fireplace unit.
The amount of money that your fireplace costs will also depend on the material that your fireplace is made from.
How Much Are Wood Fireplaces?
They aren’t, necessarily. You are going to need to pay extra on your gas and electric bills when you have a wood fireplace because you have a hole in your roof which is letting hot air from your furnace out.
When figuring out the amount that a fireplace will cost you, you need to make sure that you’re hiring the right company from whom to purchase your new fixture. This will save you money on both the purchase of a fireplace and its installation. Luckily, our professionals are the #1 choice for fireplaces that are both inexpensive and high-quality. To learn more about why VanderWall is the right place to get a fireplace, click here.
How Much Are Electric Fireplaces?
Electric fireplaces are the least expensive option on the list. Like with gas-powered options, you’ll need to pay a bit extra on your electric bill each month with an electricity-powered fireplace. This fee will be incredibly small, though. The time you spend in front of it may take away from your TV time and you could possibly even reduce the amount of electricity you pay for.
You also don’t need to install a chimney, which is great financially. (It can be a little disappointing, though, if you want the full-fireplace aesthetic in your home.) The electric fireplace will be installed directly into or on the wall of your home, which saves a lot of space in addition to money on installation.
WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR KIND OF FIREPLACE?
Recently, electric fireplaces have been catching on as the most popular available kind in the country. Because of their cost-effectiveness and environmental efficiency, people have been flocking towards them like wildfire (no pun intended.) Furthermore, since they tend to be one of the safest fixture for children and pets, this option is by far the most popular for families. If you have a baby (or a furbaby), this is something to consider when choosing a fireplace.
Wood fireplaces have been declining in popularity recently due to safety concerns. Unless the chimney is properly maintained on a wood-burning fixture (which is easy and inexpensive enough to do as long as you’re on top of things), they can cause a chimney fire.
However, at the end of the day, it’s all about your preference as a homeowner.
CHOOSE YOUR FIREPLACE TODAY
There are a lot of different options when it comes to choosing a fireplace for your home. This is an amazing thing since you have more alternatives when deciding what’s best for your specific needs.
Now that you know the efficiency, cost, and popularity of the three main types of fireplaces, it’s time to get any other questions you may have answered. Click here to contact us with any inquiries about fireplace types, installation, and more. We’ll also give you a quote on how much your fireplace will cost once you decide what you want so that you don’t need to guess at how much you’ll be paying.
