11 Different Kinds of Indoor Fireplaces
Inspired by LearnCompactappliance
When considering ways to remodel a home, many people consider adding or restoring an indoor fireplace. They do so much more than merely heat up a room; fireplaces change the feel of a room as well, making it more romantic and cozy. There are several different types of indoor fireplaces you can purchase, but they basically fall into the broad categories of wood burning, gas burning, ethanol burning or electric. Here is some fireplace information for you to consider while you’re making your decision.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
A traditional wood burning hearth is what most people think of when they picture a fireplace in their head. There’s nothing quite as romantic as the snapping and crackling of a roaring fire. These days, however, there are a number of options for you in this category, and they can differ in terms of how easy they are to install, how much heat they give off and how cost-efficient they will be for you to operate.
1. Traditional Open Hearth
These are the types of fireplaces that have existed for centuries. Typically made of stone or brick, when you are close to them, you can really feel the heat, smell the wood burning and hear it crackling away. They feel the most authentic, however, they often are not as effective at heating the room as some of the more modern varieties. Also, if you do not already have a fireplace in your home, it will require a fair amount of construction work to put in both the opening itself and the chimney for proper venting.
2. Enclosed Fireplaces
Rather than being open, these indoor fireplaces are enclosed. Traditionally, these indoor fireplaces feature a large glass panel enabling you to view the fire as it burns. This design is such that you have less heat escaping up the chimney and more entering the room so you stay warmer while still having the cozy feel of a wood burning fire.
3. Fireplace Inserts
These are inserts that are made to fit into your existing fireplace simply by sliding it into the opening. They are enclosed, enabling you to easily turn an inefficient open hearth heating system into one that is more fuel efficient and effective.
4. Wood Burning Stoves
Although not technically a fireplace, wood burning stoves are an alternative that allows you to burn wood for heating without needing a fireplace. It will, however, require a pipe to vent the smoke through a chimney to the outside.
Gas Burning Fireplaces
Although they may not offer the same feel as wood burning versions, fireplaces that use gas burn more cleanly and typically create more heat for a lower cost. They can also require less construction or reconstruction to install, making them an attractive alternative to traditional wood-burning indoor fireplaces.
5. Direct-Vented Built-in Fireplaces
The direct-vented variety can be vented through an existing or newly constructed chimney, however, you can alternatively use a pipe so that less changes in the house’s structure are necessary and it can be installed in any room. The flame is yellow so it has more of the feel of a wood burning fireplace.
6. Ventless Built-in Fireplaces
Ventless built-in indoor fireplaces are the simplest to install as there is no need for a chimney or vent. With this type, the flame color is the blue typically associated with burning gas. Although every effort is made to keep them clean burning, it is possible that some contaminants will enter your home with the use of a ventless built-in fireplace.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are the cost effective option out of all of the types of fireplaces on the market. As an added bonus, electric fireplaces are relatively easy to install. Another added benefit of electric fireplaces is that most of them enable you to turn the heating function on or off while maintaining a fireplace-like ambiance. Most electric fireplaces include a remote-controlled heater and some even have different varieties of fire effects, which allows total user customization.
10. Mantel Electric Fireplaces
Mantel electric fireplaces are meant to mimic a built-in wood-burning fireplace, but they do not require any venting or chimney access. This allows you to incorporate the elegance and tradition of a mantel fireplace in any room of your house without a lot of hassle or expense.
11. Electric Fireplace TV Stands & Entertainment Centers
Some media furniture comes equipped with an electric fireplace. This allows you to combine two important pieces of furniture. Electric fireplace entertainment centers are beneficial for people who live in smaller homes or apartments.