There are many things to consider when fitting a fireplace in your home. A fireplace can be indoors or outdoors, enclosed or open, and simple or intricate. You will have to consult with professionals about heat output, fuel sources, flue liners and fitting. Advice from an interior designer as well will help you to get a fireplace that will not appear to overpower the place, and yet not appear insignificant either. Your choice maybe influenced by the existing structure of your house, or you may even consider some structural alterations just to get your desired fireplace.
Technology has produced several other types of fireplaces, unlike the conventional fuel-types in the past; this includes electric, gas, gel fuel and traditional fireplaces. Fireplaces are usually found in living rooms, but with the development of vent-less fireplaces, stylish fireplaces can now be found decorating bedrooms, kitchens and even bathrooms. With many prebuilt fireplaces available in both classic and contemporary designs, you can choose from a wide selection of choices to fit both your tastes and budget..
Electric fireplaces are the simplest, as it only involves plugging to the nearest power outlet. Using light bulbs, the image of the fire is projected, and the temperature can be perfectly controlled. Its one, fatal weakness is that it relies wholly on electricity. This type of fireplace will be completely useless should the power go out in a snowstorm or thunderstorm.
Gas fireplaces were once set to replace the traditional ones, offering a good alternative and costing much less once the wood is taken into the account. But gas types are generally more expensive than electronic ones, and require a suitable gas flue to be installed. Their main advantage are reliability, as it does not depend on external power sources. .
Gel fuel fireplaces are more for effect and ambiance than their heat, as the heat produced is relatively low. Since gel fuel fireplaces burn alcohol, it does not give off smoke and is odourless; it is the perfect fireplace if chimneys aren’t viable.
The conventional open type fireplace is usually messy, expensive and difficult to maintain. Firewood, which is expensive and can be health-hazardous because of the carbon monoxide it gives off while burning, is needed. Ventilation is required for proper use. Homeowners may also tire of regularly cleaning and sweeping a woodstove flue.
Once you have your fireplace installed in your home, remember to undertake regular cleaning and maintenance checks to ensure that it is working properly and poses no harm to your family or your home. It is also strongly advisable to install a fire detector in the room where your fireplace is located to avoid the risk of fire.
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