A Fireplace Offers Comfort To Any Home

Fireplaces were a staple in homes across the nation for centuries. While they used to be a sole source of heat, they've now developed into a luxury amenity. They continue to be a top desire for homebuyers each year. Whether it's curling up in a romantic setting by the fire or having an extra source of heat for those cold winter nights, fireplaces are at the center of getting the job done. Just because a home was originally constructed without one doesn't mean that a current homeowner can't add one. In fact, fireplaces are one of the most common additions to homes throughout the country. However, before adding one to your home, it’s a good idea to learn the basics about fireplaces. There are several different types that run off of different power sources. Finding the right fireplace for your home can be comforting and rewarding. 

Types of Indoor Fireplaces

Having an indoor fireplace is a great way to stay warm and create a relaxing environment for the whole family. There's just something about the perfect ambiance that a fireplace can offer your home that makes it so desirable to have. Homeowners have their choice of various types of fireplaces to have installed in their homes.

• Gas - For homeowners who want the look of a wood-burning fireplace without the constant hassle of upkeep, then a gas fireplace is ideal. These fireplaces are composed of a realistic-looking insert that has real flames. Gas fireplaces can run on either natural gas or propane, depending on the preference of the homeowner.
• Electric - Electric fireplaces are a good choice for homeowners who want to have the option of a flame with or without heat. This style of fireplace is stylish and fairly inexpensive to run. Most will come with a remote that offers multiple heat settings, so the homeowner can adjust the heat to a level that they're comfortable with.
• Wood-Burning - Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are fueled solely on wood. Only with this style of fireplace can the homeowner enjoy the cracking of the wood and the fresh scent of different wood varieties. Plus, wood-burning fireplaces don't need electricity to run, so they're an optimal backup heating source when the power goes out on those cold winter nights.

Benefits of an Indoor Fireplace

Indoor fireplaces tend to be one of the most desired features that homebuyers are looking for in their next purchase. This home amenity creates a comfortable environment that can bring the family together in one room. It's also great for providing an excellent architectural touch to any home's design.

At their base level, indoor fireplaces are a perfect source for providing heat for a home. Whether it's accent heat from an electric fireplace during some of those colder winter days, or it's providing a sole source of heat when the power goes out. Having a home fireplace can ensure that your family and home stay comfortable regardless of what the weather is doing outside.

One of the biggest benefits of having an indoor fireplace is the cost-savings that one can enjoy. With traditional wood-burning fireplaces, the homeowner has the option of heating their home with cheaper firewood. This can drastically cut down on the cost of electricity for a home. In addition, a fireplace provides an adequate source of heat for cooking meals. Gas fireplaces can offer excellent heat, allowing for reduced furnace use, saving some funds there. 

Costs of an Indoor Fireplace

Making the decision to install an indoor fireplace is a big one. It's a good idea to consider not only the primary source of fuel but also the cost of installation and maintenance. As we went over above, there are three main types of indoor fireplaces. These are gas, electric, and wood-burning.

• Gas Fireplace - $2,100 - Installing a gas fireplace in a typical home costs, on average, around $2,100. This price will vary depending on where the gas hookups are located and where the fireplace is being installed.
• Electric Fireplace - $300 - Electric fireplaces are the cheapest kind to install in a home. Many models can be simply set up against or on an existing wall. As long as there is power closed to the desired spot, this fireplace installation can be as easy as plugging in a cord.
• Wood-Burning Fireplace - $3,000 - Wood-burning fireplaces are the most expensive to have installed. The average cost of installation is around $3,000. However, this can greatly vary depending on the size and placement of the fireplace.