The appeal, ambiance, and smell of a wood burning fireplace can soothe our senses while producing a relaxing and deep warmth inside our home. But the benefit of this fireplace does not stop there. Aside from heat, it also offers convenience, security, energy independence, and effectivity in terms of reducing your electricity bills. It also helps in reducing emissions so that homeowners can burn wood responsibly and protect air quality.
Installing a fireplace in your home is one of the proven ways to add value and increase the resale potential of your home. Below are the three types of wood burning fireplace that you can choose from:
1. TRADITIONAL TYPE
This type is currently used in many North American homes and is the most common basis in fireplace conceptualization.
2. CLEAN-BURNING TYPE
This type offers high-efficiency, advanced technology, and more benefits to the user.
3. EPA-CERTIFIED TYPE
This type ensures that a fireplace is certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as it has the ability to produce less than 7.5 grams of particulates per hour. And just like the clean-burning type, it is highly efficient, advanced, and beneficial to consumers.
How To Choose A Wood Burning Fireplace
It is very important to take your time when choosing for the right fireplace in your home as it is where your family and guests would gather often.
- First, consider the fireplace’s performance. Does it need to produce substantial amount of heat? If so, then go for a EPA-certified or clean-burning fireplace. These fireplaces have insulated and closed-combustion systems that enable them to burn wood more efficiently, thus producing an ample amount of heat. These are also good alternatives in places with frequent power outrages or where home-heating becomes an issue. Traditional fireplaces, on the other hand, have open combustion systems that are suitable for occasional fires to provide relaxing warmth and good ambiance.
- If you are aiming to protect air quality, especially during winter season, then clean-burning and EPA-certified fireplaces are the ones for you. These fireplaces are engineered to increase efficiency in combustion thus reducing smoke emissions from burned wood. Places with regulated wood burning usually opt for a EPA-certified or clean-burning fireplace. People in these places can also install traditional fireplaces, although they are required to take responsibility in limiting wood smoke emissions through the use of manufacturer firelogs or seasoned firewood.
- Choose a fireplace style that would suit you and your home. New styles of fireplaces these days include two, three, or four-sided fire views. There are also styles with one-door glass panels and arch-shaped fireplaces that let you have a full-fire view. Finishing options include tile, brick, or stone.
- Before purchasing, seek an expert’s advice first by visiting a local specialty retailer. Specialty retailers are trained experts that can help you to determine the right type of fireplace to purchase. They will also guide you on arranging professional fireplace installation and in choosing among the firewood options available. They may also teach you necessary information on how operate a wood fireplace properly and how to maintain a specific type of fireplace.
- Most importantly, consider the total average cost of having your very own wood fireplace. Your expenses should include the chimney cost, installation, annual fuel costs, delivery fees, and yearly maintenance costs.
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