Gas, Electric, Woodburning or Vent-free Fireplace? Which Is Best?

A fireplace, to some, is simply known as an appliance that allows flammables to safely burn inside the house. In colder places like Europe and some parts of the US, tradition makes the fireplace or hearth an essential feature to keep a house warm and cozy. It is especially needed during longer periods of winter.
To know which kind of fireplace best suits your taste and budget, here is a rundown of the various types of fireplace.

1. Electric fireplace
This fireplace is good for those with a tight budget. No chimney is required for this type of hearth and it can be installed just about anywhere. More temperate countries can take advantage of this electric hearth since the heat can be easily regulated. The more modern designs of this type of fireplace are made of brick, rustic stone, wood and marble. Though oftentimes, it is aesthetics that is given major consideration on opting for an electric fireplace, some say that it’s the fumeless heater that they are raving about. Duraflame, Lasko, Dimplex, and Lifesmart are brands of electric fireplaces.

2. Direct Vent Fireplace
Indoors and outdoors, a direct vent fireplace can be easily installed. Yes, this hearth is that versatile. New homeowners can benefit a lot from this type of fireplace because of this attribute and its availability in various designs and shapes. This hearth does not affect the quality of the indoor air and thus considered as a very efficient choice of fireplace. It doesn’t require a chimney. A hole in the wall will do it for a direct vent fireplace. Tightly-sealed homes don’t have to worry about the problem of having to put up with negative air pressure with this hearth’s state of the art mechanisms. Dimplex, Monessen, ComfortSmart, Empire make quality direct vent fireplaces.

3. Gas Fireplace
This is one user-friendly and energy-efficient sort of fireplace. Not having to gather logs and not having to clean ashes are the great conveniences this kind of hearth offers. With the help of a gas burner and a simulated log, the perfect “by-the-fireplace” mood is achieved without having to undergo so much fuss. Propane or natural gas is the fuel used on gas fireplaces.

4. Vent-Free Fireplace
Also known as ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor), this kind of fireplace deals with the dilemma damper that has to stay open as with a direct vent fireplace. To live its moniker, the gas is plainly linked to the hearth to make the flame burn without a vent. This type of fireplace uses gas that burns more cleanly and cost-effectively than those with gas and electricity.

5. Wood Burning Fireplace
This type is the most famous and most favorite amongst all the fireplaces. The cozy smell of burning wood and the refreshing sound of fire are this kind’s features that are considered very agreeable for many fireplace aficionados. Choice of woods must not be overlooked in maximizing this fireplace. It is advised that the chimney and the fireplace are cleaned regularly to ensure safety.

Aside from the built of those above-mentioned fireplaces, the material with which they are made of must also be given major attention. This is not only to guarantee the visual appeal that your choice of a fireplace will add to your home but also its durability and efficiency.

With the perfect kind of fireplace, countless possibilities can happen.

Ventless fireplaces remote controlled: Electronic ethanol fireplace

Wall Mounted Fireplaces Create a Cozy Decor

Brr, it's cold outside! People in the Northern regions of the US are certainly gearing up for a tough, cold winter just like they have for the past several years. Wall-mounted fireplaces are one way to create that cozy, warm atmosphere as well as add sophisticated decor to any room.

It doesn't just get cold up north which is why the folks in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Southern California, and other "southern" states also have fireplaces and like to have a cozy fire for those cold winter nights.  A wall-mounted fireplace is the ideal, clean and quick solution to getting that cozy feeling when it's chilly outside.

Smokeless wall mounted fireplaces do not need a vent or wood to heat your space and add the special cozy effect. Electric and gel fuel are the two modern types of fireplaces you can mount on your wall. Both types are clean burning and Eco-friendly solutions for your home.

Electric

The electric type is easy to setup and use and needs no maintenance other than keeping it clean like you do the other furnishings and decor in the room. The only drawback is that it can show an increase in your energy bill but that is something you can easily monitor.

Dimplex RWF-DG Sahara Electric Wall Mount Fireplace

Gel Fuel

Gel fuel has the capability of lasting for around 3 full hours. You will spend about $60 plus for a case of 24 which gives you about 72 hours of cozy time per case. This may seem like a high price, but since you likely have some other heating source for your home this is likely a decorative element for the home that you will only use for those special romantic nights.

SEI Black Arch Top Wall Mount Gel Fuel Fireplace Model FA5807

Virtual and Digital

Another type of wall-mounted fireplace that is popular is the virtual, digital fireplace. These use no fuel and are just as they sound: virtual. These are primarily used to create a cozy atmosphere and/or decorative element in the home.

Virtual/digital fireplaces are available in the form of a digital fireplace DVD you put in your DVD player. You can turn these into wall mounted fireplaces with a monitor and a DVD player mounted on the wall. I would have to save that a virtual roaring fire is the cleanest, efficient and "green".
Most homeowners have some form of conventional heating solution which means that modern wall mounted fireplaces are mostly a home decor component. It allows the homeowner to create the inviting, cozy, romantic, warm atmosphere without the clean up of a traditional fireplace or the other hassles that go with having a wood fireplace.