What Are The Different Types Of Fireplaces?

Whether you're a lover of old-fashioned wood-burning fireplaces or want to enjoy a fire without the mess and hassle, there are multiple kinds of fireplaces out there to choose from. Luckily, whether you have an existing fireplace you want to renovate, or are thinking of installing one, Haley Comfort says most types are easier projects than we might think. A fireplace adds value to your home, so it's an improvement that makes good sense. And besides providing ambiance and a cozy gathering point for your family or guests, many fireplaces are a great alternative for affordable supplemental heat. 

Quality Overhead Door explains several factors that will help determine which kind of fireplace is right for you. What type of fuel you prefer is one of the major points to consider. While many people might complain about wood-burning fireplaces, it is still the most inexpensive fuel to use. However, it's also the most difficult to maintain. If you want to renovate a current fireplace you rarely or never use, you may be surprised at all the different options available these days! Depending on your budget and personal preferences, there's likely a fireplace that makes sense for you. We'll go over all the different kinds, including indoor and outdoor selections, to help you make the most informed decision possible.

So, what if you have an existing fireplace that desperately needs an upgrade? If you prefer the authentic wood-burning experience, Regency Fireplace Products recommends a wood fireplace insert. These consist of a sealed firebox that transforms your open fireplace into a highly efficient heating system at a fraction of the cost. One major problem with an open masonry fireplace is they're not efficient enough to use as an alternative heating method. However, with a wood fireplace insert, it generates. The insert is typically used with a blower, which pushes the heat more effectively into your home. To make it even more enticing, installation is easier because the existing masonry is used as the framework in conjunction with its chimney, transformed into the ventilation channel. The cost is more reasonable for both the product and the installation than a traditional fireplace.

R & T Services says some of the drawbacks to wood inserts are similar to the ones for a traditional wood-burning fireplace, such as higher maintenance and cleaning requirements. Also mentioned is the rapidly increasing cost of wood and the fact that you can only heat one room at a time. However, wood-burning inserts are the most fuel-efficient in terms of raising the temperature, and if you're in an area with frequent power loss due to bad weather, this type of insert is the smartest choice for you. But there are other fireplace inserts, as we will soon find out.

Woodland Direct notes that two of the most popular types of gas fireplaces you can get are direct vented systems or vent-free systems. With a direct vent fireplace, the system can be set up with or without a traditional chimney. These fireplaces use their own sealed vent and firebox solution, one that simultaneously pulls fresh air from outdoors for combustion, and pushes the exhaust gases safely outside the home either through a chimney or a pipe that reaches outdoors. This way, the air quality inside your home is maintained. To heat the room, the fireplace sucks in the cool air circulating around the firebox, then expels the warm air back out. You'll also enjoy the fire behind tempered glass for safety.

A co-axial venting system is the most common type used with direct vent fireplaces, and co-linear vent systems are used only in direct vent inserts. Co-axial systems can be used either vertically or horizontally and can be maneuvered in both directions when necessary to avoid wall supports such as joists or beams. In this manner, these gas fireplaces can be installed in any room in the house, regardless of where the flue is located. With higher-end units, certain manufacturers have special mounts for a television above them. These are typically found with units that have a heat-dump system installed, and thus need less clearance above the firebox. A heat-dump system simply takes the warmed air around the firebox and "dumps" the warm air into another room.

The next type of fireplace we will discuss is the electric mantel fireplace. Burning Log describes the electric fireplace as an electric heater that is made to appear as either an actual wood burning, coal burning, or natural gas burning fireplace. These units simply plug into the wall and can be used for heat or the appearance of flames, creating a cozy or romantic mood. They can provide heating for up to a 400 square feet area. Furthermore, there are several advantages to electric fireplaces over any other type. Most notably, of course, is the fact that they don't burn any fuel.

But there are many more, such as they can go anywhere, have little to no maintenance, and are easy to install. They're cheaper than any other type of fireplace, and safe for households with pets and children because it's safe to touch the glass surfaces. Electric fireplaces are also eco-friendly since they do not burn fuel or pollute the air indoors or outdoors. They don't require a venting system and can be installed in any home. They come in various colors and finishes, including stainless steel, oak, stone, mahogany, espresso, and black and white. Different manufacturers may offer other selections, so shop around.

Modern Blaze helps us with ethanol fireplaces, also called bio-ethanol or just plain bio fireplaces. Ethanol fireplaces make a great option because they burn alcohol-based, clean fuel that does not produce harmful vapors, so they don't require a chimney or flue. It's a ventless system that can be installed nearly anywhere and has real flames. This type of fireplace is quite unique since it comes in table-top or free-standing versions, and creates the appearance of a flame coming directly out of a table or wherever you put it. To use it, you pour the ethanol fuel straight into the burner and light it with a long lighter (and safety goggles). Some selections include electronic components for remote starting. They are easy to assemble, display, and use and have a surreal look.

There are also bigger units that take a little more assembly, such as the wall-mounted unit, but they are no more difficult than mounting a television or flatscreen. You can also customize them for your own DIY home project that might include a fire pit, fire table, or fireplace. There are also ethanol firebox units that have a stainless steel insulated box around the ethanol burner. Of course, they work in power outages as well. The cost of ethanol is quite expensive compared to other fuels, however, costing approximately $2.50 an hour. Ethanol Fireplace Pros lists some further disadvantages, such as that although they provide some heat, they do not give off much — especially compared to other fireplaces. They can present a risk if you spill the fuel on anything, and you will need to ensure airflow since ethanol, like any flame, consumes oxygen in the air around it.

You can buy an outdoor fireplace kit and customize it to your specific needs and design. This way, you can build a beautiful stone masonry fireplace to match your custom outdoor design plan. Of course, most people hire a contractor, but it's possible to DIY. You can also buy portable, stand-alone fireplaces designed for outdoor use, but where's the fun in that? Just kidding, we cover those below. For now, let's learn something — like what exactly they consist of. 

Typically, outdoor fireplace kits are compared to masonry kits that contain pre-engineered blocks that you put together with mortar, forming a basic fireplace and chimney system that can also be easily customized. The reason outdoor fireplace kits are compared to masonry-type builds is that other outdoor fireplace units are typically portable. These kits usually cost about ⅓ of a traditional brick-and-mortar fireplace and can be installed indoors in a new construction home.