The inviting sounds of crackling wood or the riveting sight of glowing embers in a dying fire. Cozy fireside chats with friends or family. Sleepovers with fun-filled marshmallow roasting sessions. Or just a solitary but warm interlude spent reading or relaxing next to a roaring fire.
A home’s hearth or what is now more popularly known as a fireplace has occupied a special place in our collective cultural memories since times immemorial. Identified by different names or built in different shapes and sizes, depending on which country you are in, fireplaces continue to be an enduring element in many homes around the world.
If you are a homeowner in Canada, here is a brief primer on fireplaces.
Types of Fireplaces
- Wood – Burning wood to keep your house warm has been practiced for centuries and continues to be a popular, albeit expensive choice, among homeowners who use it occasionally or for recreational purposes, given that most homes in Canada are now centrally heated.
Many homeowners also use wood-burning stoves made of steel or cast iron, which are safer than open-hearth wood-burning fireplaces. If you want to upgrade an existing open-hearth fireplace, you could consider a wood-burning fireplace insert. The aromatic fragrance of burning wood coupled with its usefulness and efficiency regardless of whether you have running electricity or not make it a much sought-after option among homeowners. - Electric – An electric fireplace allows you to enjoy the aesthetic appeal of a traditional fireplace without having to bother about buying or chopping firewood, constantly tending to a fire, or regularly cleaning and maintaining the fireplace. You also do not need a dedicated space to install an electric fireplace, which can be installed anywhere in your home, including being mounted on a wall.
Energy-efficient and operable with the flick of a switch or using a remote control, electric fireplaces are increasingly popular because of their cost-effectiveness, in-built safety, and minimal maintenance requirements. However, they cannot be used during a power outage, and do not provide enough heating on their own, necessitating the use of a central heating system as well. - Gas – Their heating apparatus fuelled by propane or natural gas, this category of fireplaces is most commonly found in contemporary housing, including new builds. Also considered safer to use than wood-burning fireplaces and easier to maintain, gas fireplaces can also be operated during power outages.
You can easily control the heat output using a programmable thermostat, which helps you save on your energy costs. Based on your needs, you can opt for a gas fireplace insert, a factory-built fireplace, or a free-standing design. - Other Options – In addition to the usually preferred choices mentioned above, homeowners can also opt for freestanding, hanging, indoor or outdoor fireplaces, which could fall under any of the categories mentioned above based on the fuel source used for generating heat.
Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, or fire bowls make for a cozy addition to your garden or backyard if you like being outdoors even during colder weather. Similarly, freestanding or hanging fireplaces can add a modern touch to your home’s overall aesthetic and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
Also, consider: - Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emissions – Electric fireplaces are the winners here, but gas fireplaces, if built and installed correctly, can also prove to be highly energy efficient. Compared with wood-burning fireplaces, they also produce fewer emissions in the form of carbon monoxide and other particulate matter.
- Usage and Maintenance – Electric fireplaces are the easiest to use and maintain, followed by gas and wood-burning fireplaces.
- Cost of Installation – Whether you are installing a new fireplace or remodeling the existing masonry in your home, the easiest and least expensive installation would be for an electric fireplace. A gas or wood-burning fireplace is the better, but pricier option if your installation purpose is heating and not just making an aesthetic addition to your home’s décor.
- Value Addition – Fireplaces are among the most popular and sought-after features prospective homebuyers consider when house hunting. A fully functional and well-maintained wood-burning or gas fireplace can significantly enhance the value of your home. Electric fireplaces add minimal value.
- Additional Resources
Do get in touch with the RE/MAX Royal Team Sachdeva Realty for more information about any of your real estate needs.
Have a great weekend!