Adding a fireplace to your home creates aesthetic appeal, provides a cozy space for relaxing beside and even helps you to save money by allowing you to turn your furnace to a lower temperature. The hardest part of hearth installation in West Michigan is trying to decide which type of fireplace will best meet your needs and personal style.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces are one of the most common types. Modern wood-burning fireplaces are more energy-efficient than ever, and the fuel is usually inexpensive and can heat the entire house. Plus, who can resist the ambient sound of a crackling fire? However, the wood must be dry, can take up a lot of space on your property and may become infested with insects. Additionally, though more efficient than they used to be, wood-burning units are not as efficient as other types.
Gas Fireplaces
In recent years, gas fireplaces have become much more popular for people wanting hearth installation in West Michigan. These fireplaces are efficient enough to heat a large room, do not make a mess and can be turned on and off instantly. Many of them are even connected to remote controls. However, to benefit from this type of fireplace, you must have access to natural gas and understand the price of fuel can fluctuate greatly.
Gas Logs
If you love the look of a wood-burning fireplace but the ease of using a gas fireplace, consider one that uses gas logs. They are useful in both vented and non-vented fireplaces, and the vent-free logs are almost 100 percent efficient. Like gas units, these logs are clean, work instantly and can be controlled by a remote. Keep in mind that natural gas prices fluctuate, and vented logs only operate at 25 percent efficiency.
Alternative-Fuel Fireplaces
If you don’t want to use gas but are also uninterested in traditional logs, consider an alternative fuel. Pellet stoves are inexpensive, operate at about 80 percent efficiency and can set closer to walls than a wood stove. Models that use corn are environmentally friendly and a renewable heat source. Coal is another option, but it can be much harder to find, harder to start and dirtier to use.
When choosing a fireplace for your home, consider several factors: your current budget, your long-term fuel budget, the size of the home, whether you have access to natural gas and how much time you are willing to spend to maintain your hearth installation in West Michigan. A reputable company can help you decide if you’re feeling unsure. Visit the website for more information.