It might be a bit hard to think about needing a fireplace when we’ve barely gotten out of the 100 degrees plus weather, but fireplaces are nice to have in Arizona homes when the days and nights start to get chilly. Here are a few fireplace options to consider during a remodel, or if you’re looking to add something fresh and new to your home.
Fireplace options to consider
There was a time not too long ago when your choice of fireplaces in your home was wood-burning but not anymore! There are so many options now, it’s exciting to see all the choices. Here are your three basic choices for fireplaces:
- Wood burning
- Gas log
- Gas insert
- Electric
We’ve provided a brief description of each to help you decide what might work best for you during a remodel.
Wood burning fireplaces
Wood burning fireplaces are the most traditional type of fireplace, using wood as its source of fuel. They give off a lot of heat, are inexpensive, and offer an ambiance that’s hard to replicate with other types of fireplaces. You can change up your fireplace by using different types of woods for different scents in the house. It’s also a great standby should your power go out in your home! There are a few potential drawbacks to wood-burning fireplaces. First, there are many days in Arizona that are no-burn days, which means you can’t use your fireplace on that day, no matter how cold it is. Second, these types of fireplaces can be messy when you’re dealing with embers to clean up. Third, there is some maintenance when it comes to your flue; keeping it clean and unobstructed is paramount. And of course, there is a level of fire danger if you don’t use a screen to keep those embers in the fireplace.
Gas log fireplaces
Gas logs offer the ambiance and warmth of a wood-burning fire but without the mess of embers, etc. Gas logs are usually made up of ceramic but look like wood. Gas logs are a great option if you don’t want to deal with the mess of real embers, chopping and hauling wood, or the maintenance of a fireplace flue. You’re also not restricted by no-burn days.
Gas insert fireplaces
Gas inserts are an insert that is installed into an already-existing fireplace. It requires little, if any, construction because it is made to fit into any opening. Inserts are designed to replace wood fireplaces for a cleaner alternative. They don’t always give off the heat of a real fireplace, and of course, you won’t get that nice, cozy smell of real burning wood but again, no mess and little fuss.
Electric fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are becoming extremely popular for their style, functionality, and ease of maintenance. You can choose from a linear or a traditional style fireplace. An electric fireplace is an electric heater that is created to look like a fireplace burning coal or wood. When renovating a home, people often opt to replace their conventional fireplace with an electric one because of the various benefits they have to offer such as no fumes, low maintenance, and is quite easy to clean. They are a great, stylish, and safe choice for your home and come in a variety of styles.
Taking your fireplace style a step further
Several of the above options allow for extra customization, including clear or smoked glass fronts, custom framing in glass, tile, or other materials, or swapping out the plain glass for colored fire glass for an extra level of elegance. Depending on the style of the fireplace you choose, adding a mantel can make your fireplace the focal point of the room, whether it’s a living room, dining room, or master bedroom.
If you’re looking to add a fireplace to your home, or perhaps upgrading your existing fireplace, it’s a good idea to chat with a remodeling professional that can advise you on what your best options are. Depending on your choice, you’ll have to consider access to an electrical outlet, gas line, or ample ventilation.
