Most Efficient Type of Fireplaces
April 23, 2020
A fireplace is an excellent addition to any home’s den or family room. When most people think about fireplaces, they immediately think of the classic wood-burning fireplace option. Fireplaces are very common throughout the United States, and especially in the Northeast. It’s an attractive feature for any home, especially when it comes time to sell. Today, there are many options out there for homeowners interested in adding a fireplace to their home. Leading options today are wood-burning, gas, electric, and direct-vent. So no matter the design of your home, there’s an option out there for you. But what about when it comes to efficiency? In this blog, we’ll explore the best fireplace solutions in terms of efficiency.
Gas Fireplace Efficiency
If you’re interested in energy-efficiency, gas fireplaces can be one of the best options out there. A direct-vent gas fireplace is supremely efficient. Direct vent systems include a glass sealed front and vent system that allows heat to be radiated back into the room rather than being lost through a chimney. If you’ve got a gas hookup to your home, it’s a great option for your heating your home with a fireplace. There is no running around or finding space to collect wood and then having a place to store it all. There is no need to keep getting up to stoke the fire, and you can be sure that you aren’t losing all of the heat the fireplace is producing. Natural gas is a plentiful resource and an efficient heating source. When it comes to heating your home efficiently, gas is a great choice.
Wood Fireplace Efficiency
Wood fireplaces don’t refer to the mantel; it relates to the fuel source. Wood-burning fireplaces were often constructed of brick, stone, or some similar material. Today, zero clearance wood-burning fireplaces have skyrocketed in their popularity for their increased efficiency compared to masonry chimney fireplaces. This option is essentially a large metal box with a metal chimney, while heat isn’t radiated back into the home, it’s a much more efficient option that old school wood-burning fireplaces.
Electric Fireplace Efficiency
Commonly called the most efficient fireplace option available to homeowners today, electric fireplaces are convenient as well. They only require an electric outlet and space. No gas lines, no wood, just plug it in. Electricity leaves a smaller carbon footprint compared to other fuel sources, especially if your power comes from solar or wind. When you’re done using an electric fireplace, you can simply shut it off without wasting energy or fear of causing a hazard.
Depending on your home, not all of these options may apply to you, but don’t worry, each option offers efficient options. Our team at Anderson Fireplace offers efficient gas, electric, and wood-burning fireplaces. Contact us today to learn more.
