A new fireplace is an exciting addition to any home. Whether you are buying a fireplace for décor enhancement, heating, or both, there are great options available. With EPA-certified wood burning fireplaces, clean and efficient gas ones, and the easy to use and install electric choices, there’s more to consider than ever before. All of these are available in attractive and varied styles that will add beauty to any room. It is important to choose carefully, since fireplaces are expected to last for many years and often can increase your home's value. Be sure to pick a fireplace with the technology and performance you’ll want for the long term.

Most fireplaces purchased by consumers are engineered and pre-built by manufacturers, as opposed to being built on site using brick and mortar. This allows for more choices and easier additions and upgrades to existing homes. They are still professionally-installed and must conform to safety requirements. A factory-built fireplace is generally a firebox enclosed within a steel cabinet. Beyond that, most quality units have means to customize their appearance, with mantels or surrounds, glass doors, finishes, and more. The inside of the fireplace is often lined with brick, to resemble a traditional brick and mortar fireplace. Depending on fuel type, different technologies are used to increase heat-efficiency and overall performance.

Your key consideration will be whether to buy a wood burning, gas, or electric fireplace. You’ll also need to choose the size and style that is right for your needs. Considering the following points will help lead you in the right direction.

The Look of the Flame

The winner for a realistic flame is, of course, a real flame in a wood burning fireplace. In the past, choosing a traditional wood burning fireplace meant settling for the least efficient heating option. Luckily, with new clean burning wood fireplaces, this is no longer the case. There are now many wood burning fireplaces that meet energy-efficiency criteria through the use of updated technology, so you can have a beautiful flame, a warm room, and the good economy of saving on heating costs. However, other factors may lead you to consider gas or electric options, and even the best of these aren’t quite the same as the look of a wood fire. Many come close though, and may be close enough for your tastes and needs.

Convenience

This is the area where gas and electric fireplaces far surpass wood burning ones. For gas or electric fireplaces, with the flick of a switch or even a click of a remote control, you’ll have your fire and heating source working. With a wood burning fireplace, you’ll need to have dry wood available or be willing and able to go collect it. Then you’ll have to put some work into getting the fire going and continue feeding it to maintain the fire. For some, this is part of the tradition and fun; for others, this is a major drawback.

Décor Enhancement vs. Heating

In the past, it may have been necessary to choose between these two goals. Now, with the addition of new EPA-certified wood burning fireplaces, there are options for all fuel types to provide great ambience and efficient heating. However, if you are on a budget, you might find that you need to be willing to prioritize a bit. For example, you may have to choose a less expensive mantle design in order to afford a large enough fireplace to heat your room properly.

Style and Appearance

There are as vast a range of fireplace styles as there are décor styles, spanning from casual to formal looks. Regardless of wood burning, gas, or electric, you will have many choices. The material and style of the mantel or surround and the glass doors will play a major role in a fireplace’s appearance, though keep in mind that you may need to purchase these separately. The inside of the fireplace will also influence its look. Brick-lined interiors are popular and attractive. Whether you like clean lines or ornate details, rustic or contemporary styling, you’ll find a beautiful fireplace that suits your taste.

Size and Number of Openings

Reputable manufacturers will provide parameters to guide you to the right size fireplace to heat your room. In addition, experienced installers and/or contractors will help you make the correct size choice. Keep in mind that high ceilings, as well as square footage, will play a part in heating ability. Other factors include home insulation and the number of windows. Overall, the larger the room, the larger the fireplace needs to be to heat it well. Of course, if you are buying a replacement fireplace for an existing chimney area, this will determine the size needed.

In addition, fireplaces have choices in number of openings. They can be open on one side (the traditional choice,) as well as two (see-through, for enjoyment in two rooms at once,) three (peninsula,) or four sides (oasis).

General Quality Considerations

In general, high quality fireplaces include the following features: strong and solid construction, heavy duty faces, quality materials (including brick, stone, and marble,) and EPA-certification. In gas and electric fireplaces, realistic flames are another measure of sound workmanship. Ceramic glass doors with frames of brass, stainless, or other high quality materials are a top of the line option. Heavy-duty steel grates are another high end addition. The more features designed to increase heating efficiency, such as blower fans, heavy duty doors, and insulation, the better the fireplace.

Installation and Maintenance – Safety First

Keep in mind that gas and wood burning fireplaces are subject to rigorous safety codes on a local and state level and require permits for construction and installation. They also require regular maintenance in order to operate properly and safely. It is vital to have a wood or gas fireplace installed and maintained by a qualified, licensed, and experienced professional. Electric fireplaces generally need no installation other than plugging them in.

Running Costs

Running costs are difficult to quantify, since they depend on the cost of gas vs. electricity in your area, and wood availability for you. If you have a free source of firewood, a wood burning fireplace can be a great inexpensive and renewable fuel choice. A well-insulated house will increase the efficiency and lower the cost of any fuel option.

When most people think of wood burning fireplaces, they call to mind the cozy tradition of relaxing and watching flames dance on a cold winter night. However, old style open wood burning fireplaces actually pollute our atmosphere, aren’t effective at providing heat for a room, and are even banned in some areas. Therefore, in buying a new fireplace, you’ll want to move beyond this style to the newer, technologically-advanced, EPA-certified versions which burn with substantially less smoke and vastly greater heating efficiency. You’ll still get the ambience you love, without the pollution and with the benefits of heating efficiency. Clean burning and EPA-certified fireplaces provide good heating, even for large rooms, when they are sized properly. Plentiful style and size options are available.

Installation: Since there are building and safety permits required, as well as local and state codes to meet, it is always recommended to have a fireplace professionally installed. Manufactured units are simpler and less expensive to install than masonry, since masonry has higher labor and material costs. Proper installation is vital for a wood burning fireplace to work safely at top efficiency. The extent of construction required will determine the cost of installation of a new wood burning fireplace.

Maintenance: These fireplaces are more labor intensive than the other options. You’ll need a supply of wood and will have to start the fire, adding more wood as needed. Cleaning ashes is also a necessity. Burning harder seasoned woods will usually keep a fire going longer, as well as help prevent creosote build-up in your flue. You should always have fireplaces and chimneys inspected and cleaned annually by a certified professional.

Bottom Line: A wood burning fireplace is the traditional choice for someone who loves the look, feel, and smell of burning wood, regardless of the extra work involved with collecting and storing wood. Invest in a clean burning model and enjoy your treasured fireplace guilt-free. You’ll enjoy the heating savings too.

Gas fireplaces are popular options. They turn on with the flip of a switch, making them far more convenient to use than wood burning fireplaces. Many are also available with remote controls and wall thermostats. They are clean burning and efficient at providing heat. Both liquid propane or natural gas versions are available. There are many models, sizes and styles. However, even the best ones don’t offer the same flame look as a wood fire.

There are both direct vent and unvented gas fireplaces available. Direct vent fireplaces use zero-clearance technology, meaning they don’t need chimneys or foundations (very little space is needed between the unit and combustible materials.) A direct vent allows all of the combustion gases and moisture to leave your home. Venting is usually though a wall or roof, allowing more flexibility than if a chimney was required. They are also easier to install than units with a chimney and give you greater placement options.

Unvented options are not recommended. Usually they will not meet state or local codes, since they can allow dangerous by-products and odors to build in your home. Moisture can also build, causing mold. In addition, they burn less attractive fires.

Installation: A gas fireplace can be installed anywhere that a gas line is available, both in the middle of a room or along an outside wall. Only HVAC contractors or licensed plumbers are permitted to run gas lines. It is important to have a gas fireplace installed by a licensed professional in order to meet safety codes.

Maintenance: The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) recommends an annual inspection of the burner, fan, venting, pilot light and thermostat.

Bottom Line: If convenience is more important than the look of a wood-burning fire, these are a great option. You’re sure to find a style that you find attractive. As long as you choose a vented option, these are a sound and energy-efficient choice.

Electric fireplaces are a great choice for ambience and heating at the flick of a switch. An electric fireplace is a great, flexible option with little to no installation costs. There is no need for a chimney or venting, so one can be added almost anywhere that has access to an electric outlet. In addition, many models offer the option of having the decorative fire turned on while the heating element is off, a nice feature for warm days and nights. Additional features include remote controls, wall thermostats, and adjustable flames.

Installation: No installation is required as long as an outlet is available. If you are on a budget, the lack of installation costs could be a deciding factor in favor of electric models.

Maintenance: Virtually no maintenance is required.

Bottom line: For the greatest convenience and lowest installation costs, an electric fireplace can be the best choice for you. These are ideal for smaller spaces or secondary fireplaces, such as in a bedroom, home office, or even a bathroom.

Wood burning and gas inserts fit into old fireplaces and make use of an existing flue, though some modifications may be necessary. These are generally used to replace old style, polluting, and inefficient open wood burning fireplaces. Inserts can transform these fireplaces into environmentally sound choices that provide great heat and performance.

Installation: Installation parameters depend on the particular style and specifications, but generally will require less labor and expense than starting from scratch. Professional installation is still recommended, since local and state codes will apply.

Maintenance: Depending on insert type, please see either the wood burning or gas section of this guide.

Bottom Line: Inserts are a popular and cost-effective option for converting an old fireplace into one that meets your heating and performance needs. For more on inserts, please see our Wood Burning Stoves Buying Guide.