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Whether you’re looking for extra warmth in your home or you’re after the ambiance of a crackling fire, fireplace installation can provide several benefits. Choosing between a gas, wood, or electric fireplace can be challenging for many homeowners since there are pros to each. Learn about the key benefits of fireplace installation and the major differences between several types of fireplaces.
Contrary to what many people believe, fireplace installation isn’t just meant for the colder months in Virginia. While a fireplace offers welcome warmth during brisk winters, its value extends well beyond the heating season. A fireplace can always enhance your home’s ambiance, serve as a charming focal point for gatherings, or even provide a convenient heat source during those cooler summer nights. No matter the season, an indoor fireplace adds lasting aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, making it a wise investment for Richmond homeowners year-round.
Installing a fireplace is a great investment. If you’re on the fence about a gas, wood or electric fireplace, consider these benefits when weighing your decision:
Throughout history, fires functioned as a place of warmth, comfort, and socialization for humans. In a study at the University of Alabama, fires have mental and physical health benefits. The tranquil crackling and captivating flames have a relaxing effect through a multi-sensory, social, and absorptive experience. The study showed that gathering around a fire not only decreased anxiety but also increased the inclination to socialize. Furthermore, the study showed that watching a fire decreased blood pressure.
Depending on the type of fireplace you choose, it can help lower your energy bills during the colder months, especially if the fireplace is installed in a central room of the home. For example, turning on a gas fireplace in a commonly used area of the home can help reduce the urge to turn up the thermostat for the entire house. Even with the expense of gas as a fuel source, it can still be more cost-effective than heating the whole house.
Whether your fireplace is eco-friendly depends on the type. If you like the appeal of a fireplace but are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to a traditional wood-burning one, gas or electric are great options. The added heat of a gas or electric fireplace can save energy consumption via zone heating. While gas fireplaces emit a small amount of greenhouse gases, electric fireplaces don’t require the burning of wood or gas as fuel sources, so they are emission-free on-site.
Adding a fireplace to your home can increase its value both financially and intrinsically, especially in states that undergo seasonal changes, like Virginia. Functional fireplaces are highly sought after for their energy-saving benefits during the colder months, whereas in the warmer months, they are valued for the comfort and enjoyment they bring to your daily life. According to Redfin, homes with fireplaces were listed for 13% more than the national median home sale price. Keep in mind that the ability to install a fireplace in your home depends on the layout and configuration. It’s best to consult an installation professional at Hearth and Home Shoppe for a thorough evaluation.
Choosing the right fireplace for your home ultimately comes down to personal preference. Each type has certain benefits and drawbacks.
While traditional fireboxes or wood-burning fireplaces provide a multi-sensory, aesthetically pleasing experience, they are the least eco-friendly option. The wood-burning process emits smoke and pollutants into the atmosphere. The demand for wood and deforestation are also concerns.
Although wood-burning fireplaces provide a significant amount of heat in one room, the exhaust from the chimney can result in a net heat loss from the home, making them inefficient compared to a gas or electric fireplace. Regardless, wood-burning fireplaces are a cost-effective option if wood is readily available and the fireplace will be the main heat source for your home.
If you are looking for an EPA-certified wood-burning fireplace option with low emissions, consider getting a wood-burning fireplace insert. Fireplace inserts fit into existing wood-burning fireplaces, and blowers are used to circulate heat more efficiently. Most wood inserts use air wash technology and air wash technology so that you can enjoy the view and heat of the fire without exposing the home to excess emissions. Hearth and Home Shoppe offers the FLAIR 34, which extends the burn time, uses less wood, and provides even heating with a dual-fan system.
Wood stoves are also a highly efficient option. They are typically composed of cast iron or steel and can produce an immense amount of heat in one room, limiting the need for central heating. A small chimney pipe is used for venting, eliminating excess emissions in the home.
Gas fireplaces are much more convenient to operate than wood-burning fireplaces. Since they are clean-burning, they are easier to clean than wood-burning fireplaces. Gas is generally a more efficient fuel source than wood, saving you on your energy bill. While gas still produces emissions, it is considered an eco-friendly alternative to wood-burning fireplaces. While gas fireplaces don’t have the same aesthetic appeal as traditional wood-burning ones, there are many beautiful designs to choose from.
Similar to wood-burning fireplaces, there are many gas-burning options, from stoves to inserts, including gas logs, for added aesthetic appeal. Each log set has a burner that uses either gas or propane. Log sets come in two options: vented or vent-free. If you are looking for an authentic, realistic wood-burning effect without the clean-up, vented gas logs are a great option. Stop by our Hearth and Home Shoppe showroom, where you can experience the appeal of gas fireplaces, including gas stoves and inserts.
Since electric fireplaces don’t produce emissions or negatively impact indoor air, they are considered the most environmentally friendly option. Electric fireplaces offer a realistic flame effect without producing open flames, reducing fire hazard risk and creating safer spaces for homes with children and pets. Electric fireplace options are generally more cost-effective than wood or gas fireplaces, from initial investment to maintenance costs. However, since it takes electricity to power the fireplace, you may not necessarily have a lower energy bill. While heat output isn’t as strong as a wood or gas fireplace, electric fireplaces are excellent choices for targeted heating. Check out our electric fireplace options for a style that suits your home best.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the mental relaxation benefits of a crackling fireplace or would like to practice zone heating during the winter, Hearth and Home Shoppe is your one-stop shop for all things fireplaces. We have a wide selection to choose from in our showroom and can provide fireplace installation throughout the majority of Central Virginia. For more information about your new fireplace, schedule an appointment, and our team of professionals will be happy to walk you through the first steps to creating a cozier home.
8151 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Next to Cold Harbor Restaurant and Cold Harbor Antiques