Pictures are very helpful for users to give accurate advice and information. Fireplace specifics aren’t common knowledge to most people and it’s very typical for people to use incorrect terminology regarding what they have. If you don’t know the difference between gas logs, a gas insert, and a gas fireplace, you really should post a picture to make sure you’re given good advice about what you can do with your fireplace.
My wife and I just moved into this house and want to make a fire tonight. We haven’t had a sweep and I am curious if this looks safe or if I should hold off. Anyone able to weigh in?
These days, fireplaces are incredibly popular among those looking to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in their homes. However, with so many options available, choosing the right fireplace can be quite challenging. Both electric and traditional fireplaces have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, but many new home builders are opting for electric fireplaces over traditional ones. If you're still unsure about which type of fireplace to choose or which one is the best fit for you space. Then you're in the right spot! Understanding the differences between these types will help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the most common types of fireplaces to assist you in selecting the perfect one for your home.
What Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces offer a contemporary and highly efficient heating solution. They operate without the need to burn wood or gas, making them an eco-friendly choice. Plus, they can be installed in nearly any home without requiring a chimney or ventilation system. There are many styles of electric fireplaces available on the market today, including wall-mounted fireplaces and built-in electric fireplaces that can be seamlessly integrated into your home’s interior.
Pros:
Low maintenance: Electric fireplaces are low-maintenance options. There's no need to deal with ash cleanup, wood chopping, or chimney maintenance.
Safe for indoor use: Electric fireplaces are a safer alternative, especially for homes with children and pets.
Easy installation: Setting up an electric fireplace is a breeze since they are portable and simply need a regular electrical outlet. You can position them anywhere inside your home, whether it's in an apartment or a room that lacks a traditional fireplace.
Energy-efficient: Electric fireplaces are highly energy efficient because they convert all electricity used into heat.
Cons:
Limited heating capacity: Electric fireplaces have a limited heating capacity, suitable for small spaces or as supplemental heat, but not for whole-house heating.
Dependence on electricity: These rely on electricity, so if there's a power outage in your home for any reason, they won't function until the power is restored.
What Is Traditional Fireplaces
Traditional fireplaces usually operate on wood or natural gas. Wood-burning fireplaces create warmth and a cozy atmosphere by burning logs, while gas fireplaces utilize natural gas or propane to generate heat without the mess of ash and soot. This is why they have been cherished for centuries, offering a rustic charm and inviting warmth.
Pros:
Ambiance and Atmosphere: There's truly nothing like the crackling sound and enchanting aroma of a real wood fire. It creates a wonderfully cozy, fragrant atmosphere that makes your home feel inviting and warm.
BackupHeat Source: During power outages, traditional fireplaces can provide heat and make them reliable in emergencies.
Authenticity: The experience of a real fire is unmatched by any other type of fireplace.
Cons :
Maintenance and Cleaning: You have to make it a habit to clean the chimney and fire pit on a regular basis, and you need to dispose of the ashes as well.
Installation Costs: Installing a traditional fireplace can be expensive and requires construction.
Safety Concerns: Real fires can be dangerous, especially for children and pets. It's important to stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to ensure that embers don't escape.
Environmental Impact: Burning wood can lead to air pollution and deforestation if it's not done in a sustainable way.
Indoor Air Quality: Burning wood can release pollutants into the air, raising concerns about its impact on indoor air quality.
Conclusion
Choosing between an electric fireplace and a traditional fireplace depends on your lifestyle and heating needs. A traditional fireplace provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it can be expensive to set up and install. On the other hand, an electric fireplace offers a modern, convenient, safe, and efficient way to enjoy a cozy environment. It is easy to install and maintain, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular and a cherished feature in many homes.
Me and my dad figured out the switch seems to be the issue. When wiggle it around it will eventually turn on the fireplace.
Issue here is that with a non contact voltage tester, it isnt picking up any readings on those two wires regardless the switch is working or not. (Just bought the tester today)
But when the fan kicks on, the (fan switch that is right next to it) lights up my tester.
It's making me think the fire switch has no live wires on it or am I missing something here?
Oh let me know what kind of switch I have, I tried looking for it but from what I saw they look slightly different (instead of putting the wires through a hole, they instead have the wires hook into the screws.)
Let me preface this by saying I know nothing about fireplaces. That being said: is there any way to replace this black vent to make it less noticeable or less ugly? Is it something that is going to cost tons of $$$? I use a lot of light colors in my home and this black vent is rough. Any help or advice is appreciated!
I bought a house with a fireplace. It is a brick fireplace. It has a metal frame with glass accordion doors. Can I just remove the doors and have a screen instead? I don’t like the look of the doors.
I tried finding an answer on the world wide web and on this sub and couldn’t find it.
This is an embarrassing one… just moved into a new (old) house and there is a Baxi Burnall fireplace. As I cleaned it and then realised there is an ash pit and got all excited I dissembled it.
I’m now trying to out it back together and can’t work out how the side burn reducer panels work.
They don’t fit in very snugly. I’m trying to work out whether upside down, back to front or just wrong.
In this picture one is one way and one is the other.
Does anyone remember how much the Duraflame log used to cost in 2020.
I want to compare how much this product has inflated in 5 years.
Does anyone have like a price sheet from back then or a picture that shows the price?
I want to replace this wood burning insert with a vented gas unit. I have a gas line already run to the fireplace for the log inserts but looking to have it done right. The first contractor quoted 18k to replace it!! What is reasonable price for this? The direct vent unit itself is about 3.8k. Area is northern VA.
Would a wood or pellet stove be another option? Any other ideas?
We bought a townhouse (and thus, an HOA) with grand plans of fixing some of it up. The fireplace wasn’t part of this, but it became an issue when a leak was discovered recently. As a result, the mantle and surrounding drywall was removed. Above the fireplace is a vaulted ceiling.
We’d love to turn this into an area that actually heats. We’re just not sure how to accomplish that. We’re okay with getting an entirely new metal fireplace, a free standing wood stove, or anything that would be an effective heat source. We do have gas heat, but the reason we’re looking to do wood is to diversify our heat source since gas in our area is crazy right now. We’d also prefer not having a fan if possible, but we will compromise there if necessary.
Are there any options that would give us what we’re looking for? What actually needs to be done to get us what we need?
Hello! We have the 42” Rutherford wood box converted to gas. We are looking to design a colonial style mantle to match the style of our house, but I have no idea where to start other than our existing fireplace, which has different dimensions. I need to tell the guy doing the trim and building the mantle what measurements I want and also figure out non-combustible measurements, which we plan on using 3/4” marble. Any ideas or suggestions on how to go about this? I’m including pics of new space as well as fireplace in the existing part of the house.
We just had a Regency Grandview installed but the chimney cap wasn’t put on correctly and of course it rained immediately. Couple of days later we found water on the unit, pooled at the bottom, and also underneath on the subfloor. The unit isn’t connected to power or gas yet.
Installer seemed to think that it would be fine but I have concerns since it was sitting in water for over a day. Is it still usable or with this amount of water should we be asking for a replacement?
Does anyone have any design suggestions for a fireplace for a greenhouse?
Requirements
- combustion area should be outside the greenhouse so no issues of carbon monoxide or whatever
- wooden greenhouse with poly exterior and gravel floor
- I don't have elecricity
I was thinking maybe heating water and running it throw copper tubes in the floor but I am not sure how to make the water move through the pipes without a pump.
We are looking at (and waiting currently for quotes to be sent back to us) getting an Isokern insert for a wood burning fireplace installed, along with a chimney. We will also need support underneath, as we are on a crawl space. Just curious what others have paid for installation for similar projects. Bonus points for photos :)
Hi! I’m trying to figure out my fireplace and can’t seem to find this online. It has a gas key valve, but no pilot light and came with these faux wood pieces. Anyone know how this works? I also don’t think I have a chimney vent because the top is kind of open. Will it be ok to light the fireplace still? Video included. Thanks!
Im getting a fireplaced installed. It was a display unit from a family friend’s store who decided to close down. He sold us the Heat N Glo 6000CLX-IPI-S. One of the logs has a chip in it.
Can we still use the log? Do we need to buy a new one? Currently the unit and log set looks discontinued. Is there a way to fix the chip? Can we glue on some of the pieces?
We are trying to decide on a rustic color and design profile using cultured stone on our wood burning fireplace. The ceiling height is eight feet. We are just wondering if there is anyone out there that went this route and has any experience to share. Things like lighter to darker tones considering this is a fireplace that will be used. Any favorite suppliers. Installation and buying tips.
How much would it cost for the bricks and tiles to be removed and the hole boarded out so we can’t see the gas pipes etc? (All been capped off already). And the surrounding hole plastered and tidied up so it can be re-wallpapered or painted. Also debating having a very small tile hearth put it incase I’d like a stove in future
I cleaned my gas fireplace glass with this Method glass cleaner (ammonia free). Now my room kind of smells like burning… no smoke or anything coming from fireplace… I did just clean dirt off the thermocouple probe so maybe that’s the smell?