Want A Fireplace? Some Of Your Questions Answered
With rising heating costs across the nation, many homeowners are looking for ways to efficiently maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes. One feature that may be a good option for your home is a fireplace. If you're considering adding a fireplace to your home, you'll find the answers to some of your questions listed below.
Why choose a fireplace to supplement your home heating system?
One way a fireplace helps to reduce the cost of heating your home is through zone heating. Zone heating is when you heat the area of your home where you spend most of your time. Rather than maintaining a thermostat temperature of 70 degrees throughout the entire home, you can dial it back and still stay comfy and warm in the room with the fireplace.
Do you need a chimney for a fireplace?
Generally speaking, any kind of fireplace that you install will need some sort of ventilation shaft. This could be a chimney built of masonry or a steel ventilation pipe system.
If you have an existing chimney that you plan to utilize, you may need to install a liner inside. This liner will help to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks that can occur in aging masonry chimneys. The liner is just as effective and safe as rebuilding the chimney from scratch, but a portion of the cost.
The only heating system that doesn't require a chimney of some sort is a direct vent fireplace. These are designed for use in situations where chimneys and piping cannot be installed.
The only way to truly know what you'll need to do to ensure safety and efficiency is to talk with your local fireplace installation professional for guidance.
What are the fuel sources to choose from?
These days, there are several options to choose from. Seasoned firewood, natural gas, pellet, or propane-fueled fireplaces are available. Many people opt for gas or propane because they don't have to store the piles of firewood or bags of pellets. The problem with gas or propane is the cost increases that are experienced each year.
Talk with your local fireplace professional to learn how a fireplace can help reduce the cost of heating your home this winter and how to use it safely and as efficiently as possible. Hopefully, you'll choose the fireplace that warms your home and provides you with the perfect glow to settle in with a good book on a cold winter day.
To find out more, contact a contractor or visit a site like http://www.villagefireplaceandbbq.com.