Door your headboard!

As the months begin to get a little chillier, it is natural that we start thinking of ways to keep our homes warm and cosy to cope with the onslaught of winter.

A fireplace is a great option – it looks good, adds value and can create a wonderfully warm and inviting ambience in your home.

Different types of fireplaces

Today, there is a plethora of various types of fireplaces to suit every style and budget. The various types of fireplaces include:

The electric fireplace: This is a great option for those on a tight budget – they are relatively inexpensive to purchase and no chimney is required, so it can be quickly and easily installed almost anywhere in the home. They are available in a variety of finishes comprising brick, stone, wood or marble. The cons of an electric fireplace is that it doesn't give off a very authentic aesthetic, it is not too energy-efficient, and of course, it won't work during power outages.

The direct vent fireplace: These fireplaces can easily be installed both indoors and outdoors. Direct vent fireplaces are available in a wide variety of different shapes, styles and sizes. The major benefit of a direct vent fireplace is that this kind of hearth does not affect the quality of the indoor air and therefore considered as being very efficient. It also doesn't require a chimney; instead a hole in the wall to fit the outlet pipe will be sufficient. The heat output for these fireplaces is exceptionally good.

The gas fireplace: Although comparatively costly, a gas fireplace is especially user-friendly, convenient and energy-efficient. It doesn't require the user to constantly add logs to keep it going, and it doesn't need to be cleaned out after use – all you need to do is click a button and you can enjoy the benefits of a warm fireplace whenever you desire. Top-end models even come with a remote control, so you don't even have to get out of the couch to switch it on. Although gas fireplaces won't give you the characteristic crackle of an authentic fire, modern simulated logs and coals do give off a very authentic appearance. Natural or propane gas is used to run gas fireplaces, which makes them usable through power outages and flame-failure devices make them safe to use as well.

The vent-free fireplace: Also called as ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) fireplaces, the vent-free fireplace is relatively new on the market. The gas is linked directly to the hearth, which makes the flame burn without a vent, and as such, the gas burns cleanly and extremely cost-effectively. Since there is no need for any form of vent of chimney, these fireplaces can be positioned anywhere and they create a very dramatic look. But the heat output on these fires is not the greatest.

The wood-burning fireplace: This is the oldest and arguably the most popular type of fireplace and the only real choice for genuine fireplace aficionados – the crackling of burning wood and the cosy ambience created by real flames are really unbeatable traits. On the downside, however, you will need to lug wooden logs indoors to keep a constant supply at hand, and once you have stacked the wood and started the fire, you will require to continuously top it up with wood to keep it burning. Also, stray sparks from the fire can damage furniture, rugs and carpets, and these fireplaces need to be cleaned out after each use. The heat output is impressive though and so is the authentic fireside feel, making the extra work well worth it.

Energy-saving features

Fireplaces with higher efficiency ratings have the following common features – check to see if the one you are intending to purchase has any of them:

- Direct vent fireplace
- Ceramic glass
- Intermittent or automatic electronic ignition system
- Secondary heat exchanger
- Insulated outer casing
- A quiet cage-type circulating fan
- Automatic or variable setting control to control the temperature

Fireplace buying tips

Before you make any purchase decisions, make sure you familiarise yourself with the following information about each fireplace, compare them all and then you will be able to make a well-informed decision on which fireplace offers the best value for money and which suits your needs best:

- What kind of energy efficiency rating does the fireplace have? Energy efficiency is expressed in a percentage; the higher the percentage, the higher the energy efficiency. Fireplaces range from around 20% to 70%.
- Work out what budget you can afford and which style of fireplace will best suit your home's decor.
- You will need to also work out where the fireplace will be installed and this will determine the size of the fireplace.
- Work out what the installations costs will be, over and above the purchase price - it is essential that your fireplace is installed by a registered professional.
- Compare what kind of warranties the various retailers offer. - Antonella Dési

Pictures

Images courtesy of:

- Finest Fires
- Heatwave
- Jetmaster
- Morso
- Natural Stone Warehouse

For more information click here to visit the Finest Fires website.
For more information click here to visit the Heatwave website.
For more information click here to visit the Jetmaster website.
For more information click here to visit the Morso website.
For more information click here to visit the Natural Stone Warehouse website.

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