How To Choose a Home Fireplace

The crackling warmth of a fireplace can transform any house into a cozy home. However, with options ranging from traditional wood-burning hearths to modern electric models, selecting the right one can be challenging. 

This guide, featuring insights from This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and expert Alan Davis, will walk you through the various fireplace options. We’ll explore the benefits and considerations of each type to help you choose the best home fireplace for your space and lifestyle.

Types of Home Fireplaces

The first thing to consider when choosing a fireplace is what kind of fuel it will burn—or whether it will be electric. Homeowners have four basic options to choose from—wood-burning, gas, pellet, or electric. Each offers distinct advantages in terms of ambiance, heat output, and maintenance requirements.

You can also choose from a range of styles and setups beyond traditional chimney fireplaces. If you already have a wood-burning fireplace, you can upgrade to a more efficient gas insert or a smoke-free gas log set. For those without a chimney, zero-clearance fireplaces and freestanding stoves are excellent options.

Understanding all of the fuel options and setup styles will help you navigate the wide array of fireplace choices and find the perfect fit for your home.

Traditional Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces are the classic choice for many homeowners, offering an authentic experience with crackling flames and the scent of burning wood. However, they come with some drawbacks:

• Low efficiency: As Alan Davis points out, traditional wood-burning fireplaces are only about 15% efficient. They lend a cozy ambiance to your space, but they aren’t the best option for heating.
• Maintenance: Wood-burning fireplaces require regular chimney cleaning. You also have to deal with the ashes left behind.
• Wood storage: Firewood needs to be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. You’ll need a covered outdoor storage area as well as some space indoors next to the fireplace.
• Heat loss: When the fireplace isn’t in use, it can make your house colder by drawing warm air out—even if the damper is closed. Most dampers don’t create a perfect seal.

Despite these challenges, many homeowners still prefer the charm of a wood-burning fireplace.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces offer a convenient alternative to wood-burning models, providing instant heat and uniform flames at the flip of a switch. There are several types of gas fireplaces to consider:

• Gas log sets: Gas logs are designed to mimic the look of a wood-burning fire but use natural gas or propane as fuel. They are easy to operate and sit inside your existing hearth, with no need for wood or cleanup. However, gas log sets are not an improvement in terms of efficiency and won’t do much to reduce your heating costs.
• Gas inserts: Gas inserts are a more efficient option for those with existing fireplaces. These units slide into the existing fireplace opening. They use outside air for combustion and vent directly outside, preserving indoor air quality and achieving 70–82% efficiency.
• Zero-clearance gas fireplaces: Zero-clearance gas units can be built into almost any wall, making them the perfect solution for homes without an existing fireplace. They vent directly through an exterior wall and offer a high efficiency similar to gas inserts.

Some modern gas fireplaces come with smart home integration, allowing you to control them via smartphone apps or voice commands. Additionally, many models offer the option of a battery backup, ensuring your gas fireplace can still provide heat during power outages.

Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves burn compressed sawdust pellets as an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. A hopper feeds the pellets into the stove, and you can adjust the feed rate to achieve the desired temperature. Wood pellets burn cleaner, producing less smoke and ash than wood, but they require electricity to operate. Unless you have a battery backup, they won’t provide heat during a power outage.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are the most versatile and easy-to-install fireplace option. Just plug them into an existing outlet, and you’re good to go. Since they don’t burn fuel, you can use them in any room without needing to install a vent. This makes them an especially popular option for apartments, condos, and rental properties. 

With an electric fireplace, heat is optional. You can enjoy the ambiance of a fire year-round without affecting your home’s temperature. Many models can even be moved easily from room to room, like a portable space heater.

Freestanding Stoves

Freestanding stoves combine the best elements of both traditional and modern fireplace designs, giving your space a warm focal point without the commitment of a built-in fireplace. These versatile units can go almost anywhere, and you don’t need a major home renovation to install them. Whether you’re into the cozy crackle of wood, the convenience of gas, or the plug-and-play ease of electric, you can find a freestanding stove that fits the bill.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Fireplace

When selecting a fireplace for your home, several factors should influence your decision.

Heating Efficiency

If your primary goal is to heat your home, gas inserts and zero-clearance fireplaces are the best option at 70–82% efficiency. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces and gas log sets are the least efficient, while pellet stoves fall somewhere in the middle.

Installation Requirements

Gas log sets and gas inserts require an existing fireplace and chimney with proper venting. Zero-clearance gas fireplaces also require venting, but they can be installed in most walls. Electric fireplaces are the most versatile, requiring only an electrical outlet.

Fuel Availability and Cost

Consider the availability and cost of fuel in your area. Not all homes have access to natural gas or propane, and wood or wood pellets must be purchased and stored. Electricity is the most convenient option but can be costly depending on local rates.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Different fireplaces require varying levels of upkeep. Wood-burning fireplaces take the most work, including regular ash removal and chimney cleaning. Pellet stoves have burn pots and ash pans that must be cleaned regularly. Gas fireplaces require minimal cleaning but should be inspected periodically by a professional. Electric fireplaces require no maintenance beyond an occasional dusting.

Aesthetics and Home Design

Wood-burning fireplaces provide a classic look, while pellet stoves typically have a utilitarian appearance. Gas and electric fireplaces come in a wide range of styles. Many designs mimic the look of a wood-burning fireplace, but others have a sleek, modern look. Similarly, freestanding stoves are available in both contemporary and traditional designs.

To select the best fireplace for your home, consider its primary purpose and your home’s existing infrastructure.  If you already have a gas connection, Davis recommends sticking with gas options due to their convenience and efficiency. For those without existing fireplaces, zero-clearance gas units or electric fireplaces offer flexible installation options.

Innovations in Fireplace Technology

Recent advancements in fireplace technology have provided homeowners with more options than ever before.

Smart Fireplaces

Smart fireplaces integrate with home automation systems, allowing users to control the fireplace using a smartphone or voice commands. They may also include features like remote temperature adjustments, flame height control, and even the ability to schedule usage times, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Options

With growing environmental concerns, there has been an increase in eco-friendly fireplace options. These include electric models with LED “flames,” bioethanol fireplaces that burn clean fuel, and highly efficient pellet stoves. These innovations aim to reduce the carbon footprint while providing a cozy ambiance.

Customizable Features

Modern fireplaces often come with a range of customizable features. From different flame colors and styles to varied surround materials like stone, metal, or wood, homeowners can tailor their fireplace to match their personal taste and home decor.

Our Conclusion

Choosing the right fireplace involves balancing efficiency, aesthetics, and practicality. While traditional wood-burning fireplaces offer unparalleled ambiance, gas and electric options are more convenient and often more efficient. Consider your home’s layout, your heating needs, and local regulations to make the best choice for your living space. Innovations in technology and an ever-increasing range of designs mean that there is a perfect fireplace out there for every homeowner.