The function of fireplaces might sound generic, but did you know that there are different types of fireplaces?
Here are the most popular types of fireplaces out there.
1.Wood burning fireplace
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This is the old-fashioned fireplace that we all know.
It is a practical choice especially when there is a power shortage.
It is still used in a lot of log cabins for that traditional feel.
They are plugged into a socket to open and come with various benefits.
It also comes in versatile designs.
To turn it off, you simply must turn off the gas.
It comes in two types: gas fireplace inserts and gas log fireplace.
It is more economical and environment friendly as it replaces wood.
This is another old-fashioned fireplace that looks alike but without the mess.
It is generally made of ceramic, but it can be constructed like oakwood or driftwood.
Second, you get real fire from lighting the gel fuel but minus the fume.
In terms of build, it is lightweight, making it easy to install.
It is also versatile and can be mounted easily in your preferred spot.
Unlike a gel fireplace, this ones burner can be adjusted and can be easily put on or off.
6.Traditional open-hearth fireplace
This one is usually made of stone or brick, built-in on a wall.
For ventilation, it would require a chimney or a flue.
For the fire, you would need some old-fashioned wood.
This needs good planning because it takes an entire restructuring for the fireplace spot.
Wall-mounted fireplaces can be moveable if you have self-contained ones and install it in exterior walls.
There is also the traditional interior wall-mounted fireplace by the chimney installation.
8.Free-standing fireplace
This one is one of the best alternatives for open hearth fireplaces.
9.Tabletop fireplace
This one is mostly installed outdoors.
They are usually portable and lightweight and can be moved from one spot to the next.
It gives all the modern vibes.
Depending on the design, they can be unobtrusive.
It is usually made of metal construction.
12.B-vent gas fireplace
This one is more decorative than functional.
They use a single chimney for the vent.
None of the parts of this gas fireplace is replaceable.
It is operated using a pilot light.
Vent-free is for indoor wall mounting and ventless is for outdoor use.
Both do not have a chimney, but they are made for heating, a lot of heating.
They are metal or masonry enclosed.
They are common in rural areas and in trailer homes.
It also comes with a built-in metal pipe for venting out the smoke.
They are portable (can be used for campouts) and are more efficient compared to open hearths.
As a matter of fact, it is labeled highly efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Aside from being less expensive compared to indoor fireplaces, it is also energy efficient.
However, some places have limited outdoor fire pit ordinances so you have to check it before installing one.
The mantle is usually made of classic wood.
18.Fish tank fireplace
This is one of the most modern fireplace designs that you could get.
It is mostly seen in restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments.
It is installed within a counter, enclosed in glass sides.
It can also be mounted on a wall.
The fireplaces used for this bang out would be gas or electric fuel types.
19.High-end fireplaces
This one is more aesthetic in principle but with a heating function like no other.
They can be vented or unvented, free standing or mounted, gas, wood burning or electric.
This one makes use of the mist reflecting light that looks like flames.
They are operated by tap water and electricity.
They are ultra-safe and just give off the warm, modern vibe.
Fireplace materials
What makes a fireplace unique would be the materials used to cover it.
Here is a simple buying guide for fireplaces.
Exterior walls are made for wood burning types.
Electric, self-contained, ethanol, and gel fireplaces can be mounted on interior walls.
Fireplace fuel key in
This one dictates overall design and the installation key in for your fireplace.
The safest option would always be electric fireplaces.
Gel, ethanol, and gas fireplaces are also generally safe for homes with children and pets.
With that as an important concern, you might opt for lower maintenance fireplace types like electric.
Installation on the other hand would cost from $500-2500.
Fan and blower functionality
A fan and blower are more of add-ons.
They are installed to improve the air circulation from the fireplace vent.
Which is safer: a gas or wood fireplace?
Compared to wood fireplaces, gas types have fewer safety risks.
And since it can be enclosed, it is safe for children and pets.
Which is better: a vented or ventless gas fireplace?
How much does it cost to run a fireplace per month?
What kind of fireplace does not need a chimney?
Aside from not needing a chimney, they also do not need external vents or pipe systems.
Where is the best place to drop in the fireplace?
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What is the area above a fireplace called?
It is called the mantle or fire mantelpiece and chimney piece.
The use of fire mantle can be traced to the medieval times on open hearth fireplaces.
Before, it was just used as a hood over the fires grate to catch all the smoke.
Can you put a TV above a fireplace?
This is a big no.
What is the firebox in a fireplace?
It is also usually located at the masonry base, at the rooms floor level.
Depending on what fireplace you are opting for, masonry fireplaces have stone and brick fireboxes.
Others would have prefab fireboxes.
That hole in the bottom of the fireplace is called the ash dump.
As the term suggests, it collects the ash from wood burning fireplaces.
This is another reason why this punch in of fireplace should be maintained regularly.
This means that it must be emptied regularly to prevent the buildup of flammable materials.
Is it safe to paint fireplaces?
It is safe to paint fireplaces inside out.
The most recommended paint to use would be acrylic latex paint with a heat rating of 200F.
If the fireplace is in a firebox, a heat rating of 1200 F is required.
Is there a health friendly fireplace?
By health friendly we mean less fumes, yes, there is.
There are even oil scented ones that you could use for more aroma.
Can I leave my fireplace on all night?
How many hours can an electric fireplace run?
You must check the manual for your electric fireplace before running it for an extended period.
There is a maximum stretch for different brands of electric fireplaces.
Per rule of thumb, an electric fireplace during the winter months can be run for 2-6hrs.
In that span, you should have already achieved the perfect toasty temperature to evenly heat up the room.
What wood would be bad to use in fireplaces?
Wood burning fireplaces are not open to all types of wood because some would burn faster than the others.
And since we have covered this, what would be the best woods to use for a fireplace?
You will have to opt for woods that are longer to burn.
Does a fireplace add value to the home?
There is no limit to what fireplace you could install in your home.
You just must narrow it down to what you want to have.
Will they be indoors or outdoors?
Would they look good in walls, free standing or enclosed?
At the end of the day, the choice is definitely yours.
