Consider These Options in Fireplaces
When you picture the ideal living room in your mind, what
usually comes to mind? Among other things, probably
there's a fireplace in your ideal room, isn't there? For some
reason, a fireplace has such a magical mystique that almost
nobody dislikes one. It enhances the room, it keeps
you warm, it draws the family together, and let's face it:
It improves the resale value of the house. What's more,
there are so many options available these days that just shopping
for a fireplace can be an experience in itself. If you
don't have the magic of a fireplace in your living room (or
den or dining room), but want it, here are some things to
look for when you go shopping.
1)
Gas Fireplace. Of course, when we think of
fireplaces, we tend to think of the wood-burning variety.
After alll, that's traditional. However, many people
who are remodeling their house, or who have bought
a newly-constructed home, are opting for the gas fireplace.
And for good reason. The gas fireplace is as beautiful as
a wood fireplace, but much simpler to use. It's also
quite affordable. The gas fireplace works with "gas
logs." These provide for a heating process that
is designed to help keep your energy costs to a minimum.
One of the most popular varieties of gas fireplace is the
self-contained unit. This one has glass doors plus
blowers. The blowers ensure that the warm air is circulated
evenly around the room. A gas fireplace will typically cost
somewhere between $1,500 and $5,000, depending on
how elaborate the unit is that you select.
2)
Pre-Engineered Wood Fireplace. This one looks
for all the world like a genuine masonry fireplace from
years gone by. However, unlike those traditional wood-burning
fireplaces, this one is totally insulated. Therefore,
it can be installed quite close to combustible materials
and be perfectly safe. But for many people, the real
beauty of this one is its affordability: It will only
run you about $500 (give or take a little) to install one.
And they usually come with gas logs, or at least a gas lighter
kit.
3)
Gas Lighter Kit. We've already mentioned
the use of this with the pre-engineered wood fireplace.
No matter what sort of wood fireplace you have, this kit
will save you a lot of time. It's connected to a gas
line which you install inside the fireplace. After
you set the wood logs inside, you just turn on the gas for
a minute or two to start the fire. Once the fire is going,
you shut it off, and the wood will burn by itself. A plumber
will generally install the line for you.
4)
Gas Log System. This is something else you'll
want to check out if you go with a wood-burning fire place.
If you dread the mess of wood (not to mention the cost),
this sytem is installed in the fireplace and comes with
authentic looking logs that are actually made of ceeramic.
To start the fire, you just turn on the gas and BOOM! Instant
"log" on fire. One of the benefits of this
system is that you can control the room's temperature almost
as if you were using a thermostat control. Some people
are turned off by the fact that a ceramic log can run as
much as $500, but keep in mind that a ceramic log will last
a long time, because even when you turn it off, the heat
will still emanate from it for some time.
So
if your house currently lacks the magic and charm of a fireplace
now is the time to correct that deficiency. Mark these
words: You will never regret installing a fireplace.