5 types of fireplaces for condos and houses
By Lucas on Dec 22, 2016
It’s already dropped to around -20 degrees celsius and we’re just getting started with winter here in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). If you don’t have a fireplace to curl up in front of this winter, we bet you wish you did. If you’re thinking of getting one, you have to do a lot of research because there are many options these days.
Here are five types of fireplaces that can heat you up and set the mood at home.
1) Wood burning fireplaces
The first kind of fireplace that ever existed was wood burning and it’s still very popular even in some new homes. You just can’t beat the look, smell, and feeling of a wood fire. It does have its drawbacks though. For instance, wood burning fireplaces require a lot of maintenance and there are hazards like jumping embers.
Depending on your home, it’s likely impossible to even install a wood burning fireplace because of the need of a chimney. If you don’t feel like tearing up a whole section of your home, then you should just cross a wood burning fireplace off your wishlist right now.
2) Gas fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are probably the most common type of fireplace you’ll find in a new home. They’re quick and easy, require no maintenance and they look like the real thing. Some gas fireplaces do require chimneys, but direct vent and ventless gas fireplaces don’t.
You also save a lot of time and money with a gas fireplace because you don’t have to buy logs and you can turn the flame on with the flick of a switch or push of a button. Though you can install a chimneyless version, a gas fireplace can still be an expensive retrofit. If you’re buying a preconstruction home and there’s an option for a gas fireplace, definitely ask about the upgrade.
3) Electric fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are great for condo units because they come in a variety of sizes and styles that are easily mountable on the wall. All you have to do is plug it in and you have a fireplace. It won’t look like your traditional fireplace, but it will create flames and affect the ambiance of any room.
4) Netflix 4K fireplace
The Netflix 4K fireplace is for anyone with a Netflix account who does not want to spend money on a new fireplace. If you have a 4K television, then bonus, it may even look like the real thing. The sound effects actually do add to a room’s atmosphere. The 4K fireplace starts as a little flame and burns until the log is fully enveloped. It’s basically a slight improvement from your basic cable fireplace channel. 5) Ethanol fireplaces
We recommend an enclosed ethanol fireplace for home.We haven’t seen a lot of ethanol fireplaces in new construction homes yet, but they’re getting pretty popular. Ethanol burns clean and blue, so it has a more modern look. Ethanol fireplaces throw very little heat, so it’s more about the ambiance. There is a little bit of maintenance involved because they require refuelling and you need to do it carefully because, obviously, ethanol is flammable.Whichever fireplace you have or decide to go with, we hope it keeps you warm and brightens up your living space for the cold winter months!
