Fireplaces Types
Years ago when there was no electricity, fireplaces were a necessity in every house. They were used to light up the room, warm it, and cook the food. Today, when electrical appliances fill out all of these functionalities, fireplaces are mainly used to decorate the house and give it that special cozy romantic atmosphere. Fireplaces have a chimney to allow the byproducts of combustion to exit the house; they can heat up the room, and should function safely. It would be wise to locate your fireplace in a room where everyone can enjoy it, usually people cluster around a fireplace.
Some of the warm air in the house will go out through the chimney even when the fireplace is not lit, thus making you waste more energy trying to heat the house. A fireplace will add to the cost of a new house, on the other hand, when you sell your house, it will be worth more with a fireplace. It requires periodical maintenance and cleaning of the chimney. It can be dangerous if not used or installed properly, or if children have free access to it.
Fireplaces Types
Long ago fireplaces were made of stone and brick, today, they can be built with other materials. The main types of fireplaces are:
Masonry fireplaces
These are the old classic fireplaces, made of stone and brick, and are still very popular today. The bricks are firebricks, that can stand high temperatures created when wood or other fuels are burned. It has dampers to regulate the air flow into the chimney. These fireplaces are expensive, but once installed they are very durable, and the maintenance is minimal. They are very beautiful, and will add a lot to the house overall appearance, and to its value.
Masonry and steel box fireplaces
Masonry and steel box fireplaces are all the same as masonry fireplaces, except the box in which the fuel is to be burned, is prefabricated of steel instead of firebricks. They are less expensive than the all masonry fireplace, but look as impressive.
Circulating fireplaces
The circular fireplace consists of a steel shell with firebox and damper. The steel shell is much more effective, it circulates the hot air into the room or adjacent area, thus providing twice the heat of a conventional fireplace. Some manufacturers offer increased effectiveness by installing fans in the grills.
Prefabricated built in fireplace
Prefabricated fireplaces are made of a steel firebox complete with hearth, damper, and chimney. Their overall price is lower, since they reduce the prices of construction. Check the manufacturer installation guide for the compatibility of your floor to the fireplace.
Freestanding fireplaces
These are the least expensive fireplaces, and are the easiest to install. They are usually made of a cast of iron or steel, and come in a wide variety of shapes. All it takes is to place it somewhere on the floor and run a flue through the roof or the closest exterior wall.
Wood burning stove fireplaces
If you the heating function is more important to you than the decorative function, the wood or coal burning fireplace is a good option. It is made of steel or cast iron, they can provide almost the full available heat from wood or coal combustion. Their installation costs are low.
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