If you have just bought a new house or are renovating your own then heating will be an important matter, especially as the cold winter months draw near.
There are such a wide range of choices on the market today that it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you decide to install a modern gas and electric fireplace or prefer the traditional look of an antique fireplace,
or even opt for a wood burning and multi-fuel stove. Decide your fireplace carefully to match the period and style of your home and your budget.
Not so many years ago fireplaces had only one function, to keep the house warm and heated, now days they also provide decoration and appeal to a home along with warmth and heat. Home buyers see a fireplace as an attractive and charming element and a well chosen fireplace can even add value to your home.
A real wood burning fire is seen as romantic, cozy and traditional. It not always so glamorous however, as there can be a lot of preparation and maintenance in building up a fire and keeping it lit. With the hectic lives people endure today, with work and children, means there is less time to pay attention and take care of a real fire. If you like the idea of having a fireplace without the hassle, then consider buying a gas or electric fireplace. These fireplaces can provide warmth, are attractive in appearance and offer a more convenience choice.
Both gas and electric fireplaces can appear very realistic with glowing coals and logs, glistening flames and heat. With no need for a chimney, electric fireplaces can be installed in any room of the house. The advantage of an electric fireplace for a family with children to consider is the safety issues that can be removed from the use of a real fireplace; it isn’t hot to touch for example. If a child is curious and touches the logs or exterior of the fireplace they won’t get burned.
An electric fire can be given a traditional design with a cast iron effect or if you prefer, a very modern design using black glass and mounted on the wall. Surrounds can include rich wood tones, brick, stone and marble. Traditional and modern designs, cast iron effects, free-standing or mounted on the wall are just some of the features to look out for. Electric fireplaces can be fitted just as ornamentation or can give out as much as 10,000 BTUs of heat.
Electric fireplaces are carefully tested to UL standards and have an automatic shut off feature to prevent over-heating. Another advantage that comes of choosing an electric fire are running costs, regular usage will cost you around .02 per hour if only the flames are in function and .14 per hour when the heating elements comes in use.
If you already have a wood burning fireplace in your home, it is very easy to arrange it into a gas fireplace. Gas fires utilize natural gas or propane and are economical in time and money, there is no need to buy coal and wood and no cleaning up. Many cities by this day struggle with a serious problem, pollution and have therefore introduced smoke controlled areas whereby you are only permitted to burn smokeless fuel. A gas fireplace is a very good alternative as gas burns much cleaner.
Your gas fireplace can be a traditional model fitted with the latest technology, hearth mounted contemporary style, a black cast iron model or and incorporate natural woods of pine, birch or oak. They have a realistic façade and hold in the heat so the house becomes warm very quickly.
Gas and electric fires can reduce heating bills, provide a cleaner burn, are a much safer option for families and will save you time.
HotPrice.co.uk is a fireplace warehouse trading in all types and models of fireplaces, including gas and electric fires. Buying directly from the warehouse can many times save you money compared to high street prices. Check it out online for wall-mounted and outset gas fires, traditional inset or contemporary electric fires and an array of full fireplaces in natural wood, natural limestone, and stone effects.
When selecting a fireplace for your home, consider the features of each model and ensure it suits your lifestyle. As well as adding value, a fireplace will be a central point of the room and remarked upon by everyone welcomed in.
