Fireplace Remodeling Trends
Like most people, I really hate winter. It’s the cold, the snow, the slush. I can really do without it. The only thing that makes winter a little bit better is a nice blazing fire in a fireplace. Unfortunately, a lot of homes these days either have a fake fireplace or one that is completely inefficient! Fortunately, there are a few things you can look into if you want an energy efficient and cost efficient fireplace. It might take some fandangling of your own or the help of an installer, but before you know it your broke down fireplace is going to be blazingly warm to help keep you cozy this winter - all winter long. Here are a few options available to you for fireplace remodeling.
Vent Free Ethanol Burning
These types of fireplaces have been gaining popularity more and more every year. Unlike a wood fireplace, this one runs on denatured ethanol, which means it’s incredibly easy to use and install, no hook ups are needed and you don't have to deal with smoke, a flue and any ash clean up. This is a vent free "option" which is why no flue is required. However, while that all sounds great, some people say that the little ethanol cans can sometimes give off an odd smell like burning plastic. Perhaps these consumers were using a certain type or brand of ethanol and that was the issue. Either way, it’s got a lot of great benefits, but that would definitely be one disadvantage. Maybe trying out a few different brands would be best. These types of fireplaces are mid-priced at around $800-$12,000 depending on how big the fireplace is, the type of "frame" you are using as well as the design on the fireplace. The ethanol cans cost around $80 for a 24 pack. These do give off some heat up close, but not as much as something like a real fireplace which reaches, usually, around the whole room and sometimes other rooms depending on the home.
Modular Fireboxes
If you are looking for something with a little more heat than an ethanol fireplace for your fireplace remodeling in Phoenix, then a firebox just might be what you are looking for. Essentially these are insert units. They are economically sound and energy efficient and they can also help lower your heating costs because of the heat they do create. These inserts can be placed into any opening really. Whether it is an n existing fireplace opening or a specially designed frame that is heat resistant. Depending on the modular firebox, it can help circulate warm air in a variety of ways such as direct vent heating, wood burning, gas, pellets and more. If installed correctly, these are a great way to conserve heat and warm your entire house. Prices will vary around $500 to $2500 depending on the configuration and installation.
Masonry Heater
If you genuinely want a fireplace that is going to ultimately warm your entire house, you have to check out a masonry heater. These are designed and built to be used as a primary heat source and they are usually located in the center of a home which allows the heat to disperse in all directions. The masonry is more expensive, as is expected around $15,000. But, if you consider all the benefits and the fact that it’s made from handmade stone, the cost is understandable. Masonry heaters only burn wood and they do so very quickly at very high temperatures so you will need a good supply of wood. Usually these only need to be fired once a day though and the fire tends to burn out after 4 hours - but still can give out a radiant heat source even after it burns out for a good 12 to 24 hours! While most masonry heaters are pretty plain looking with a small hole for the viewing area, you can get them customized to look however you want; place benches in front of it for sitting, get a larger opening for viewing the fire, customized stones and patterns and more. It’s the ultimate "heat" source for a house.
Vent Free Ethanol Burning
These types of fireplaces have been gaining popularity more and more every year. Unlike a wood fireplace, this one runs on denatured ethanol, which means it’s incredibly easy to use and install, no hook ups are needed and you don't have to deal with smoke, a flue and any ash clean up. This is a vent free "option" which is why no flue is required. However, while that all sounds great, some people say that the little ethanol cans can sometimes give off an odd smell like burning plastic. Perhaps these consumers were using a certain type or brand of ethanol and that was the issue. Either way, it’s got a lot of great benefits, but that would definitely be one disadvantage. Maybe trying out a few different brands would be best. These types of fireplaces are mid-priced at around $800-$12,000 depending on how big the fireplace is, the type of "frame" you are using as well as the design on the fireplace. The ethanol cans cost around $80 for a 24 pack. These do give off some heat up close, but not as much as something like a real fireplace which reaches, usually, around the whole room and sometimes other rooms depending on the home.
Modular Fireboxes
If you are looking for something with a little more heat than an ethanol fireplace for your fireplace remodeling in Phoenix, then a firebox just might be what you are looking for. Essentially these are insert units. They are economically sound and energy efficient and they can also help lower your heating costs because of the heat they do create. These inserts can be placed into any opening really. Whether it is an n existing fireplace opening or a specially designed frame that is heat resistant. Depending on the modular firebox, it can help circulate warm air in a variety of ways such as direct vent heating, wood burning, gas, pellets and more. If installed correctly, these are a great way to conserve heat and warm your entire house. Prices will vary around $500 to $2500 depending on the configuration and installation.
Masonry Heater
If you genuinely want a fireplace that is going to ultimately warm your entire house, you have to check out a masonry heater. These are designed and built to be used as a primary heat source and they are usually located in the center of a home which allows the heat to disperse in all directions. The masonry is more expensive, as is expected around $15,000. But, if you consider all the benefits and the fact that it’s made from handmade stone, the cost is understandable. Masonry heaters only burn wood and they do so very quickly at very high temperatures so you will need a good supply of wood. Usually these only need to be fired once a day though and the fire tends to burn out after 4 hours - but still can give out a radiant heat source even after it burns out for a good 12 to 24 hours! While most masonry heaters are pretty plain looking with a small hole for the viewing area, you can get them customized to look however you want; place benches in front of it for sitting, get a larger opening for viewing the fire, customized stones and patterns and more. It’s the ultimate "heat" source for a house.