The New Trend: Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Perhaps it’s the feeling of throwing a log into a fire and hearing the crackling and popping sound as it burns. Or perhaps it’s the warmth and ambiance that a burning fire adds to any room. For some, it’s the beauty of an updated hearth that adds a touch of cozy elegance to your home that’s appreciated by your guests. Whatever it may be, these are all good arguments to make fire the center of your home. With data from the US Census Bureau stating that 41% of newly constructed homes have fireplaces, it’s safe to say that household fireplaces are going nowhere. And just like with most trends, what is old becomes new again as wood-burning fireplaces have seen an uptick in popularity in recent years.
What determines fireplace trends?
Wood burning is the new trend
Today, wood-burning fireplaces are more than just home heaters, they are a statement centerpiece of the home. They are made in a variety of sizes, accommodating log lengths from 18 inches to over 30 and no matter the style of your home whether traditional or contemporary, there is a wood-burning fireplace perfect for your home.
One thing most modern fireplaces have in common is the glass doors that showcase the flames, allowing it to radiate heat and warm your home even when the power is out. These doors aren’t just for loading wood and watching the fire crackle and flame, but they are the secret to high efficiency and low emissions of these units. Open-face fireplaces allow a large volume of air from the living environment to over-feed the fire and escape up the chimney. This causes the fireplace to burn through more wood than necessary and the living area becomes cold as the air from outside comes in.
Advantages of wood-burning fireplaces
Heating during power outages
Lower utility bills during the winter
Increased home value
The smell alone
Save on electricity bills
Costs less than gas fireplaces
It’s more environmentally friendly
They are low maintenance
Some people think that wood-burning fireplaces require a lot of work and time to maintain but that doesn’t have to be the case. You should shovel and dispose of ash at the bottom of the firebox and get a professional chimney sweep to look at it annually, but that is pretty much all the maintenance they require.
If you are looking to add a wood-burning fireplace to your home or you already have one and need to ensure it is properly maintained, call A Step In Time today!