No chimney, no problem! Alternative fireplaces are hotter than ever. Learn which one could be right for your home.
A fire makes every room feel cozier, and now you can have one pretty much anywhere you want one. Fireplaces powered by alternative fuel sources, such as gas or electricity, don’t require a chimney — or a major renovation. Some are freestanding and just plug into a regular outlet. Keep reading to find out which type is right for you and start shopping!
Gas Fireplaces
Choose this option if you want the look and feel of a wood-burning fireplace without all the hassle.
The Pros:
Real heat-emitting flames turn on and off with a switch, remote or app.
Fuel doesn’t require refilling. Units connect directly to your home’s gas line.
No need to store and transport real logs. (Faux logs or stones should be dusted.)
The Cons:
You need to hire a pro to install; the cost could run from a few hundred to more than $1,000.
There are two main types: direct-vent (pulls air from outside) and ventless (pulls air from the room). The ventless systems are illegal in some areas, so check local laws.
Electric Fireplaces
This is the clear winner if you want to do the job yourself. Take it out of the box, plug it in, flip a switch!
The Pros:
The most common models are 120-volts that plug into an outlet like any other appliance.
Many designs let you customize the brightness of the flame and turn off the heat.
There are no fumes, smoke or soot.
The Cons:
Flames look fake, but some designs lean in with fun flame color choices (like green and purple).
Running it for several hours daily on high could cause an uptick in your electric bill. Occasional usage shouldn’t cost more than a dollar or two.
Bio-Ethanol and Gel Fireplaces
These are typically freestanding or wall-mounted. The fuels burn cleaner than wood.
The Pros:
Freestanding models are easy to set up and can be placed almost anywhere, even in the middle of a room.
They offer the combo of a real smokeless flame and sleek modern design.
Venting is not required.
The Cons:
You have to manually light and extinguish.
Fuel refills are more expensive than natural gas. You’ll need a liter of bio-ethanol or a can of gel for every two to three hours.
They don’t provide much heat.
Wood Pellet Stoves
Consider this if you love the look of old-school wood-burning stoves but want to set it and forget it.
The Pros:
Wood pellets burn cleaner and more efficiently than logs.
Most have easy electric automatic ignition.
They give off strong heat that can warm a room nicely. Some have thermostats to set the temperature.
The Cons:
A fireplace pro must install a proper vent system, which can cost thousands.
You’ll need to refill pellets (a 40-lb bag lasts 8 to 12 hours).
Most run on electricity, so it goes out if you lose power.
Read more at HGTV
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