What Are the Benefits of a Wood Burning Fireplace?

A wood fireplace is a stylish alternative heating source.

Fireplaces are typically built-in units that provide an alternate heating source to central systems. Wood fireplaces can offer a few significant advantages over other types of heating sources for homes.

Advantages

Primary advantages of wood fireplaces include zone heating for specific portions of a home, heat without electricity, cost effectiveness and renewable fuel. Additionally, some units include a fan that helps circulate warm air throughout the room with the fireplace.

Features

Wood fireplaces also allow for different size fires for heating your home. Using a hardwood --- such as oak --- allows for a more smoldering fire that produces low heat throughout the day. This helps you avoid having to put more wood on the fire to maintain heat.

Considerations

Fireplaces come in a variety of types; most common are open-face and closed-door. Open-face fireplaces provide ambiance for a room, allowing you to view the fire's flames. Closed-door wood fireplaces are typically made of metal and allow for more warmth as the metal heats up.

References

• Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: Wood Burning Fireplaces
• Fireplaces: Wood Burning Fireplaces