Thefireplace is one of the most beloved features of any home. Buta traditionalwood-burning fireplace is an inefficient heatingsource, according to theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA).For every $1 spent on fuel, 85-90 centswill be expelled through thechimney. The chimney works like a vacuum suckingout much of theair to get rid of the smoke and contaminants. But up to 90% oftheheat goes right out too.
So, can youhave the ambiance of a traditional fireplace withoutlosing most of theheat?Absolutely! The following EPA-certifiedfireplaces not only has the highestheating efficiency, but they arealso the most environmentally friendly too.
#1 Ventless Gas Fireplaces
Ventless gasfireplaces emit the highest amount of heat with 100%efficiency andareeco-friendly. They have the look and feel of atraditional fireplace, but don’trequire a chimney. Instead, heatedair is recirculated around the room and backinto the fireplacekeeping the space warm and cozy. Ventless gas fireplaces areavailable in a variety of sizes and can be customized in differentstyles frommodern to traditional. They are also low maintenanceand a great source ofheating for large spaces.
#2 Electric Fireplaces
Electricfireplaces are growing in popularity. The big advantage ofan electricfireplace is its 100% heating efficiency and almost zeromaintenance. Itproducesplenty of heat for an entire room but iscostlier to operate than gas.Although itdoesn’t produce flames,newer models have a more realisticexperience. Electricfireplacesoperate on standard household current and canbe installedpracticallyanywhere, including the kitchen or in tight spaces.Theyare available in manydifferent sizes and styles to reflect thecharacterof the home.
#3 Wood Inserts
#3 Wood InsertsWood-burningfireplace inserts are a great way to upgrade aninefficient woodfireplace. These self-contained unitsfit directly inside an existing masonry fireplace and work much like a woodstove. An adjustable thermostat maintainsthe desired temperaturewith amazing accuracy. With an 80% heating efficiency,you will useless wood fuel to fillan entire room with warmth and ambiance. Thereare also zero-clearance modelsto fit in smaller spaces. And ifyou don’t want tochop wood, but still want awood-burningexperience pellet inserts are aconvenient alternative.
#4 Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces
Direct ventgas fireplaces offer a realistic fire burning experiencebut require achimneyor vent to operate. Although they have a 70%heating efficiency, it retainsmore than 5x the heat than atraditional wood-burning fireplace.Since a directvent gasfireplace can bebuilt directly inside an existing fireplace, it’s aneasyupgrade for homeownersthat want to convert from wood tothe convenience ofgas.
Still notsure which fireplace is best for your home? FyrePro isNorthernColorado’smasonry experts. A Ft. Collin’s Favorite Since2002. Our trained andknowledgeable professionals are available toanswer any question you mayhave.Visit our showroom in FortCollins to see the latest fireplaces, designs, andtechnologyavailable.
