A variety of possible installation methods and ease of use are two factors leading to the increased popularity of gas fireplaces. Improvement in the appearance of the logs and flames has also played a part in the trend toward gas fireplaces. They also burn cleanly and allow for controlled heating of specific rooms.

Unlike masonry fireplaces, gas fireplaces can be installed in a number of different configurations. The standard gas fireplace is vented just like a bricks and mortar wood burning fireplace. However, gas fireplaces can also be installed with a direct vent system. A direct vent gas fireplace makes it possible to have a fireplace in a home without the need for a chimney. Gas fireplaces designed for direct venting are constructed with a metal firebox which allows them to release their exhaust through a wall vent rather than a chimney. Such units make it possible to have gas fireplaces in homes which previously were not suitable for any kind of fireplace.

Gas fireplaces have always had the advantage of not having to haul and store firewood. Options available on newly improved models have also made the starting mechanisms on gas fireplaces more dependable and easier to ignite. Many styles now come with thermostats as well which allow a homeowner to control individual room temperatures. By using a gas fireplace to heat a specific area and turning down the overall furnace, a homeowner may be able to significantly reduce his/her home heating bill.

All gas fireplaces are kinder to the environment than their wood burning counterparts. They produce less air pollution of all sorts and their exhaust is not as dense as the smoke produced by wood. A well vented, well maintained and well operated gas fireplace is also more energy efficient than a similar model that consumes wood.

In the past some thought that gas fireplaces did not have the same visual appeal and ambience as a wood burning fireplace. In recent years there have been significant improvements in these areas. The logs and flames in gas fireplaces have taken on a truly realistic cast even to the point of having embers. For those who crave the various scents emanating from a wood fire there are a wide variety of sprinkle on powders which produce appealing fragrances.

All in all, when considering fireplace options, many homeowners will find that gas fireplaces make the most sense. They can be integrated into a wider variety of home construction than fireplaces requiring chimneys. Gas fireplaces are also easier to operate and maintain. In addition, they produce fewer pollutants and in many cases are generate more heat. Finally, manufacturers of gas furnaces have answered previous complaints about the appearance of their products with a new generation of aesthetically pleasing products.

Outdoor fireplaces enhance a family’s enjoyment while they are living in their home. In addition, an outdoor fireplace increases both the marketability and the value of a house if the owner decides to sell it.

In recent years many people have bought small outdoor fireplaces which are sometimes referred to as chimeneas. These can be great fun and certainly extend the season for enjoying outside activities. Units such as these are easily maintained and stored, portable and relatively inexpensive. Apartment dwellers and homeowners with limited yard space will have many hours of pleasure from this type of outdoor fireplace. It is, however, the larger, permanent and more fully featured outdoor fireplaces which add to a property’s worth as a piece of real estate.

Permanent outdoor fireplaces fall into two categories: Reflective and chimney style. Reflective outdoor fireplaces are designed in the style of ovens. They have no chimneys. The heat from a reflective outdoor fireplace is absorbed and then pushed outward. Chimney style outdoor fireplaces produce warmth in much the same way as indoor fireplaces. Each style has advantages and both types of outdoor fireplaces are available in a wide array of plans and materials.

Reflective outdoor fireplace enthusiasts insist that these oven like structures provide more consistently directed heat than chimney style outdoor fireplaces. They also provide a wide hearth which makes it possible for several people to sit comfortably within the direct line of the heat flow. Most models adapt easily to corner, wall and freestanding installation.

Currently the chimney style is probably the most prevalent outdoor fireplace. These outside hearths are constructed in a manner very similar to traditional interior fireplaces except that they do not require dampers. Many chimney style outdoor fireplaces are coupled with cooking and barbeque units which further elevates their functionality and pleasure quotient.

Both styles of permanent outdoor fireplaces begin at about $1,500 and go up from there. While these prices may at first seem steep homeowners should consider the many benefits which may be accrued from an outdoor fireplace. A well designed, well located outdoor fireplace virtually adds a seasonal room to the house. Not only does this allow the home’s occupants to enjoy an extended period of outdoor living, it also greatly increases the property’s market value.

Location. People generally want a fireplace in their family rooms or dens. Living rooms are the second most desired location. Having a fireplace in the kitchen or bedroom is usually a secondary choice. The patio is another popular alternative spot for a fireplace. A large home may benefit from more than one fireplace. There are even fireplaces which share one chimney but have hearths in two rooms.

Fuel. The majority of modern homes will not be depending upon their fireplaces as their main source of heat. The crackle of burning wood and its pleasing smell along with an added touch of warmth are the main reasons people crave fireplaces. However, a fireplace which uses only wood as its source of fuel is no longer people’s number one preference. Wood burning fireplaces have been replaced by fireplaces which use gas to either start the fire or as the entire energy supply. There are even electric fireplaces which provide the charm, beauty and even warmth of a fire. Oftentimes the choice of fuel depends upon the use to which the fireplace will be put. Wood fireplaces work well out of doors. In rooms such as a formal dining room or living room, the homeowners may opt for an easily lit and clean burning fireplace fueled by gas or electricity.

Budget. The cost of a fireplace can be relatively inexpensive for a basic wood burning model or costly for an upscale unit with mechanical options and built-in accessories. The price may also depend upon whether the fireplace is being built as part of new construction or as a renovation to an existing house.

Whether a fireplace is being considered for the pleasure of the home’s inhabitants or as an enhancement to the marketability of a house, most owners will find that it is money well spent. A well located, well built fireplace offers pleasure for years to come. In addition it can increase both the salability and the price of any structure.