Gas or Electric for a Fireplace?

If you have just moved into a new house or are renovating your own then heating will be a big concern, especially as the winter months approach. There are such a wide range of choices on the market today that it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you decide to install a modern gas and electric fireplace or prefer the traditional look of an antique fireplace, or even opt for a wood burning and multi-fuel stove. Choose your fireplace carefully to suit the style and period of your house and your budget.

Years ago fireplaces had only one function, to keep the house warm and heated, these days they provide decoration and appeal to a home along with heat and warmth. Home buyers see a fireplace as an attractive and charming element and a well chosen fireplace can even add value to your home.

A real wood burning fire is seen as romantic, cozy and traditional. It not always so glamorous however, as there can be a lot of preparation and maintenance in building up a fire and keeping it lit. The busy lives people lead today, with work and children, means there is less time to take care of a real fire. If you like the idea of having a fireplace without the hassle, then consider buying a gas or electric fireplace. These can provide warmth, are attractive in appearance and offer a lot more convenience.

Both gas and electric fireplaces can be very realistic with glowing coals and logs, flickering flames and heat. With no need for a chimney, electric fireplaces can be installed in any room of the house. The advantage of an electric fireplace for a family with children to consider is that it isn’t hot to touch, if a child is curious and touches the logs or exterior of the fireplace they won’t burn themselves.

An electric fire can have a traditional design with a cast iron effect or a very modern design using black glass and mounted on the wall. Surrounds can feature rich wood tones, stone, marble and brick. Traditional and modern designs, cast iron effects, free-standing or mounted on the wall are just some of the features to look out for. Electric fireplaces can be fitted just as ornamentation or can give out as much as 10,000 BTUs of heat.

Electric fire places are carefully tested to UL standards and have an automatic shut off feature to prevent over-heating. Another benefit of an electric fire are running costs, on average they will cost you around .02 per hour if only the flames are in operation and .14 per hour when the heating elements are also in use.

If you already have a wood burning fireplace it is very easy to adapt it into a gas fireplace. Gas fires utilize natural gas or propane and are economical in time and money, there is no need to buy coal and wood and no cleaning up. Many cities now have a huge problem with pollution and have introduced smoke controlled areas whereby you are only allowed to burn smokeless fuel, a gas fireplace can be the perfect substitute as gas burns much cleaner.

Your gas fireplace can be a traditional model fitted with modern technology, a black cast iron model or hearth mounted contemporary style and incorporate natural woods of birch, oak or pine. They have a realistic façade and hold in the heat so the house becomes warm very quickly.

Gas and electric fires can reduce heating bills, provide a cleaner burn, are a much safer option for families and will save you time.

HotPrice.co.uk is a fireplace warehouse trading in all types and models of fireplaces, including gas and electric fires. Buying directly from the warehouse can save you money compared to high street prices. Check it out online for wall-mounted and outset gas fires, traditional inset or contemporary electric fires and an array of full fireplaces in natural wood, natural limestone, and stone effects.

When selecting a fireplace for your home, consider the features of each model and ensure it suits your lifestyle. As well as adding value, a fireplace will be a focal point of any room and remarked upon by everyone welcomed in.

If you have just moved into a new house or renovating your own then heating will be a big concern, especially as the winter months approach. There are such a wide range of choices on the market today that it can be difficult to know where to start.

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Kate Shaw, a freelance writer who has been writing for over ten years and has frequently been published in leading lifestyle journals. Kate Shaw produces articles for Hot Price. The company offers the latest in gas fire, and fireplaces, for information click on gas fires.

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