Temps are climbing, and the first hints of the warm summer to come are in the air. Before rushing off to plan your next backyard barbecue, consider reflecting on this past winter. Did you find yourself craving the coziness only a crackling fire can offer? Were you constantly reaching for a sweater? Before you know it, winter will be here once again. The best thing you can do is to prepare now and proceed with your fireplace installation idea.
Now is the best time to buy a fireplace as supply is high and demand is low. Also, trying to find an installation expert in the winter is almost impossible. So, put your plan in motion, your future self will thank you.
While you’re outside this week enjoying the great outdoors, keep in mind the great indoors and benefits of shopping for a fireplace now. After all, a fireplace truly is a gift you give yourself. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association recently conducted a survey showing about a third of North American homeowners plan to purchase a new hearth in the next two years with outdoor hearths leading the way. The popularity is only growing: According to the same study, roughly 7-in-10 North American homeowners have a hearth in their household, which is up significantly from two years ago.
With so many options to choose from, having ample time before freezing flurries fill the air is essential to making the right decision for your home. In fact, winter is the most popular time for hearth usage with half of homeowners using it every day during the season.
Pleas know that it is possible to add a fireplace to an existing home. You’ll just need to determine which one will work best. Fireplaces generally fall into one of three categories: gas, masonry, and zero-clearance (also known as prefabricated or manufactured fireplaces).
The easiest to install is a direct-vent gas fireplace. This can be installed on any exterior wall, and it will vent directly out the back. Installation only takes a day or so. Unfortunately, you won’t get the sounds and aroma of a wood fire. However, gas fireplaces give any room ambience and often supply more warmth than a wood-burning fireplace. Plus, gas fireplaces start with a flip of a switch and they’re easy to clean up and maintain.
If you want to add a wood-burning fireplace, you need space above to get a chimney through the roof. You will be limited if you have a two-story house, but often you can find the 12- to 14-inch space the chimney requires by enclosing a corner of a room or a spare closet. This is the kind of fireplace that comes to mind for most people and it’s the most expensive. It’s made of a brick or stone firebox, a brick or stone chimney, and usually a wood mantel.
If you’re on a budget, consider a zero-clearance or factory-built fireplace. These lightweight fireplaces can easily fit more modern tastes. Unlike masonry fireplaces, they’re easier to install and require significantly less construction work. Since the firebox enclosure always remain cool, this type of fireplace can be installed in any room.
For a guaranteed ambience and warmth-infused indoors, consider taking the following steps this spring:
1. Decide Your Vibe
Looking to add romance to your living room? Cut your winter heating bill? Or make it a self -sufficient source of heating?
2. Select a Fuel Type
Deciding which fuel type is possibly the most important step when it comes to shopping for a fireplace. Once you determine whether you’d like a wood, gas or electric fire feature, the real fun can begin.
3. Dream of Fireplace Designs
New fireplaces are pre-built and designed to be easy additions to any home. Available in a range of sizes, styles and materials from brick, stone and marble, narrowing this down can make the process move even faster.
The warm indoors is calling. Will you answer?