By Juan Jos

The image of the snow gently falling, the air being crisp and a fire gently burning in a fireplace while the entire family sits nearby is lovely. Having a fireplace in your home adds a distinct coziness and also can increase the value of your property.

A fireplace is highly desirable and many people choose homes based solely on the fact that the property comes complete with a fireplace. Others decide to add a fireplace into a room years after the initial construction. Regardless of which category you fall into, deciding on a fireplace design can be tricky.

There are many different types of fireplaces available today. Were no longer living in a world where a fireplace consisted of a brick faade and only burned wood. Design and function has progressed significantly since those days.

The first thing to consider when you decide to purchase a fireplace is whether to choose gas or a word burning fireplace. Each has their own unique advantages.

With a gas fireplace you dont have to worry about installing a chimney at all. They are installed via a tube that is vented through an outside wall. There are many different styles and sizes to choose from. If you already have a gas line running into your home, a contractor can add the fireplace without too much difficulty.

Operating a gas fireplace is much easier than a traditional wood fireplace. With a gas fireplace you simply use the on and off switch. Some models come equipped with a remote control. With a remote control unit you can operate the fireplace from anywhere in the room.

If you already have a wood fireplace and want to convert it to gas, there are fireplace inserts available. When you install a gas insert in an already existing fireplace you can actually save on energy costs. Many older wood fireplaces were poorly constructed and can allow a draft into the room. With a gas insert, the thermostat in the home can be turned down while you enjoy the heat radiating from the fireplace.

Not everyone wants to go the gas fireplace route. They still enjoy the charm of building their own fire and watching it burn with just the aid of oxygen. Fortunately there are numerous choices in traditional wood burning fireplaces available today.

Most wood burning fireplaces that are sold today are designed in such a way that there is minimal ash. How this works is that inner firebox of the unit is structured so that oxygen can move freely around the fire. This produces a cleaner firer and the homeowner has less mess to deal with. This is a great advantage over the fireplaces of decades ago that required cleaning after each use.

Regardless of which choice you make be it a gas fireplace or a wood fireplace, the design might prove to be the biggest decision. Brick is still one of the most popular choices in fireplaces. The bricks can be of varying colors so that the fireplace fits into any dcor.

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