Fireplaces used to play a vital role in home design. They provided more than aesthetic appeal. Fireplaces were traditionally used to heat homes, but once central heating became common they started to be used more for looks. In cold places like Canada, fireplaces are still often used as a heat source, often supplementing central heating to keep costs down. They also look fabulous!
It’s rare to find a Toronto custom home without at least one fireplace in the home. But picking the right type can be confusing. There are four main types of fireplaces, with each category offering different styles. Here is what you should know about them:
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Wood burning fireplaces are what were traditionally in homes. They’re the oldest style out there and are what most people think of. A wood-burning fireplace has many pros. It’s romantic, has a pleasant snapping and crackling, and smells great. The downside is that they can be messy to clean, require a steady supply of wood, and can’t be installed in every home.
Gas Burning Fireplaces
Gas burning fireplaces don’t offer the same feel as a wood-burning, but they’re a clean option and are more common these days. They create more heat for a lower cost, so they’re popular in Toronto homes. They’re easy to install and are affordable, which makes them attractive alternatives.
Ethanol Burning Fireplaces
Ethanol burning fireplaces have become more popular over recent years. They’re easy to install and have a more contemporary look, making them a good option for modern custom homes. They can easily fit into any design style or budget. A big plus is that they’re clean, odorless, and are very easy to install. They don’t create as much heat as wood-burning or gas fireplaces, but they are environmentally friendly which makes them a good choice for eco-friendly custom homes.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are becoming more and more popular. This is the most cost-effective option out of all the fireplaces. They’ve come a long way in recent years, looking more realistic than ever before. Electric fireplaces are easy to install and can be installed almost anywhere. As an added bonus the heating feature can be turned off so you’re left with just the aesthetic of a fireplace if you want. However, they still aren’t always the most realistic looking and can add to the electricity bill.
