Fireplace FAQs

As the days get shorter and the weather becomes crisp and cool, who doesn't dream about a cozy evening by the fire? A fireplace can add a seasonal ambiance, and the warmth and glow of a roaring fire is a relaxing way to unwind after a long day. Fireplaces are practical, too, adding value to your home, reducing winter heating bills, and providing emergency heat and light in a pinch. A fireplace can also be a striking architectural feature, adding drama and character to any home. 

But if you're a homeowner considering adding a fireplace or you're getting ready to fire up your home's fireplace for the first time this season, there are a few things you should know. Keeping your fireplace well maintained and in proper working order can prevent hazards, ensure you're getting maximum return on your investment, and ensure your fireplace remains a treasured part of your home for years to come. Learn more about things to consider when installing and maintaining your home's fireplace.

Adding A Fireplace - Gas Or Wood?

If you're a homeowner considering adding a fireplace to your home, the first question you'll have to answer is whether you'd prefer a gas or wood setup. Each has its pros and cons, and which you'll prefer will depend on a few simple considerations.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces have a lot of appeal. They can be easier to operate than their wood-burning counterparts, while still offering the appeal of a warm, glowing fire. Gas fireplaces come in two main types: direct vent and ventless. 

Direct vent fireplaces are installed with a completely sealed venting system. That system draws in fresh air from the outside, and exhausts the gases produced by the combustion process back outside. The front of the firebox itself is isolated from the home, allowing the system to work in a completely closed loop. This type of fireplace produces a substantial amount of heat, and can be installed almost anywhere in your home where a ventilation system will fit, including in an existing masonry fireplace. 

Direct vent systems are a great option, especially if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory conditions that might be exacerbated by a wood-burning or ventless unit. They can be costly to install, though, and do not produce as much heat as other options.

Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Ventless gas fireplace units, as their name implies, do not require the cost associated with adding a venting system to your home. They may also be your only option, if you live in a high-rise building, or other situation where installing a vent simply isn't possible. As such, they can be a more affordable option for homeowners looking to add a fireplace feature to their home. Ventless systems draw in air from the room to oxygenate combustion. They are designed to burn at near-perfect efficiency, ensuring that no toxic gases escape into the room. They create and disperse more heat than ventless systems, and can be installed almost anywhere, creating a striking feature piece.

While ventless systems are more affordable, they do have their downsides. Although almost no gas is left uncombusted, the minimal amount of gas that does escape these systems can cause breathing issues in sensitive individuals. In addition, a ventless fireplace can create water vapor as a byproduct of the combustion process, leading to mold or mildew in unventilated spaces.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces are considered by many to be the gold standard when it comes to a home fireplace. Crackling logs, the unmistakable smell of a wood fire, and the beauty of these home features cannot be overstated. wood-burning fireplaces provide ample heat, and can be lifesavers in a storm or power outage. However, as anyone who has ever tended a wood fire knows, they also bring with them a substantial amount of work. 

Wood-burning fireplaces require one item - an ample supply of wood. Buying or cutting, storing, and properly aging wood is a chore, and not one everyone has the time, or the space, to undertake. wood-burning units are also the least safe, requiring meticulous maintenance and regular cleaning to avoid dangerous conditions. And wood-burning units can be surprisingly inefficient - they often do not disperse as much heat as their gas-powered counterparts, and the dampers in these units can allow drafts to enter the home if they are not tightly shut. Wood fireplaces also require more attention — a fire cannot simply be turned off with the flick of a switch or the turn of a key. Even embers left unattended can re-ignite, posing a risk. 

Fireplace Maintenance Tips

Whatever type of fireplace you choose, regular maintenance is a critical part of making sure that you and your loved ones can enjoy cozy evenings by the fire in complete safety. Fireplaces should be re-inspected periodically to ensure that ventilation systems are working properly. For wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, the fireplace unit should be inspected, and the chimney swept, each year. An inspection will reveal issues with masonry, ventilation, and the damper inside the fireplace. Annual cleaning and inspection are key measures to avoid the buildup of ash and creosote, which can ignite, causing dangerous chimney fires. The firebox of your wood-burning unit should also be cleaned regularly, as a buildup of ash below the grate can impede airflow and make it more difficult to keep a fire lit. 

When Home Means More, You Need a Team With More to Offer

Ready to find the perfect place to curl up next to the fire? Your local Baird & Warner agent is here to help make the journey easier from beginning to end.

Home is about so much more than just four walls. Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and with everything we experienced in the last year, our homes have never been more important. That's why your local Baird & Warner agent is with you at every step of the way, with the tools and support you need to make your real estate journey easier — including in-house connections with local experts in mortgage and title. 

So whether you're looking for your starter home or you're ready to move on to one with more space for the perfect greenhouse, your Baird & Warner agent can help you through every part of the buying and selling process.