Choosing Your Fireplace, Consider Wood, Gas, Electric or Ethanol

Knowing Your Options When Choosing Your Fireplace

Sometimes you’re constrained by the architecture of the home or business in which you live, so you don’t have as much flexibility to choose whatever fireplace you want to purchase. However, you might be surprised to find that you have more choice than you think when it comes to selecting a new fireplace for your space. There are 4 main types of fireplaces: gas electric, ethanol and wood burning. Traditionally, many existing homes in the Greater New Orleans area have one or more wood burning fireplaces with chimneys installed.

An easy transition from a wood burning fireplace to something else is to run a gas line to the fireplace and install gas logs or some other gas logs alternatives. Or, to make it even more simple, homeowners can install a gas starter and use wood like they would in a wood burning fireplace. Introducing access to gas with your wood burning fireplace opens up more options than you think.

Key Takeaways:

Consider the whole installation: Available space, ventilation, fuel access, heating needs, maintenance, design preferences, and local requirements should all factor into your fireplace choice.
Gas fireplaces offer variety: Direct vent, vent-free, and B-vent models provide different approaches to heating, ventilation, and installation.
Electric fireplaces are highly flexible: They can be installed in many locations, offer customizable flame effects, and can often operate without heat for ambiance only.
Ethanol fireplaces provide real flames: They do not require traditional venting and can be used in a variety of indoor and outdoor applications when properly installed.
Wood-burning fireplaces deliver a traditional experience: They provide the sights, sounds, and atmosphere associated with a conventional fireplace but require appropriate venting and ongoing maintenance.

Choosing Your Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces come in three styles – direct vent, vent-free or ventless, and B-vent. If you have smaller spaces with less option to install a fireplace, the vent-free fireplace is low-maintenance and can be installed in virtually any space with no venting required. We have a full line of vent-free / ventless fireplaces, which you can view at our gallery page.

Direct vent fireplaces require more space and venting to be installed. This type of fireplace is installed during new construction or a major addition / renovation. Direct vent fireplaces have a 70% heat output, offer better air quality because they are venting to the outside air, a steady source of flame and warmth, and a blower that can be manually controlled for heat distribution.

B-vent fireplaces offer a more traditional fireplace approach with a vertical chimney and an approximately 50% heat output. Enjoy realistic flames and the crackle of a wood burning fireplace. B-vent fireplace installations are ideal for outdoor or for spaces that are partially outdoors like lanais and screened porches.

Choosing Your Electric Fireplace

Both the electric and ethanol fireplaces offer complete versatility as to location and use. Electric fireplace literally can be plugged in anywhere. The flames and colors of electric fireplaces are set by a remote control. You can also choose to turn off the heat and use the fireplace for just appearance and ambiance. Electric fireplaces can be moved from room-to-room, and you can take it with you if you move locations.

Choosing Your Ethanol Fireplace

Unlike the electric fireplace, ethanol fuel burns clean, and it burns “real.” The heat and appearance of the flames of an ethanol fireplace are hard to distinguish from the real thing, and yet, they have a softer, more ambient look that, combined with their design features, makes an impressive display in any room. Ethanol fireplace products can be installed both inside and out because they operate without venting or custom installation and do not produce smoke or ash.

EcoSmart ethanol fireplace units sold by Foster-Taylor Fireplaces come in all different styles, shapes, and sizes. From fire pit tables, to stand-alone square or circular units, to fire pits, bowls, and fire boxes; EcoSmart ethanol fireplaces offer multiple and varied options for your signature style or design.