Fireplaces offer architectural and decorative spirit to any living space. The crackling dancing flames of a wood fire are cheerful and cozy. While great for those cozy nights reading by the fire, wood burning fireplaces are not very efficient at heating your entire house, and they can be quite costly to maintain and fuel.  So which type of fireplace is right for you?  Here are a few pros and cons to consider when looking at a house with a fireplace.

Wood Burning

A wood fire offers a traditional ambiance and aesthetic appeal with pretty flames, an occasional pop or spark, and a woodsy scent. It can be very soothing and relaxing to spend an evening with friends and family in front of the fire. The classic appeal of a brick hearth or the rustic natural look of a fieldstone front makes a wood burning fireside hard to beat.

The downside to all that cozy atmosphere is that while wood is a sustainable commodity, you will have to obtain it. You will need to buy it, possibly chop it and store it somewhere it can be kept dry. The chimney will need to be inspected yearly by a professional chimney sweep who will check for the buildup of creosote. The cost of wood and the yearly inspection may be something to keep in mind when developing your household budget.

Natural Gas

it is so convenient to start a natural gas unit with the flip of a switch. Obviously, with natural gas, there is no wood to buy or store, and there is no creosote to worry about. With a gas unit you simply push a button or flip a switch and there is instant fire. For decorative purposes, there are a variety of burning elements to choose from to give a natural gas unit personality. There are ceramic logs, stones, and glass in unusual colors and various shapes.

The downside to gas is that no matter how fancy or colorful the burning element may be there is no snapping, popping, or sweet-smelling wood fire to kindle that nostalgic feel. Remember both types get hot.

Either type of fireplace will add a sense of luxury and warmth to a home. An inviting hearth will add a valuable characteristic simply by bringing your friends and family together to make memories in an inviting space. A warm environment to gather, play, and make happy memories is what any home is all about.