Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Custom Fireplace

You envision your family members gathering around your fireplace with apple cider in hand and smiles on their faces. Now, you’re ready to turn this vision into a reality for your family. Fireplaces remain one of today’s most desired decorative elements in houses representing all periods today, ranging from the Victorian period to the modern period. Before you dive into fireplace ownership, though, you need to know which fuel you should use for your custom fireplace.

Here’s a rundown on the various types of fuel and how to choose the best type of fireplace fuel for you.

Let’s dig in!

Wood

Are you looking for a classic fireplace — one where you can hear burning wood produce a crackling sound? A wood fireplace may be the best option for you.

Wood fireplaces stand out for their ability to provide powerful heating. As a result, a wood fireplace can help you significantly reduce your home energy expenses. Supplementing your furnace usage with wood may decrease your costs by as much as 30%.

A wood fireplace is also low-cost and renewable. This is particularly true if you collect wood for your fireplace from your property.

Homeowners additionally like the fact that this type of fireplace isn’t complicated to use. You can use fire-starting fireplace logs or kindling and paper to start your blaze. The best types of wood to use in your fireplace include maple and oak.

With a wood fireplace, you can also expect a steady, robust fire. And you can customize your level of comfort as well. Simply add more wood to increase your fireplace’s convective heat.

The main drawback of a wood fireplace is that it can be messy. It can also be less efficient compared with other fireplace options. That’s because a wood fireplace can lose as much as 75% of its heat.

You will likely need two to four cords each season if you have a 1,500-square-foot home.

Keeping Your Wood Dry

Note that you’ll need to keep your wood dry, or seasoned, before using it in your fireplace. That’s because wet wood may generate excessive smoke. This translates to lost heat.

A moisture meter can help you to test your wood’s moisture level. Wood that is properly dried should produce a 20% or lower reading.

You can keep your wood dry by not storing it on the ground. Also, cover your stacks of wood to safeguard them from snow and rain.

In addition, keep in mind that you should store your wood pieces for a minimum of six months if they are softwoods (e.g., pine). Meanwhile, they should be stored for a year if they are hardwoods (e.g., oak).

Gas

A gas fireplace is another popular fireplace option due to its convenience and simplicity.

With a gas fireplace, you can easily and quickly turn your fire off and on with nothing more than a button. Many modern gas fireplace options also include features that will let you adjust your heat output and flame size. As a result, you can enjoy a controllable and consistent fire.

Note that with a gas fireplace, you can use a wall switch or a remote controller. In some cases, you could even use both.

Another major benefit of a gas fireplace is that it is extremely efficient to use. That’s because natural gas can easily connect to your house through a utility connection. You may also use propane gas for your fireplace and have a liquid propane provider refill the tank as needed.

You’ll also love the fact that gas fireplaces are environmentally friendly. They burn much cleaner than other types of fireplaces.

Finally, homeowners love gas fireplaces because they aren’t messy. They don’t require any cleanup. At the same time, the blazes they produce can look like real wood fires.

The chief drawback of a gas fireplace is that you will have to replenish your fuel storage regularly. So, it’s critical that you incorporate this cost into your budget, especially if you intend to use your gas fireplace frequently.

Electric

Finally, if you are looking for a fireplace that is affordable and versatile, look no further than an electric fireplace. This type of fireplace is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who plan to use their fireplaces often.

Electric fireplaces do not require gas and wood. They also do not require any venting. As a result, they are simple to install in any location throughout your home.

Electric fireplaces are also known for their reliable heat. You and your guests will also enjoy taking in the fireplace’s hypnotic, unique glow.

Keep in mind, though, that your electric fireplace won’t generate real flames. Instead, they will generate impressions of real flames. However, they produce radiant heat that you can control completely without requiring fuel storage.

To operate an electric fireplace, you can connect it to an outlet. Alternatively, you can hardwire it into your home. Then, you can use your remote controller or a switch to start your fire.

How We Can Help You to Create a Custom Fireplace

You can create a custom fireplace that uses wood if you’re looking for a classic fireplace look. Gas and electric fireplaces can also be an excellent option if you’re seeking a sleek, contemporary addition to your living space.

At Dreifuss Fireplaces, we offer top-of-the-line custom fireplace services. From odd shapes to unique designs, we are experts in planning and engineering technically complex fireplaces.

Contact us to find out more about our custom fireplace design services, and start your fireplace project today!

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