The average winter temperature in the northeastern region of the United States is a chilly 21 degrees Fahrenheit. You should have some way to keep your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, etc. home warm and cozy. You may want to consider getting a new fireplace for this purpose.
Of course, there are many types of fireplaces. Some are probably better for your current home situation than others. Ideally, you should research all kinds of fireplace styles before deciding on one.
For now, though, you can read this article to learn about linear fireplaces. Read on to learn what they are and the pros and cons of this style.
The Pros of Linear Fireplaces
A linear fireplace is like a rectangular glass box. There are often decorations inside that mimic the appearance of a real fireplace. These can be glass, stone, and/or fake wooden logs.
A mechanism creates a fire within the glass box. A homeowner controls this fire with a switch, remote control, and/or thermostat. The energy source for the fire can vary, but the most popular linear fireplace options are gas-powered.
There are many reasons why homeowners choose linear fireplace designs over traditional ones.
Convenience
Lighting a traditional fireplace can take considerable effort. Homeowners first have to gather the wood. This can require cutting down trees and chopping wood blocks.
They can buy wood at the store. However, these logs can be heavy. Homeowners may struggle to carry them into their houses.
On top of that, lighters and matches aren’t always reliable. It can take several tries to make a flame. Then the logs may fail to catch.
In contrast, linear gas fireplaces light up with a switch flick or button press.
Safety
The fire in a linear fireplace sits behind glass. With many linear fireplace styles, this glass won’t even warm up. This means that there’s no risk of burn damage and/or injuries.
Also, linear fireplaces don’t require chimneys. These can carry smoke out of the home in ideal situations. However, chimneys aren’t always at their best.
Chimneys can easily clog up with debris if they’re not frequently cleaned. This can prevent smoke from exiting the home. It will instead move back down into the home and risk the health of occupants.
Design
Traditional fireplaces have an excellent rustic aesthetic. They match well with vintage home decor styles such as modern farmhouse. Homeowners can also tailor their furniture choices so that a massive, complex fireplace gets the attention it deserves.
However, some homeowners want more contemporary home decor styles. These often feature sleek, uniform colors and surfaces. Most traditional fireplaces clash with these.
The rectangular, geometric shapes of linear fireplace designs match contemporary home decor styles perfectly.
Easy Installation
It takes extensive remodeling to install a traditional fireplace. Builders have to create a chimney along with the firebox. They may also need to install complex legs, headers, mantels, etc.
This can take considerable time. You may find your home life gets interrupted for a few days at the minimum. This process can also be prohibitively expensive for many homeowners.
This isn’t true with linear fireplaces. At most, it will take carving a hole in the wall and connecting wires. This process shouldn’t drain your wallet and disrupt your home life for long.
Space
The legs and headers of traditional fireplaces often stretch far into a room. This can make rooms feel crowded. They may also struggle to hold a certain number of items.
Linear fireplaces, in contrast, don’t need to take up much space. Builders can install them in walls if the homeowner wishes it.
The Cons of Linear Fireplaces
Of course, not every homeowner has a linear fireplace. There are plenty of reasons why homeowners might opt out of this new fireplace choice. You can learn about these in the list below.
Less Environmentally Friendly
Gas is a fossil fuel. Burning it puts greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This contributes to climate change.
Yes, wood isn’t a clean source of energy either. However, there is a type of fireplace that can be more environmentally friendly.
In some cases, electrical fireplaces can be better for the environment. The catch is that the electricity has to come from a green energy source. Homeowners can install solar panels on their homes to get this cleaner energy.
Cost
Depending on the homeowner’s situation, a gas fireplace may be more expensive to use than a wood-burning one. Homeowners that have forests on their property can get wood for free. Wood can also be cheap in their region.
In both cases, gas will be more expensive than wood. Homeowners should probably compare the prices they’ll pay for either heat source. A wood-burning fireplace may be the better option for them financially.
Less Realistic Fire
Along with the heat, most homeowners also enjoy the appearance of fire. It can quickly make a home feel relaxing and cozy. Linear fireplace designs can work against this desire.
Fires in linear fireplaces often look less realistic. This is a small complaint, but for some homeowners, it may be too much.
Gas Line Needed
Not all homes have a natural gas line. If your home is one of these, you may want to opt-out of a new fireplace that runs on gas.
It’s not impossible to install a gas fireplace when your home doesn’t have a gas line. However, you’ll probably need to hire a professional to install the gas line for you. This can get costly.
We Offer a Wide Variety of Fireplace Options
In sum, linear fireplaces aren’t the best for everyone. You need to carefully consider your situation before you get a new fireplace. If you don’t, you may end up facing an overwhelming issue.
When you think you’re ready for a new fireplace, linear or otherwise, consider our options. We’ve provided high-quality fireplaces for customers in Pennsylvania for over 100 years. We also offer services in New Jersey and Delaware.
Come visit our showroom and view our collection. You’re sure to find the perfect type of fireplace for your home.
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Understanding Rating Plates for Fireplaces Rating plates for fireplaces are integral components that convey crucial information concerning safety, installation prerequisites, and adherence to regulations. These plates encompass detailed guidelines and material specifications that ascertain the appropriate operation and upkeep of fireplaces. They serve a pivotal function in the scrutiny, authentication, and labeling procedures. Rating plates uphold the most stringent industry norms to ensure the safety and effectiveness of fireplace installations. What are Rating Plates? Rating plates, which are affixed to fireplaces, serve as identification labels. They offer vital information regarding the specifications and compliance of the unit. These plates are typically positioned in easily accessible locations on the fireplace, such as near the control panel or at the rear of the unit. By including details such as the model number, serial number, and safety certifications, rating plates play a pivotal role in ensuring that the fireplace adheres to regulatory standards. In instances where maintenance or repair is required, this information becomes crucial for technicians to effectively address any issues. Furthermore, rating plates aid homeowners in comprehending the capacity and efficiency of their fireplace for optimal utilization. Why Rating Plates are Important Rating plates play a crucial role in guaranteeing the safety and regulatory compliance of fireplaces according to industry standards. They offer essential information that enables accurate labeling and certification, which are vital for regular inspections and upkeep. Ensuring Safety and Compliance The primary function of rating plates on fireplaces is to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. 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This includes specifications, ratings, manufacturer information, and any warnings or precautions. Specifications listed on rating plates offer vital information regarding the operational limits and capabilities of the equipment. This includes voltage, current, and power ratings. These specifics are essential to ensure that the equipment is utilized within safe operating conditions, reducing the risk of overloading or damage. Manufacturer information included on rating plates provides valuable insights into the origin and quality of the product. This information can be beneficial for maintenance, repair, and warranty claims. Furthermore, warnings or precautions listed on rating plates offer critical safety guidelines. These warnings inform users about potential hazards and necessary precautions to prevent accidents or injuries. How to Read and Interpret Rating Plates Understanding how to read and interpret rating plates necessitates recognizing diverse codes and symbols. 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