Types of Wood Burning Fireplaces

Feb 15th 2014

Types of Wood Burning Fireplaces

There's just something inviting about the look, familiar scent, and warmth of a crackling wood burning fire but perhaps it's the halt in rising energy bills that has more and more home owners heating their homes with wood burning fireplaces. A fireplace is a fine piece of furniture that will not only add style and character to your home but also, boost the home's value. Wood Burning Fireplaces are available in many styles including two, three, and even four sided fire views. Freestanding, zero clearance fireplaces, and fireplace inserts are available with a long list of finishing options and a wide range of facings made from brick, stone, or tile to compliment any homes interior.

3 Types of wood burning fireplaces

Traditional

Traditional wood burning fireplaces are found in many homes and are most commonly associated with the wood burning fireplace concept. Traditional fireplaces are open combustion systems which means that glass doors are not needed for operation, and are perfect for occasional fires that produce warmth, ambiance and the subtle sounds of a wood burning fire.

Clean Burning

Cleaning burning fireplaces are technologically advanced and offer more benefits to the homeowner. Cleaning burning fireplaces are insulated, closed combustion systems which means that the glass doors on the fireplace must be closed for proper operation. They are designed to burn wood more efficiently and generate a substantial amount of heat.

EPA Approved

EPA certified wood burning fireplaces are much like wood stoves and are factory built to provide all of the same benefits that clean air fireplaces do, but they are designed to increase combustion efficiency and therefore reduce wood smoke emissions. In areas where wood burning is regulated and there are air quality restrictions, an EPA certified fireplace can be installed and burned all season long.

Wood Burning Fireplaces

Wood burning fireplaces are found in many homes and are most commonly associated with the wood burning fireplace concept. They are designed to burn wood more efficiently and generate a substantial amount of heat.

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Things to consider when choosing the right wood burning fireplace for you
Type	Traditional, clean burning, EPA certified. EPA-certified models are much like wood stoves and are factory built. Traditional and Clean-burning units can be masonry or factory built.
Size	Fireplace sizes range from small to very large based on heat requirements and customer preference. Consider the sole purpose your fireplace will be sued for and how often you will be using it.
Location	Wood burning fireplaces should be placed in the center of the home where heat can circulate the most and cover the largest area for the best draft.
Venting	Naturally vented 3 feet above the roof of a house or a minimum of 3 feet above any point within a 10 foot radius. Depending on the model selected, a masonry or stainless steel, Class A type, all-fuel chimney system can be used.
Features	Wood burning fireplaces are available with a variety of different finishing options including marble, stone, and tile, different shaped glass doors that offer a full view of the fire, as well as 2, 3, and even 4 open sides that offer a full view of the wood burning fire.
Installation	Professional installation is suggested to ensure that all state an local codes are met.
Maintenance	Annual inspection by a certified chimney sweep and regular cleanings before, after, and throughout the burning season to prevent creosote build up.
Fuel	Firewood should be properly split and well seasoned for up to at least 6 months. Burning only dry, well seasoned hardwoods in your wood burning fireplace will reduce smoke emissions by up to two thirds.
Cost	Cost will largely depend on the size and style you choose for your wood burning fireplace however, add to the price of the unit, the costs of the chimney, installation, delivery, annual fuel and maintenance costs.