Gas or Electric Fireplaces - Choose The Best Alternative For Your Home

A free article on Interior Design

By: Michiel Van Kets

If you have recently moved house or are refurbishing your own home one of the most important issues will be the type of heating you choose, particularly as the weather gets colder. There are such a wide range of choices on the market today that it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you decide to install a modern gas and electric fireplace or prefer the traditional look of an antique fireplace, or even opt for a wood burning and multi-fuel stove. Choose one that will compliment the style of your house and fit your finances.

Fireplaces used to be just for heating a house, but as the majority of homes now have central heating they are appealing as an interesting feature. Home buyers see a fireplace as an attractive and charming element and a well chosen fireplace can even add value to your home.

A real wood burning fire is seen as romantic, cozy and traditional. It not always so glamorous however, as there can be a lot of preparation and maintenance in building up a fire and keeping it lit. It also needs cleaning and coal and wood ordered and delivered. If you lead a busy life you might have no time for taking care of a real fire. If you like the idea of having a fireplace without the hassle, then consider buying a gas or electric fireplace. This is a much easier and convenient option and there are many attractive designs to choose from.

Gas and electric fireplaces are still very realistic with lit-up coals and logs, and providing just as much heat as a real fire. With no need for a chimney, electric fireplaces can be installed in any room of the house. There are also safety benefits if you have children as electric fires aren’t hot when touched, so are particularly good for young families.

There is such as variety of electric fires that the best option is to browse the shops and Internet for styles and designs that appeal to you. Traditional and modern designs, cast iron effects, free-standing or mounted on the wall are just some of the features to look out for. Electric fireplaces can be fitted just as ornamentation or can give out as much as 10,000 BTUs of heat.

Electric fireplaces are carefully tested to UL standards and have an automatic shut off feature to prevent over-heating. They are also reasonable to run, costing you approximately .02 per hour if only the light is switched on and .14 per hour if used for heating.

If your house has a wood burning fireplace already fitted, it is simple to convert it to a gas fireplace. Gas fires utilize natural gas or propane and are economical in time and money, there is no need to buy coal and wood and no cleaning up. Due to problems with pollution, most cities now have areas that are smoke controlled; this means you can only burn smokeless fuel.

Gas fireplaces come in all types and models, traditional models incorporating modern technology, black cast iron or stainless steel and natural woods of birch, oak or pine to name just a few options. They have a realistic façade and hold in the heat so the house becomes warm very quickly.

Gas and electric fires can reduce heating bills, provide a cleaner burn, are a much safer option for families and will save you time.

HotPrice.co.uk is a fireplace warehouse trading in all types and models of fireplaces, including gas and electric fires. Buying from the warehouse can be more economical than high street stores. Check it out online for wall-mounted and outset gas fires, traditional inset or contemporary electric fires and an array of full fireplaces in natural wood, natural limestone, and stone effects.

When selecting a fireplace for your home, consider the features of each model and ensure it suits your lifestyle. Also consider the period of your property and choose a fireplace that will compliment it. Fireplaces can add value to a property and provide a warm and cozy atmosphere to any room.

Information about the Author:

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Kate Shaw, a freelance writer who has been writing for over ten years and has frequently been published in leading lifestyle journals. Kate Shaw produces articles for Hot Price. The company offers the latest in gas fires, electric fires and Hole in the wall Fires.

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