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How to Choose the Right Fireplace for Your Home
by: Louis_Dale
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Word Count: 487
Having trouble deciding on what type of fireplace you want for your home? Look no further, this article will provide you with general information about fireplaces and will explain some basic information about three different types of fireplaces.
Currently the top name fireplace manufacturers in the industry are Heat-N-Glo, Kozy Heat, Vermont Castings, Quadra-Fire, Hampton, and Regency. Each manufacturer carries a variety of products such as wood, gas, electric, and outdoor fireplaces. Also they carry fireplace inserts along with a variety of mantels for your decorative taste.
Gas Fireplaces
An average gas fireplace produces roughly around 20000 BTUs of heat. In case your unsure of what a BTU (British Thermal Unit) is, it refers to the heating power of a gas appliance as measured by the amount of energy it produces in one hour. More specifically it is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Most importantly what you need to know is that on average, 10,000 BTU can heat approximately 500 square feet, depending on the design of the house. The type of windows, floor plan, and ceiling heat of course all have to be taken into consideration.
A gas fireplace does not need electricity to work, most use a typical pilot ignition system such as what is used in a gas water heater. The only electricity needed may be for a blower system to help circulate the heat throughout the intended area.
Electric Fireplaces
These types of fireplaces are usually used by people that would like a small area efficiently heated or for just decorative purposes. An average electric fireplace produces around 5000 BTUs of heat. Electric fireplaces are quite efficient though and ideal if you just need a small area heated.
Also they are portable, just like any other piece of furniture and can be placed in a variety of places. Thanks to modern technology the flames look quite realistic compared to a wood burning fire. Also you can choose to have the fire going without the heat.
The typical cost for owning an electric fireplace is around $.08 / hour and without heat less than $.01 / hour. This varies in each state and is only an average cost.
Outdoor Fireplaces
Do you want the comfort of a fire outdoors without the hazards? Outdoor fireplaces are becoming more and more popular with people in the United States. Many you can buy for a fairly inexpensive price, look beautiful and are portable.
If you decide on an outdoor fireplace be sure to get one with rust resistant exterior. A typical steel fireplace will not take long to produce unsightly rust. Also be sure to check with your state laws and code regarding owning an outdoor fireplace.
About the Author
Louis Merz writes hundreds of articles on various home improvement topics. For more vital and helpful information about fireplaces be sure to visit www.fireplaceenlightenment.com.
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