Wood Fireplaces Are a Timeless Design

A traditional wood-burning fireplace or stove is difficult to beat. It’s arguably human nature to be drawn to a relaxing fire, so having the ability to create a cozy space almost on demand is a surefire way to create a room you’ll always love. In addition, the warmth provided by a wood fireplace has its own benefits in the form of cost-efficient heating.

Does this all sound good to you? We’ve put together this buying guide to help you determine if one of these impressive appliances is right for your home.

Consider the Installation Type

There are three main types of wood-burning appliances for you to consider: built-ins, inserts, and stoves. Each has its own advantages, and there’s no perfect solution for every installation.

Venting types will also change depending on the style of installation you choose, so if you have an existing chimney or if you need to accommodate preexisting venting, be sure to take these into consideration, as well.

Built-in Wood Fireplace Units

Built-in wood fireplaces are some of the most popular units available. These premanufactured units install directly into a framed space and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your needs. They’re often customizable to match your room decor, as well.

Built-ins are especially good for new homes or remodels where preplanning can be done to accommodate the fireplace unit. The Napoleon NZ8000 is a great example of what’s possible in your room. With its large size, heavy-duty construction and unique features, this fireplace is sure to please.

Wood Fireplace Insert Units

If you have a tired old wood fireplace in need of an update, a wood fireplace insert may be just what you need. Similar to a built-in unit, a wood insert is designed to replace an existing fireplace rather than as a new build. For this reason, it’s important to review manufacturer specifications to make sure your space meets the requirements for the unit you select.

One big perk of an insert is the added warmth it can provide to a room. By sealing off the old fireplace’s chimney, you’ll have less heat loss and more efficient space.

Freestanding Wood Stoves

Freestanding stoves are slightly different from their built-in counterparts. As the name suggests, these units occupy floor space rather than wall space, which means you’ll need to consider different specifications and clearances when planning your room. However, the result will be worth your while when you install a premium appliance.

A wood stove makes an excellent option for heating your home due to the fact wood burns much hotter than gas. These wood-burning units can be used to heat entire rooms at a relatively affordable price, which takes some of the load off your furnace and helps save you money in the long term.

Get the Right Size Unit

When shopping for your wood fireplace, the size of the unit will obviously be one of the first details you’ll need to consider. However, sizing isn’t necessarily a simple and straightforward answer. In addition to the size of the firebox, you’ll need to take into account details such as framing, distance from combustibles and other manufacturer specifications. It’s imperative to follow these measurements to ensure the safe operation of your fireplace.

Size isn’t only about feet and inches, however. Different fireplaces have different heat outputs, and you’ll need to consider how you plan to use your fireplace. Will your unit be used as a primary source of heat or simply for aesthetic purposes? Do you need fan control to increase heat circulation or will radiant heat be enough? It’s questions like these you’ll need to answer before purchasing to ensure your final installation is one you’re ultimately happy with for years to come.

Understand Specs and Features

Many fireplaces list additional information you’ll want to be aware of, such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efficiency ratings. For a wood-burning unit to be EPA-certified, it must meet regulatory emission requirements set by the EPA. As of May 15, 2015, all wood stoves and fireplaces must meet these clean-burning standards. In addition, your state or local area may have additional requirements that may need to be met.

Additional features on your fireplace will also need to be considered. One of the most important details you’ll want to consider is ash management and cleanup for your fireplace. To ensure proper operation, you’ll want to make sure your fireplace is maintained correctly, and knowing the process for cleaning your unit will help you decide which model is best for your home.

Get Help Deciding on the Right Fireplace for You

We hope you’ve found this article helpful as you begin your fireplace buying experience. However, we understand it’s difficult to answer all questions you may have in a short blog article. Fortunately, our product specialists are available to take your call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. These helpful team members can walk you through the buying process to make sure you’re happy with your final purchase. You can also contact us via our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.