The best wood-burning fireplaces are capable of heating your home efficiently and stylishly. In fact, they are the preferred heating options in rustic style homes that support their installation.
Chances are you’re interested in putting one in, too. But, do you know how to choose the perfect wood-burning fireplace for you? This is the question we want to solve in ParaTuReforma through this article, don’t miss it!
Wood-burning fireplace: what is the best option?
First of all, we must emphasize that wood-burning fireplaces can only be installed in detached houses and villas. This is mainly because they require very specific conditions in terms of smoke extraction. In general, these are characteristics that are not met by apartments located in large buildings or in communities of owners.
In the cases we have just discussed, pellet stoves and, above all, gas stoves are better alternatives. These are undoubtedly lower calorific value alternatives that use more expensive and less environmentally friendly fuels, but are more cost-effective than electric systems.
Having discussed the fireplace options available to you, it is time to focus on wood-burning fireplaces. To help you choose, we are going to show you the types that exist, the advantages they offer and the keys that you should pay attention to in order to make the right choice.
Types of wood-burning fireplaces
Generally speaking, we can distinguish three types of wood-burning fireplaces. They are the following:
- Open wood-burning fireplaces. The conventional ones. In fact, they are probably the ones that have come to your mind if you are interested in installing one in your home. As their name suggests, they allow you to see the wood burning without any intermediate barrier. They are also the easiest to build.
- Closed chamber wood-burning fireplaces. The problem with open fireplaces is that they let cold air into the room, which means that part of their heating power is lost. This type of wood-burning fireplace solves this problem by means of a glass barrier. This prevents the energy from escaping in an uncontrolled manner.
- Double chamber wood-burning fireplaces. The most modern and innovative solution. First, they undertake the combustion of the wood in one chamber. Then, they perform a second combustion of the residues and the gases emitted. This not only results in a higher heating power, but also in the generation of less waste and an optimal use of the fuel.
However, we can also differentiate between different types of wood-burning fireplaces according to the way they are installed. We speak, in particular, of:
- Wall-mounted wood-burning fireplaces. They are those that are installed on the wall. Therefore, the only work required is to make a hole in the ceiling through which the flue pipe will pass.
- Built-in wood-burning fireplaces. Unlike the previous ones, these fireplaces are installed inside the wall, which saves considerable space. However, they are only recommended when their installation is to be planned as part of a major renovation.
On the other hand, we can also talk about different types of wood-burning fireplaces according to their design. In this sense, in the market you can find square, corner or suspended models.
How to choose a wood-burning fireplace
At this point, you just need to find out some keys in order to choose the ideal wood-burning fireplace for you:
- How much space do you need to heat? Obviously, a 30 m² living room is not the same as a whole house of 150 m². Make sure that the model you choose has enough capacity to meet your needs.
- Your budget. This will define, to a large extent, if you bet on an open fireplace, closed chamber or double chamber. The price difference between one and the other can be high.
- Materials. The conventional is to use vermiculite refractory bricks. However, cast iron and steel are very interesting alternatives, especially if you are interested in adding a touch of modernity to the room.
- Extras. Such as, for example, small stores for storing firewood, easy-to-remove ashtrays or accessories for handling fuel safely. These are not always mandatory, but they can help you get the most out of your new fireplace.
Advantages of a wood-burning fireplace
Obviously, the best wood-burning fireplaces provide a number of unquestionable advantages. These are the ones you should know about and the ones that can lead you to select yours definitively:
- Warm and cozy atmosphere. The wood-burning fireplaces are not only heating devices. They also add a very interesting touch to the decoration of any room in the home. Especially in living rooms and other rooms in rustic style.
- They are socializing elements. When you install your new wood-burning fireplace, it won’t take you long to realize that, during the winter, it becomes a favorite gathering spot for your family and friends.
- They use an environmentally friendly fuel. Firewood is a sustainable resource, since it comes from the required felling of tree branches. In addition, the level of carbon dioxide emissions associated with its combustion is very low and is offset by its high calorific value.
- It is a very economical fuel. If you have a country house surrounded by trees, you may be able to collect firewood for free. And, if not, don’t worry. The price of this fuel is affordable and stable. Something that does not happen with gas or pellets, for example.
Undoubtedly, if you bet on one of the best wood-burning fireplaces in our catalog, you will get an efficient and inexpensive heating system for your home. We encourage you to contact ParaTuReforma if you need additional advice or if you simply want to ask for a quote. Do not wait for winter to come to get yours!
