—By Beth Kern

If you crave the warmth and ambiance that a fire provides but your home isn’t already equipped with one, you’ll be happy to hear that freestanding fireplace options are heating up homes all over the Valley!

Installing a freestanding unit will not only make your house warmer, but it can also make it more energy efficient. You’re probably thinking that it’s going to be a lot of work to have one, though. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that they require less maintenance than a regular fireplace. So there’s really nothing stopping you from lighting a fire on those cold, windy nights to come.

Your Options
Three formats are available for the freestanding fireplace such as wood, pellet, and gas. All three resources can be less expensive than running a central furnace. Among them, the wood stove or fireplace is considered the most cost-effective, as it does not burn traditional fuel. And if you choose a model that offers a larger firebox you will be able to extend the burn time.

Pellet stoves and pellet fireplaces offer three times more heat than other same-size units, and they require less work than the traditional wood stove or fireplace. This option is also known for its safety and ease of use to run.

If you’d like to go the clean, efficient, and easy route, then the natural gas option may be for you. Gas is still less expensive than running the furnace and requires less effort because most operate with just the push of a button. You can also save money by zoning the heat in the rooms you need instead of wasting heat where you don’t.

As far as style, the freestanding fireplace can look perfect in any décor. Companies offer a wide variety of styles to make every client happy. Todd Ackerman of Wood Heat in Quakertown comments, “Traditional styles are still the most popular. There is growing demand for more contemporary designs.”

You’ll find that the more traditional styles will be available in options like the wood and pellet burning stoves and fireplaces. Gas stoves are beginning to make the transition to more contemporary styles for the modern, young homebuyer.

If you’re in the market for a contemporary look, Ackerman recommends the company Heat & Glo, which has created the modern yet stylish look of Paloma.

With more of a European style and sleek, clean lines this fireplace adds intrigue. Heat & Glo describes this option as, “…perfect for the urban dweller wanting to add the ambiance of fire to a bedroom or more intimate space.”

Playing it Safe
The first thing any homeowner wants to know once intrigued by the thought of adding a freestanding model, is their ratings on safety. Concerns regarding safety hazards in modern models have been addressed and reduced.

Ackerman explains, “Dangers have been eliminated if one follows the guidelines in the owners manual to install.”

While different stoves require different clearances the owner’s manual will always be able to tell you how much room you will need. Usually pellet and gas stoves need less clearance requirements than wood stoves.

“New wood stoves are more efficient and much cleaner burning.  This nearly eliminates chimney fires caused by creosote deposits in the chimney.  We still recommend checking your chimney every year, but you may not need to clean it as often,” continues Ackerman.

The units are so safe, it is plausible to have one in every room of your house or just get the warmth back into your favorite rooms. “One in every gathering space in the home is ideal; for example, one in the upstairs family room and one in a downstairs recreation room. Bedrooms and master bathroom have also become desired locations,” says Ackerman.

There are other financial benefits to adding a freestanding unit. “The federal government offers a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 on all wood and pellet stoves that exceed the 75% efficiency standard,” Ackerman explains.

If that’s not warming you up to the idea, most local retailers can offer you easy financing options.

Consult with your local retailer to help you choose a model to best suit your budget, safety, and space requirement needs.