Eco-Friendly Fireplaces for the Modern Home

Every year, fall seems to come and go so quickly. Before you know it, winter is here and temperatures outdoors have plummeted! This year, with home heating costs predicted to be higher then ever, many Americans are weighing their heating options. Electric fireplaces, gel fuel fireplaces and pellet stoves are three supplemental heating options that many Americans are considering this season. Both energy efficient and economical – these supplemental heating solutions are available in a variety of styles, finishes and price ranges – perfect for any home. Many are even available as a fireplace insert, meaning they can be installed right over your existing fireplace. Here is a break down on some of the most popular eco-friendly home heating solutions.

• Electric Fireplaces:Electric fireplaces are perfect for small apartments or condos where you don’t have the luxury of a real fireplace. Electric fireplaces are completely vent-less which means no chimney or gas lines are required. These fireplaces are also generally portable which means you can move them from room to room with ease. Both installation and maintenance is a breeze, given that all you have to do is plug them in and switch them on. Most electric fireplaces come equipped with some sort of a blower, which is powerful enough to heat a small room, a great addition in the bedroom, living room, or dining room. Today’s modern electric fireplaces come in a variety of styles including TV stand fireplaces, wall-mounted fireplaces as well as traditional fireplaces with a mantle shelf for extra storage. Manufacturers like Dimplex, Burley UK and Vermont Castings all make quality modern electric fireplaces. Something to consider regarding electric fireplaces – while they don’t release any harmful gasses or toxins, they are likely to run up your electric bill which might be a turn off for some.
• Gel Fuel Fireplaces:Another popular, eco-friendly heating option is a gel fireplace! Gel fireplaces are vent-less, just like electric fireplaces – meaning they don’t require a chimney. Also like electric fireplaces, gel fuel fireplaces are portable and come in a variety of modern, sleek styles suitable for any modern household. The clean burning gel fuel, which is alcohol-based, is specifically designed to burn without venting – clear and smoke and fume-free! Gel fuel comes in a can, with each can lasting between 2.5 and 3 hours. While this isn’t enough to last through the night, gel fuel fireplaces are better suited for entertaining or creating ambience during a meal. Some gel fireplaces do come with an electric blower which enhances their heat output considerably – usually only enough to heat a small room. Unlike electric fireplaces, most gel fireplaces provide the real crackle of burning wood which some find comforting. Gel Fireplaces are available in wall mounted, and traditional-style fireplaces with mantles. Blomus makes the Chimo Large Wave Fireplace, a beautiful stainless-steel wall-mounted fireplace that runs on denatured alcohol or denatured ethanol, an equally “green” gel fuel alternative.
• Pellet Stoves:Another eco-friendly heating solution for you to consider is a pellet stove. While generally not aesthetically appealing, pellet stoves are incredibly eco-friendly! Pellet stoves burn “pellets” which are commonly made from 100 percent recycled sawdust with no additives. Pellets can also be made from wood chips, bark, agricultural crop waste, recycled paper and other organic materials. Pellets leave behind very little ash and are very easy to maintain. They also have a higher efficiency than other heating sources and produce very little indoor air pollution. Unlike both electric and gel fuel fireplaces, pellet stoves do require some venting, though generally not very much. Usually only a short run of stainless steel venting to the outside is necessary. Another potential downside is that pellet stoves do have mechanical components that require electricity to run. Additionally, pellets may not be readily available, depending on your area.

Eco-friendly home heating options are becoming more plentiful as environmental conditions around the world continue to worsen. While each option has its associated pros and cons, the good they do definitely outweighs the bad. When it comes to going “green,” every little bit helps.