Choosing the right fireplace that best fits your home can pose quite a challenge. With so many fireplace options out there—from wood, natural stone, brick, metal, to gas and electric fireplaces—looking for the right one can get pretty overwhelming. Thus, before you call a professional fireplace service in Salt Lake City, take note of these five important things that you should know to help get you started:
1. Determine the Main Purpose of Your Fireplace
Do you want a new fireplace for heating efficiency or for interior or exterior aesthetics? In most cases, it’s ideal to combine efficient heating and tasteful design that complements your home’s style. Whatever main purpose you may have, make sure to communicate what you want to your installer. This allows them to narrow down your selection process, providing you with the best options according to your request.
2. Decide on Your Heating Preference
How do you want your fireplace to be heated? There are three main types of fireplaces based on heating: gas, electricity, and real firewood. Weigh in the pros and cons of each type of installation. Gas fireplaces use real flames and have reliable settings that can be turned on and off even during power outages. Gas fireplaces also tend to be more affordable to build than wood fireplaces. Electric fireplaces, on the other hand, use simulated flames (for less fire risk) with temperature control that can be adjusted precisely with a remote. Finally, wood fireplaces provide wonderful traditional ambiance to a home. However, they can’t be put off automatically like the other fireplaces, and they require more cleanup to remove ashes and soot that darken them over time.
3. Select Fireplace Design and Finish that Match Your Decor
When it comes to fireplace trims and finishes, there are plenty of options that can brighten your room. The most common ones include brick, natural stone, wood, and metal. Most of these come in different colors, so consult your fireplace installer about designs that will match your home. If you plan to regularly use a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to stay away from light-colored brick or stone. These are prone to smoke stains, and they are also harder to clean.
4. Know the Kinds of Heating Fuel Available in Your Area
Apart from choosing the material and heating type, ask about available heating fuel in your area. If you want a wood-burning fireplace, is there a nearby supplier where you can get firewood? Likewise, if you’re planning on installing a gas fireplace, you should know where the nearest gas supplier is in your area. It’s also a good idea to check and compare prices so that you can purchase gas at a more affordable cost.
5. Plan Your Budget to Avoid Overspending
Finally, before calling a fireplace service, make sure that you’ve set your budget. Getting a new fireplace can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand bucks. Hence, planning your budget can really save you a lot of money. For one, it set limits and helps you focus on exactly what you need. Moreover, it makes you avoid spending on fancy features that you otherwise don’t need.
Remembering these tips can really help you save time and money for your new fireplace. Make sure to know the purpose of your fireplace, decide on your heating preference, look for designs that match your home, find out what heating fuel is available in your area, and set your budget. Once you’ve got all these in order, you’ll have an easier time working with your fireplace installer.
