Fireplaces are often the focal point of a room. They are warm and cozy, and being near one feels safe and comfortable. Watching and listening to crackling flames brings peace and contentment after hectic days. Fireplaces can also be expensive, messy, and dangerous. Here are some important pros and cons of having–and using–a fireplace.
Pros Of Having a Fireplace
Warmth, smell, sound, and the look of open fires have attracted people for centuries. Having one burning in the house adds to feelings of peace and tranquility.
Heat
Open fireplaces do not provide a significant amount of heat. Fireplace inserts that fill old masonry openings are very efficient. Some manufacturers claim they heat up to 1800 square feet. Many inserts are available with blowers that better distribute heat throughout the house. Inserts are available that burn wood or gas. They can also be electric.
Heat Without Electricity
Storms, hackers, and power outages leave you without heat–usually at the worst times. Fireplaces provide backup heat in emergencies. You can even cook on them with the right types of cookware.
Energy Savings
Fireplaces provide heat to the house often beyond the room where they are located–saving on heating costs. If you have a free source of wood, the only cost is the labor of cutting and splitting the wood. Buying wood for fuel reduces the savings.
Decorative
A fireplace is usually the focal point of a room when burning because flames naturally attract attention. Seating is often arranged around the fireplace. Fireplace designs can be made very decorative. Mantles, stone or brick facing, plantings–real or artificial, bookcases, and entertainment centers like TVs above the fireplace mantle all enhance the feel of the room.
Relaxing
People tend to gravitate to fires and gaze into them–sometimes for hours. Fireplaces provide a relaxing focus point for couples and families to unwind. They are also a peaceful backdrop during conversations with friends.
Increase Resale Value
Homes with fireplaces list for up to 13% more than the national average. They also sell quicker. Don’t confuse listing with return on investment. Installing a fireplace just to sell will not recover ROI. An existing fireplace does add value when selling.
Cons Of Having a Fireplace
For all of the peace and relaxation a fireplace provides, there are some disadvantages to consider.
Dangerous
People enjoy the snap and crackle of burning wood, but not the red-hot embers that may be thrown into the living space. Screens and non-flammable areas around the fireplace are essential to prevent scorched rugs and furniture–or a fire.
Creosote builds up in chimneys. It causes hot chimney fires when it burns with flame shooting out of the top and burning embers landing on your roof. Very hot chimney fires can burn through the flue and spread to the upper floors or into the attic and roof. Chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Some insurance companies require proof of regular cleaning to keep the policy in force.
Lack Of Storage Space
Fireplaces burn a lot of wood if used regularly. A cord of wood (4’ x 4’ x 8’ long) lasts approximately three to six months depending on the type of wood and amount burned. Only a small amount of wood can be stored close to most fireplaces. The rest of it has to be stored in a dry spot. Or you have to buy small amounts of wood for each burn.
Messy and Dirty
Ashes have to be removed regularly. They are as fine as flour and when disturbed, they settle on everything close by. Ashes stink–more if they get wet. Builtup creosote falls out of the chimney into the fireplace and smells worse.
Bark and dirt fall off firewood. Firewood is home to many types of bugs that you will bring into the house with the wood.
Expensive Installation
Installing a fireplace where a chimney and solid foundation exist can cost up to $6500.00. Installing a new one from scratch costs up to $30,000.00. Do not expect to recoup installation costs when you sell.
Energy Inefficient
Fireplaces provide heat to the immediate area but many installations allow most of the heat and energy to escape up the chimney. Fire needs oxygen to burn and an open fireplace will suck the warm air out of the house to feed the flames–creating drafts and cooling the building. Fireplace and flue modifications are expensive and time-consuming.
Increased Insurance Costs
Fireplaces and chimneys are responsible for about 29% of heating equipment fires in homes. Insurance costs are usually at least 10% higher for homes with fireplaces or wood stoves.
