The popularity of fireplaces is on the rise, and consumers have more choices than ever before when searching for a fireplace to fit their homes dcor. Many of todays fireplaces are a mix of contemporary and traditional styles, and most styles are available in a variety of colors.

You can order a fireplace and have it delivered to your home, where you can assemble it in an hour or less using only a screwdriver or you can decide to have a permanent fireplace rebuilt or added to one of your rooms. While price should be a consideration, remember that a quality fireplace will likely last longer and prove to be a better investment than some less expensive models.

Although your permanent fireplace is a wonderful addition to your home, it might be the cause of large amounts of home energy loss. The majority of heat from a fireplace travels up the chimney without ever warming your home, and some of your homes heated air may travel with it and result in cooler temperatures inside your home. Coordinating your residential heating with the heat from your fireplace is essential for both permanent and moveable fireplaces because it will result in lower heating bills and reduced amounts of carbon emissions you contribute to the environment.

When your fireplace is idle your homes heated air flows out of your home through the chimney while cold outside air comes into your home in downdraughts. To avoid losing your homes warm air and allowing cold air to enter your home, position a fireplace shield directly in front of your fireplace any time you are not using your fireplace. Some fireplaces have glass doors, and this gives the same advantage as a fireplace shield.

A good way to capture more of your fireplaces heat is to position a cast-iron plate at the back of the firebox. This allows you to benefit more from the fires heat and also means you will use less fuel for your fire and less energy to heat your home. Fireplaces without chimneys do not allow warm air loss, but in order to keep the temperature in all parts of your home at a comfortable level, you will need to monitor your heating systems output.

If you want ease in cleaning your fireplace, the popular real flame fireplace may be your best choice because it does not create soot or ashes. Other fireplaces available are gas, electric, propane, and wood-burning fireplaces. Many people like the classic brick fireplaces, but these are sometimes too expensive for homeowners. Gas and electric inserts are good additions for brick fireplaces. These inserts are placed in the firebox of the brick fireplace and allow easier operation and heat control.