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The fireplace has been the heart of the house since humans started building their shelters. They were gathering around the fire, cooking and talking. As the world evolved, the fireplace remained the centerpiece of the house, providing heat and a cozy background for socialization. Nowadays they are still one of the most important features of a house, but they come in many shapes and have different types of fuel. One can choose between electric fireplaces, gas fireplaces and wood fireplaces. Each one has its own set of pros and cons, so you need to get all the information you need about them, before making the investment.

Electric fireplaces

When you want to buy electric fireplaces you need to know they can provide heat, as well as a pleasant image, but the flames are only a projection of an image. They can be lightweight and they are the least expensive option from the three types of fireplaces in this list. Electric fireplaces are easy to install and maintain and can be portable, when you need them to be. If you opt for a hanging fireplace or an insert one, you can also save a lot of space, which makes them a perfect fit for apartments and small rooms. In the event of a power outage, you won't be able to enjoy your electric fireplace, which can be a disadvantage.

Gas fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are a good replacement for wood fireplaces if you don't have the time to maintain a traditional fireplace. They can be turned on instantly and most models have a thermostat which enables you to control the amount of heat provided by the fireplace. Some gas fireplaces have a remote control. They are highly efficient when it comes to heating, so you can replace the central heating system with the gas fireplace to heat a room on a cold night. Because there is no wood burning, there is no ash to clean, which makes a gas fireplace easy to maintain. Opposed to the electric fireplace, which offers pretty much the same advantages, a gas fireplace can be used during a power outage.

The disadvantage of gas fireplaces is that they can be expensive and they require a gas line to be installed.

Traditional wood fireplaces

A traditional, wood-burning fireplace is a luxury for many home owners. With the latest laws and regulations in place, you need to make sure the fireplace is efficient at producing heat and that it is safe to use. One of the major drawbacks of a wood fireplace is the fact you need a steady supply of firewood to keep it going. A traditional fireplace provides unmatched experience, which goes further than the image of actual wood burning. You can hear the noise of the fire and smell the wood. A traditional fireplace is great for staying warm on a cold night, no matter if there is a power outage. It also provides light and you can even use it for cooking, but you will probably want to limit this to a couple of marshmallows now and then.

A wood fireplace requires a lot of maintenance. You can't leave the fire unattended, not even the warm ash, which can easily resparkle a fire. Kids and pets might get injured, so they need to be watched around an open fire. The fireplace requires annual inspections and your home insurance bill might increase.