Winter is just around the corner and there is nothing better than sipping delicious egg nog while sitting with your friends and family around the fireplace in the living room. If you are wanting to install a new fireplace or looking to replace the old one, there are a few things to keep in mind. The type of fireplace will differ according to the type of fuel that is burned to generate the warmth in your living room. Common fuel sources include wood, gas, ethanol, and even electricity to run the fireplace. If you are planning to upgrade our existing fireplace or want to install a new one, here are a few types of you to consider this Christmas.

Traditional open hearth
Made of stone and brick, these fireplaces date back centuries and burn wood blocks or logs to generate heat. The design goes well with your existing classic home décor but cannot be controlled effectively to regulate the heat. You will have to manually add and shift wood to increase or decrease the amount of heat generated.

Enclosed fireplace
Unlike a traditional fireplace, the enclosed model does not allow the heat to escape through the chimney vent. You also don’t have to worry about embers flying out of the fireplace and landing on your expensive carpet or rug, potentially reducing the risk of a fire hazard.

Direct-vented built-in-fireplaces
Powered by gas, these fireplaces can be installed in your existing chimney vent without much modification to the existing structure. Gas powered fireplaces can regulate the heat more efficiently and don’t allow the heat to escape through the opening. An alternative installation to direct-vented fireplaces are ventless built-in fireplaces that do not require a chimney installation.

Conversion fireplace
If you already have a traditional fireplace installed, you can simply use ethanol to burn and generate heat more efficiently. However, if you are looking for an upgrade, you can consider a wall-mounted or tabletop fireplace, both feature the use of ethanol over wood and gas. These fireplaces are compact and enhance the visual aesthetic of your household.

Electric fireplace
If you are looking for a cost-effective version, mantle electric fireplaces are your best bet to own and you need not spend a fortune on fuel. Modern-day fireplaces with electric heat generation are economical, environment-friendly, and are hassle-free. A screen mimics the effect of a log burning with flames crackling while the actual function features a coil that is heated with electricity to generate the necessary heat that circulates throughout the household.