A fireplace installation not only adds warmth to your living room but is also a great addition to accentuate the aesthetics of the space. Fireplaces consume different types of fuel including gas, wood, ethanol, and even electricity to generate the heat necessary to warm up your living room. Some installations are energy efficient while others burn fossil fuels which is why you must take into the following points before you ring up the contractor to measure the space.

Type of fireplace
Your home type, energy needs, and design preferences will collectively influence your decision before choosing the type of fireplace. A wood burning fireplace will require blocks of wood or massive logs while an electric fireplace needs nothing more than a steady power source to heat coils and generate heat. An electric fireplace is also more energy efficient and offers different settings to regulate the heat. Alternative fireplace installations include ones that are powered by ethanol and natural gas.

Cost of installation
Cost is one of the major factors to consider as a brick and mortar fireplace will be a cheaper installation in comparison to gas fireplaces. You must also take into account the cost of installing a dedicated fuel line, assembling the fireplace, customizing it according to preferences, and altering the home structure to provide for ventilation. A fireplace installation must also adhere to the safety regulations set forth by local utility departments to ensure safety and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by burning embers or a faulty power line. A traditional wood fireplace installation can cost you anywhere between $900 to $3,000 while a gas fireplace will cost you a minimum of $2,000 for installation. Electric fireplaces are a cheaper alternative but not necessarily a preferred one among homeowners as the fireplace does nothing more than mimic the aesthetic of a traditional fireplace to generate heat. Manual labor and materials to be used in the installation will also drive up the cost significantly.

Separate chimney installation
Gas and wood burning fireplaces require a functional chimney to vent out the smoke and fumes safely. The vertical construction requires space and a new chimney installation can easily cost you a total of approximately $2,500. The estimate does not include the cost of maintaining the chimney thereafter. Alternatively, prefabricated electric and ventless fireplace installations can save you the cost of installing a new one.