If you’re building a new home, remodelling your current one, or considering replacing your fireplace it pays to do a little research before making an investment. One of the key decisions you’ll be making is what kind of fuel should your fireplace or stove use? Gas and wood are perenially popular, although pellet & electric can be great alternatives as well.

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Wood Fireplaces

The traditional wood-burning fireplace will probably never go out of fashion. Considered a “renewable” energy source, wood creates robust fires and can help reduce heating costs. Flaming wood logs are wonderfully ambient, but some homeowners aren’t keen on the work involved in acquiring the logs, storing them, and so on. Wood fireplaces also require regular cleaning and maintenance. Many people swear by the warmth and ambiance of a real wood fire.

View our selection of Wood Burning Fireplaces, Wood Burning Stoves, and Wood Burning Inserts.

Gas Fireplaces

Modern gas fireplaces need less maintenance than wood and come in models that are vented and vent-free. They can be safely placed in various spots throughout the home for excellent zone heating, unlike wood fireplaces, which require more elaborate venting processes including a properly built chimney. Gas burns clean, but it isn’t a “renewable” fuel. Gas fireplaces are easy to start and not messy, however, if there’s any problem getting a supply of gas, there’s no fire. Today’s gas log sets also look very realistic.

View our selection of Gas Fireplaces, Gas Stoves, and Gas Inserts.

Electric Fireplaces

Consistent, economical warmth, ease of starting, very safe and surprisingly pleasant-looking – these are some of the main reasons people like electric fireplaces. Because there’s no flame, the surrounding areas never get overly hot, which parents appreciate. These units produce a pleasing appearance, although you won’t get the lapping, dancing flames as with a wood or gas appliance. Electric fireplaces start up easily, produce fast heat and are versatile in their placement options. For a way to simply add a bit of ambiance to the room Electric Fireplaces are a great choice.

View our selection of Electric Firplaces.

Pellet Fireplace Inserts

These units burn chunky little pellets made of sawdust and by-products of wood, making it a bio-mass fuel. The fires are intense and bright, and a hopper feeds the firebox automatically. You can buy pellets in large bags (40 pounds is common) and easily store them. Although there will be some cleaning and maintenance, pellet fires can burn for as long as 36 hours without the fire having to be tended. Before purchasing, make sure a pellet supply is available in your area.

View our selection of Pellet Fireplace Inserts and Pellet Stoves.

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Why choose Friendly Fires?

Friendly Fires has the area’s largest selection of wood burning, gas, pellet, and electric fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. A wide variety of fireplaces are available in linear, traditional, efficient, guillotine (ie disappearing door), masonry, and corner fireplace styles.

All of our showrooms have wood burning units, gas units, and pellet units on display for you to see and feel the warmth. Stop into any of our showrooms today or give us a call to discuss your needs.

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What are your thoughs?

Do you have a preference for one type of fuel over another? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

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