A fireplace can be a beautiful addition to your home interior. With freezing cold and wet winters year after year, you need more than a warm cup of tea to stay cosy indoors. However, when planning on installing a fireplace in your house, there are some important things to consider before purchasing. 

With more than 40 years experience in the field, Hilite Hardware Store can provide you with important guidance in order to be able to choose the right fireplace for your needs. 

Take a look at some of the essentials to keep in mind!

Types of fireplaces

When considering purchasing a fireplace the first thing to do is definitely be aware of the various types of fireplaces there are on the market. The different types of fireplaces you find out there require different maintenance and obviously differ in price. If you really want to feel and listen to the sound of crackling fire, and also have storage for logs, a wood fireplace should be your option. Pellet stoves are a modern version of fireplaces, creating an equally warm and romantic atmosphere, but with a cleaner, safer and more energy efficiency. The third type of fireplace is the one which works with gas. Nowadays, this is the most popular choice as you can have a flame with just a flip of a switch. Plus, you don't need to think about space for the chimney.

Usage

After you've become aware of the types of fireplaces available, thinking about why you need it is important. You need to have a clear idea in mind of its purpose. Do you wish to purchase a fireplace to heat your house more? Do you just want a fireplace to complete your home interior layout? Are you looking to have lower energy bills? Such questions and others are all legitimate. If you're looking to have a more energy efficient house with sufficient heat, then a pellet stove or gas fireplace can be suitable. The latter requires little maintenance. A wood burning fireplace doesn't produce a large amount of heat and is not either the right option to heat large spaces. Thus, it's typically considered for use of aesthetics and adding more value to your house.

Costs & Maintenance

Purchasing a fireplace entails not only the purchasing costs but also future ones. While doing your homework, it's essential that your budget takes into account other costs. According to the type or dimension of fireplace you opt might lead you to having to make some unexpected alterations in your house to create the appropriate and safe place for it to be installed. The construction of the chimney, in case of a wood burning or pellet stove mean for example extra costs if you haven't thought about them beforehand. Unless you decide to purchase a gas fireplace, a wood or pellet fireplace needs regular cleaning and maintenance - meaning more running costs. 

Design

For whichever reason you're considering having a fireplace installed, design and aesthetics are an important part in your decision. You certainly want to have a fireplace that blends in nicely with the rest of your home style and decor. With the many traditional, contemporary and modern designs available with features such as iron, glass, stone or even marble, you will certainly find the fireplace that reflects your style. Be it minimalist or modern!

Hilite Hardware Store can guide you further if you're thinking about purchasing a fireplace. Offering free on-site quotations, installations and excellent after sales services, you are guaranteed with premium quality. Know more about the products and services here.