Many people travel long distances this time of year, just to get together with their families and make wonderful memories. One favorite spot to gather is around the glowing fireplace. Adding a fireplace has proven to increase the value of your home -- while you are living in it, as well as when you are ready to sell. It can heighten your enjoyment of your home by providing a cozy focal point in your family room or master bedroom. And realtors have found that most prospective buyers are attracted to a home with a fireplace, since it creates such a welcoming atmosphere.
Below you'll find our descriptions of today's most popular fireplace choices. Is this the year to add the ambiance of a fireplace to your holiday festivities?
� A wood-burning fireplace provides those delightful crackling sounds that may be an essential part of the fireplace experience for you. A traditional masonry fireplace necessitates a foundation and a chimney. On the other hand, a factory-built self-contained zero-clearance firebox requires no foundation and simply needs a double-wall metal chimney. Since it may be installed to within 1/4" of combustible wall materials, it offers great design possibilities. Another tip: use an EPA certified fireplace insert to convert an existing fireplace to an efficient, low-polluting heating system for your home on chilly days.
� Direct vent gas fireplaces require neither a foundation nor a chimney. They vent any combustion byproducts and moisture straight through the wall to the outside, preserving indoor air quality. Choose a high-efficiency model with thermostatic and remote controls for ease of operation. These units can perform double duty as beautiful additions to your home, as well as highly-efficient heaters.
� Electric fireplaces don't require a chimney, vent or gas line. A light bulb and metal reflectors create the satisfying illusion of a flame. These fireplaces are convenient and flexible -- you simply plug them into a 110 electrical outlet anywhere in your home. Some include electric heaters as well, but aren't really an efficient way to heat anything but a really small room.