Three alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces

Looking for a fireplace that’s more environmentally friendly and energy efficient than a wood-burning one? Here are three options worth looking into.

1. Gas fireplace
Convert your old wood-burning fireplace using a gas insert. It’ll provide the ambience and warmth of a wood-burning fireplace with the flick of a switch. If you’re already connected to a natural gas line in your area, a technician will connect it to your fireplace. If natural gas isn’t an option, propane is another possibility.

2. Electric fireplace
You can put an electric fireplace in any room in your house that has an electric outlet. These fireplaces can heat rooms that are up to 400 square feet.

3. Pellet stove
Pellet stoves use pellets, a renewable fuel source, to distribute heat. They’re easier to use than wood-burning units — just fill the storage hopper with pellets and set your thermostat to the perfect temperature. In order to maintain the selected temperature, a sensor will send a signal to a mechanism that drops new pellets into the fire when needed.

So which option should you go with? Get help deciding by talking to a professional. He or she can advise you as to which type of fireplace or stove is right for your home.