For many Colorado residents, the perfect fireplace isn’t only a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Freezing temperatures, icy winds, and unrelenting snow can cause the temperatures to drop – Many Denver homeowners rely on their fireplaces as supplemental heat.
Nothing compares to the look and feel of a roaring fire, but is a wood-burning fireplace the right option for your home?
What if you live in a densely populated urban area? Is there a better, safer, more convenient option, and what about the upkeep, cost of maintenance, and any upfront costs incurred by installing a fireplace?
Allow the experts at the Chimney King to help you decide which type of fireplace is right for your residence; you might be surprised by the answer!
Maintenance is critical, so in addition to installation, our team can help you keep the flames alive through an annual fireplace inspection.
Understanding Your Requirements: Denver Vs. Evergreen
A picturesque rural community of just under 10,000 residents, your needs and restrictions are obviously different than those of residents of Denver, the capital of Colorado, with a population of 2,931,000 people.
Wood-burning fireplaces and vented gas fireplaces are excellent options for residents of Evergreen simply because there are fewer residents and your concerns about emissions are scarce.
Living in a dense urban environment, such as downtown Denver, it makes sense to enjoy the convenience of electric fireplaces that do not require venting.
Ethanol-burning gas fireplaces do not require any ventilation and are a great way to keep your urban Denver home or apartment warm throughout winter!
Whether your fireplace is run by gas or electricity or burns seasoned wood, Chimney Kings can help you maintain your fireplace, including firebox repair and crown repair.
Considering Location and Room Size
Wood-burning fireplaces come in all shapes and sizes, but if you want one, ensure the room is large enough to accommodate the firebox, hearth, and mantel.
Space is at a premium in your small Evergreen or Denver home, and you simply don’t have enough floor space to accommodate installing a massive wood-burning fireplace.
Consider an electric or gas model instead. Both of these require less square footage, and if you live in an apartment or small home, ventless gas fireplaces or an electric one will significantly enhance the room’s comfort without sacrificing precious floor space.
Whether you live in a large house or a small urban apartment, ensure the fireplace is centrally located, and there are no obstructions, including furniture, children’s toys, or other appliances.
Wood-burning fireplaces require at least three feet of clearance, so keep this in mind if you opt for this type of model in your Evergreen or Denver home.
Consider Design and Style
The style of your gas, wood-burning, or electric fireplace is a huge consideration, and the model you choose should work with your home’s aesthetic. Here are three popular styles of the perfect fireplace for your Denver or Evergreen home:
- Contemporary: Sleek lines and smooth finishes, a contemporary gas, wood, and electric model will significantly enhance the look of your modern home or apartment.
- Linear: Electric and gas fireplaces that are horizontal or rectangular. These are perfect for small spaces, such as a bedroom, and can be mounted to the wall.
- A Traditional Fireplace: A tried and true option that works with almost any style and aesthetic, you will not regret having a traditional wood-burning model installed in your Evergreen or Denver property.
What Are the Most Popular Options Suitable for Denver Homes?
Nothing compares to the beauty and efficiency of a fireplace. Whether you opt for a beautiful traditional wood-burning model, love the idea of a clean-burning gas fireplace, or want to enjoy the convenience and cost-saving benefits of an electric fireplace.
Wood Burning Fireplaces
Nothing compares to the beauty of an open flame, and this is only achievable by installing an authentic, elegant wood-burning fireplace.
Wood-burning models are beautiful; there is no getting around that, but there are ins and outs to burning wood rather than gas or using electricity to power your fireplace.
Nothing Beats the Aesthetic Style and Cozy Ambiance of Wood-Burning Fireplaces
A real fire adds a cozy ambiance to your Denver, Colorado home, but wood-burning fireplaces have more benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal.
Burning wood is cheaper than burning fuel or turning on your electric fireplace.
The fuel is easily accessible, and if you plan on selling your home, all potential buyers will enthusiastically jump at the chance to enjoy the romantic feel and cost-saving potential of an authentic wood-burning fireplace!
Your Beautiful Fireplace Has Some Downsides…
Of course, there are downsides to traditional fireplaces, ashes and the need to constantly purchase firewood being two of the biggest!
Increased maintenance requirements, the dangers of creosote buildup, a leading cause of house fires, and the real possibility of a bat or raccoon calling your chimney home are a few of the downsides to consider.
The team at Chimney Kings can help you maintain your fireplace, including chimney sweep cleaning and inspecting a chimney!
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplace units are becoming more and more popular, and for several good reasons.
However, just like the other two popular types of fireplaces, there are ups and downs to flipping a switch and enjoying the heat from your gas fireplace.
Warmth Without the Mess and Maintenance
Imagine the convenience of being able to plug in your unit, find the ideal spot in your bedroom or living room, and enjoy the light and heat from your electric fireplace.
It’s that simple – There are no fireboxes, mantels, or hearths to install, and you can instantaneously enjoy the heat without hauling bundles of wood into the house!
Your Electric Fireplace Poses Some Risks, Too
Running an electric fireplace isn’t completely safe, and just like operating any electric appliance, there are potential risks.
Never leave your electric fireplace unattended, and install your freestanding electric fireplace at least three to four feet away from furniture.
The cost of electricity is also on the rise, so compare this to the potential expenses of burning different woods or purchasing propane or the price of natural gas.
Gas Fireplaces
Traditionally, gas heaters were used to heat workshops and garages, but don’t confuse these clunky, dangerous units with modern gas fireplaces!
Today’s gas fireplace is sleek, modern, efficient, and a great option if you do not want to pay a premium to power an electric model or cannot accommodate traditional fireplaces.
Energy Efficient and No Need for Chopping Wood!
Clean-running, properly vented gas fireplaces are very safe, energy-efficient, convenient, and an excellent option for anyone who loves the cost-saving potential of natural gas.
There are minimal safety risks, especially when maintained and operated properly, and these types of fireplaces pose a minimal risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Before Opting for a Gas Fireplace, Refer to Your Local Building Codes
Gas fireplaces are subject to various codes, including local and Colorado state building codes, and several safety considerations require you to vent your gas model properly.
Talk to your local gas fireplace service company before having any gas fireplace installed on your Colorado property.
Let Chimney Kings Help You With the Final Verdict
You’ve weighed the pros and cons, are still hopelessly stuck, and need help deciding which type of fireplace is best for your home, family, and bottom line.
Don’t stress; instead, call Chimney Kings for more advice!
With several years of experience serving residents in Denver, CO, our professional crew can install and service any variety of fireplace!
We Service All Various Types of Modern and Traditional Fireplaces
Whether you opt for the clean-burning convenience of a gas fireplace, the ease and low maintenance needs of an electric fireplace, or love the traditional elegance of this variety of fireplaces, our crew can assist with all your model’s maintenance and repair needs!
There is no such thing as a “perfect fireplace”. Instead, learning how to operate each variety safely is essential, so we offer you this comprehensive fireplace safety guide.
Our Customers Also Want To Know
How do I choose a fireplace?
Consider each model’s pros and cons, and determine your unique needs and upkeep requirements.
Remember, although you may prefer a wood-burning model if you live in a smaller home and don’t have the floor space for a traditional fireplace, an electric or gas model is the better option.
Can you build a wood-burning fireplace in Colorado?
Absolutely! You can build a wood-burning fireplace in Colorado. But there are factors you need to consider before searching for the perfect decorative mantel or determining which size will work in your family room.
Upkeep is a huge consideration, and this type of fireplace requires regular maintenance, fireplace repair, and cleaning.
The upfront costs of installing a traditional fireplace over a gas-burning or electric model must also be considered. Remember, if you are starting from scratch, installation is a considerable undertaking, and you need to work with a fantastic team to install the unit and ensure it operates safely and correctly.
What size fireplace do I need for my home?
The ideal size fireplace for your Colorado home depends on several factors, especially if you choose a gas or electric model designed to heat a specific square footage.
Gas fireplaces come in an impressively wide variety of sizes, and the size of the fireplace will dictate how well it will heat each room or floor in your home.
For example, smaller, more inexpensive models typically heat up to 500 square feet, while a medium-sized model will heat between 500-1,000 square feet.
