What's the best type of fireplace?

Sammy_Jo_4

Hey everyone, I'm starting a home improvement project of putting a fireplace into my living room. The only problem is I have no idea where to start. I've talked to some friends but all they have told me is a few good resources, all the different options there are along with a few horror stories, especially about gas fireplaces. One in particular is that my friend's heating/electric bill practically doubled after they had theirs installed by some schmo because he didn't insulate around it properly.

Being located in MN I want to get this project done before winter is over so I can enjoy it this year. I know some of my options are: pellet stoves, gas fireplace, and wood stoves. But then there's all kinds of necessary pieces that fall within each one like gas logs. If anyone has further suggestions or possibly their own list of do's and don'ts I'd love to hear them before I get too deep into the project. I've got a lot saved up and I want to do it right.

Any advice is helpful. Thanks in advance!
:question:

rogerblack

best how?
Most economic per kWh ?
Automatic feeding, with no user interaction?
Most attractive?
Cheapest?

Is this for a feature, or for the majority of your heating needs?
If the latter, you need to work out how many kWh of heating you need.
Now, look at the various locally available fuels, and work out prices, and price stability and storage.
A gas fireplace is lots less work than if you need to split logs.

good_advice

The best type of fire place is one that can burn FREE wood. Be in a wood burner or coal and wood fire like mine.

Once people know you have a wood fire the donations of wood come in. My neighbours leave wood on the door front or over the back fence. Nice and free, no gas or electric needed. We just pay for a little coal to get the fire started then throw the wood on.

Ch has been off for a few days as the weather is mild - not that it was on many hours to start with. 3 hours a day.

Sammy_Jo_4

rogerblack wrote: »

best how?
Most economic per kWh ?
Automatic feeding, with no user interaction?
Most attractive?
Cheapest?

Is this for a feature, or for the majority of your heating needs?
If the latter, you need to work out how many kWh of heating you need.
Now, look at the various locally available fuels, and work out prices, and price stability and storage.
A gas fireplace is lots less work than if you need to split logs.

I would have to say all of the above and primarily used as a feature in the main floor room.