Fireplaces are among the most luxurious and comfort enhancing features that a home can have. Unfortunately, some homeowners may have houses that lack a fireplace, but it is often possible to upgrade an existing home by adding a fireplace to it.

How Will A Fireplace Impact Your Home's Comfort And Energy Efficiency?

The addition of a fireplace will have fairly major impacts on the overall energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Due to the intense heat that the fireplace will generate, you will be able to quickly warm your home when the temperature starts to drop. Also, this can help to reduce your electrical or gas expenses by reducing much of the work that these systems will have to expend.

Is It Difficult To Add A Fireplace To An Existing Home?

While it may seem like a fireplace is a feature that must have been included when the home was originally constructed, it is common for fireplaces to be added to existing homes. During this work, it will be necessary to make structural changes to accommodate both the hearth and the chimney or vent to allow the fumes from the flame to leave the home. Due to the structural changes that must be made to the home and the fire hazards that an improperly installed fireplace can pose, it is typically required for homeowners to obtain a permit before undertaking this project, and an inspection will likely be required once the fireplace is installed.

Will A Fireplace Impact Your Home's Insurance?

The installation of a fireplace can cause your home's insurance premiums to slightly increase. This increase will be small, and it may be offset by the increase in the home's resale value that a fireplace can provide. Prior to installing a fireplace, you can speak with your insurance agent to get an accurate estimate for the premium increase that a fireplace will typically cause.

What Types Of Maintenance Will A New Fireplace Require?

Fireplaces will need to be regularly cleaned if they are to be kept in functional and safe condition. When a fireplace is allowed to become extremely dirty, it can clog the chimney or vent, spread burning embers and hot ashes while also leading to other potentially serious problems. Homeowners should clean the fireplace hearth after each time that they use it, but they should wait until the fire is completely out and the ash is cool to the touch. The chimney or vent will also need to be cleaned each year to remove soot that will gather in it.