Fireplace Log Rack

Find out all about modern fireplaces



Fireplaces have been around for a long time now, and they have steadily undergone changes in design, structure as well as utility. Before fireplaces were primarily used for cooking and heating, but today they are used almost exclusively for heating and decorative purposes. With modern features, they now offer new possibilities not seen before.

The traditional image of a fireplace involves a wood fire and a log rack with the smoke funneled out a chimney. While these are still very popular, new designs can now be seen that offer extra features and conveniences.

Burning wood is not the most cost efficient way to produce heat in a fireplace. Nowadays, there are many instances of fireplaces using gases like natural gas to produce maximum heat with minimum wastage. This not only lessons environmental pollution but also makes the fireplace a lot easier to clean and maintain. This and environmental concerns have brought a rapid rise in the manufacture and design of eco-friendly fireplaces.

An electric fireplace is another example of an eco-friendly fireplace (provided the electricity is generated in a more eco-friendly way). Although they are not as resistant to weather and need electricity to run, they provide adequate heat and good looks that complement a living room. They also save a lot of hassle since one does not have to supply them with wood or clean soot or ashes. For an added bonus, these electric fireplaces are often easily portable.

Other eco-fireplaces run on materials such as bio fuels. Burning either a gel made primarily from isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, their only byproducts are steam and carbon dioxide so they do not need outside venting. This lack of outside venting means they can be easily moved to any room. Also, since heat is not being lost out of the vent, they will significantly raise the temperature of a room very efficiently. 

Outdoor fireplaces are designed for those who enjoy nature and would love some crackling company on a cold morning outside. They also make brilliant style statements and a great impact on guests. They are portable, weather resistant and easy to maintain.

Back inside the house, modern fireplaces are better than their conventional counterparts by a long shot. Not only are they easy to use but also easier to maintain and offer greater efficiency in heating even when burning more traditional fuels. For example, circulating fireplaces have a steel shell, firebox and damper. They work together to more than double the useful heat provided by the fireplace. Doors help radiate heat out and prevent it from being lost up the chimney.

Old masonry fireplace designs are still popular though. While they generally cost more, their bricks can withstand very high temperature and are very durable. With modern efficiency features incorporated into them, those suffering from some severe bouts of nostalgia can still have a traditional look with hidden modern design changes.

Fireplaces are used in houses, apartments and even restaurants. It certainly can be argued that they are not really necessary when people have access to the much more efficient space heaters, which provide better heat around the house instead of just a single room. However, from an entrance for Santa to a place for the family to all gather around to warm and talk, they have a charm that only a fireplace can provide. With modern features continually enhancing their look and function, they will likely be providing that charm for a long time to come.