What to have Instead of a Fireplace? (User’s Guide)

Many people have a fireplace in their homes because they love the ambiance and warmth that fires provide. But fireplaces are dangerous, expensive to operate, and can cause major damage if not properly maintained. In this blog post we will discuss what to have instead of a fireplace when you want that cozy feeling without the risk!

For many people, the joy of winter is being able to snuggle up by the fire with some hot chocolate. Unfortunately, not all of us are fortunate enough to have a fireplace in our home. If you are one of these unlucky souls who can’t enjoy that cozy feeling, then this article will help you find something else instead! We’ve compiled a list of 11 alternative ways for you and your family to enjoy winter without having an actual fire place.

There are many other options for heating your home than a fireplace. One option is to install a wood stove which works better and provides heat while saving firewood by burning it more efficiently. Another option is geothermal energy, which not only heats your house but also cools it in the summer time, reducing the cost of electricity needed to power air conditioning systems. This technology is also very eco-friendly because of the renewable energy it uses. This is an alternative that can save you money, protect your health and be environmentally friendly at the same time!

Consider Alternative Heating Methods

Fires cause a lot of harmful emissions, and the traditional chimney also takes up valuable space. If you want to have an alternative heating method in your home, consider keeping it simple with electric options such as floor heaters or under-cabinet radiant panels. In addition, there are more advanced options available that provide efficient heating without the traditional pitfalls of a fireplace.

Floor Heaters

Electric floor heaters work well in rooms that receive a lot of foot traffic and can also be used in bathrooms. These electric heating units do not emit carbon monoxide or other harmful pollutants, making them safer options than traditional fireplaces. Additionally, these types of devices provide even warmth throughout the room because they are not blocked by walls or furniture.

Radiant Panels

Radiant panels are a great option for those who want to have electric heating without taking up floor space, because they can be hung under countertops and cabinets. These devices help reduce energy costs as well as provide even heat distribution throughout the room. In addition, these types of devices are easy to install, lightweight and can be mounted or removed in minutes.

Fireless Fuel

If you want the look of a fireplace without having an actual fire burning inside your home, consider using one of these fuel types instead when it is cold outside. Although they may not provide heat as quickly as traditional fires, some of these fireless fuel options will emit a glow that can be used to warm up the room in just a few minutes.

Electric floor heaters

Radiant panels

Electric Fireplace

An electric fireplace can be a great solution to your problem. You will have the same look and feel as a real fireplace without any of the risk or maintenance that comes with it. This is an especially good option if you are renting because there’s no way for someone else to burn down your home when you move out!

Another great thing about an electric fireplace is that you can still have a fire even if there’s no electricity. Whether your power goes out or you want to build a bonfire, this option works both ways!

Fake Fire Logs

Fake logs can be a great alternative to a fireplace. They come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for everyone! Some people prefer the modern look of round faux fire logs while others opt for more traditional stacked wood shaped ones. These log sets are also super easy to install because they just sit on top of your existing fireplace grate.

Fake logs are easy to install on any existing fireplace grate.
Some log sets come in round shapes while others are more traditional stacked wood shaped ones.
They also come in all different colors!
There is no need to worry about your pet or child getting burned with these fake fire logs because they do not get hot! Fake logs are perfect for the fall and winter months, holidays like Christmas or Halloween, and can even be used all year round.
These fake fire logs do not get hot so there is no need to worry about your pet or child getting burned with them.
They come in different shapes and sizes as well as a variety of colors.
Fake logs are perfect for the fall and winter months, holidays like Christmas or Halloween, and can even be used all year round.

LED Fireplace

The LED fireplace is an interesting alternative to the traditional fireplaces. It has a realistic flame effect that creates warmth and ambiance, but without all of the maintenance involved with wood-burning or gas fireplaces. Plus, there are no ashes to clean up afterward!

LED fireplaces are one of the easier ways to warm up a room, and they’re becoming increasingly popular as their prices continue to drop. If you’re in the market for a new fireplace, definitely consider one of these.

By getting a LED fireplace, you’re doing your part for the environment.

Decorative Fireplace Mantel

If you have a fireplace mantel, use it to display your favorite photos of family and friends. Put out some candles on the mantle around holiday time along with fresh evergreens. For a romantic effect, light up the room with low-watt decorative lamps that produce candlelight or go for string lights if you want something more whimsical.

Pellet-Burning Appliances

Pellet-burning appliances are highly efficient, easy to use and clean, and can save you money on your heating bill. They also offer the warmth of a real wood fire without all the smoke or ash that comes with burning logs. Pellets release little to no harmful emissions into your home’s indoor air quality, unlike traditional fireplaces.

Select a pellet stove that fits your needs and budget. They range from very basic to top-of-the line models with multiple features, so doing research is key before making a decision. The most important consideration when choosing the right pellet stove for you should be its BTU or heat output capacity. This is the amount of heat it can produce. It’s usually measured in thousands (example: 40,000 BTU). The higher the number, the greater its capacity to warm a space and maintain that warmth for longer periods of time.

As you begin shopping around, keep an eye out for pellet stove prices as well as additional costs. The average pellet stove will cost you $500-$2000 to install and connect to your home’s existing heating system.

Catalytic Wood Stoves and Advanced Combustion Wood Stoves

Catalytic Wood Stoves are the most common alternative to a fireplace. These stoves have an aluminium exterior, which is durable and cleanable without much effort. They are also relatively inexpensive when compared to other alternatives. However, they do not provide as large of a heating capacity or efficiency as other stove types. Catalytic wood stoves come with a catalytic combustor that is located inside the firebox. They are often used in smaller rooms and can provide up to 30,000 BTU/hour of heat output.

Environmental Protection

Not only is the fireplace toxic, it’s also inefficient. Every year there are too many fires caused by people burning wood in their homes and offices doing more harm than good to your health as well as harming the environment. It takes at least twenty-five trees to produce one cord of firewood which makes up about four thousand pounds. The burning of firewood contribute to a third of the air pollution in some cities.

Large amounts of energy are lost through open chimneys, therefore inefficient and costly for homeowners. Much heat is wasted by venting up into the sky instead of staying inside your home where it belongs. In fact, on average about eighty percent of wood heating is lost through the chimney.

The fireplace is not only inefficient, it also contributes to deforestation and air pollution as well as wasting energy that should be kept inside your home where it belongs. In fact about eighty percent of wood heating goes up into the sky rather than staying inside your home which wastes heat and contributes to air pollution.

On top of that wood burning is very expensive and has a negative impact on the environment. If you want more information about what to have instead of a fireplace, keep reading this user’s guide on how NOT to burn your money!

What else can I do for my home?

There are several options for heating your home other than a fireplace. One is to install a wood stove which works better and provides heat while saving firewood by burning it more efficiently. Another option is geothermal energy, which not only heats your house but also cools it in the summer time, reducing the cost of electricity needed to power air conditioning systems. This technology is also very eco-friendly because of the renewable energy it uses. This is an alternative that can save you money, protect your health and be environmentally friendly at the same time!

What are some alternatives to a fireplace?

There are many options for heating your home other than a fireplace. One option is installing a fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is a device that fits inside your existing fireplace and can be used as an alternative to a fire. Another option for heating your home is electric space heaters.

Electric space heaters are energy efficient, easy to operate, and come in many sizes and shapes thus making them highly versatile options for heating any room or multiple rooms. Electric space heaters do not produce any harmful emissions and can be used in places where open flames are prohibited such as nursing homes, schools, hospitals etc.

Electric radiators work similarly to electric baseboards but come with a few bonus features such as heating different levels of the room, having no wires or cords thus making them safer than electric space heaters, and are more energy efficient.

Some other options for heating your home are gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves, pellet stoves/furnaces etc. A few pros of having a fireplace is that they create ambiance which can make you feel relaxed after a long day at work or busy week with the kids. Wood burning stoves are good sources of heat because they don’t require electricity. A few cons to owning a fireplace is that they can be expensive and take up space in your home which could otherwise be utilized for other things such as an office or bedroom.

Pellet stove/furnace units work similarly to wood burning stoves but are more convenient to use and easier to maintain. Since pellet stove/furnace units utilize pellets made of wood or other materials such as corn cobs, they do not require any kindling or starting materials which makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer a care-free experience when it comes to heating their home.

Safety Tips

Always use a fire extinguisher (and know how to) if needed.
Keep the area of operation clear and free from any clutter.
Be sure that there are no flammable objects within three feet of your fireplace, such as drapes or rugs.
Keep your family members and pets away from the fireplace.
If there is minor fire, smother it with salt or use baking soda to extinguish small flames on clothing and cooking utensils.
Extinguish larger fires by covering them with a tight lid such as a large pan. Be sure to turn off the gas and/or electricity ignition source (e.g., stop pouring lighter fluid)
If you cannot extinguish a fire, call 911 immediately.
Never use water or other liquids on small fires; it might spread the flames around more quickly than they would burn out by themselves.
Don’t try to extinguish a deep fat fryer fire!

FAQs

Is a fake fireplace realistic?

Yes, they look very real and you’ll be surprised how much heat output these units provide. They are perfect for small rooms or apartments where a traditional fireplace isn't feasible.

Is the heating output of a fake fireplace realistic?

Yes, it is. These units provide plenty of heat and can be adjusted to fit your needs perfectly. If you want that cozy fire experience but don't have an actual hearth then these electric models will do just fine!

On which types of surfaces can I place my fake fireplace?

There's no limit, you can put it on any surface where a traditional fireplace would fit. Hardwood floors and tiles work great and they look especially nice in combination with rustic décor.

Is the installation of this model difficult?

No, even though there are many parts that need to be assembled together beforehand, the process is very easy. You may need a helping hand to connect all wires and make sure everything looks perfect but it’s nothing complicated, even for people with little DIY experience.

Can I use this unit as a TV stand?

Yes, you can even place your flat screen TV on top of the mantle to make it look like an actual fireplace. You’ll enjoy plenty of storage space underneath for all your electronics and games consoles which is very useful if you don't have room for additional furniture in your living room.

What size of a fake fireplace should I get?

You’ll find that the biggest units provide more heat and require less maintenance, but if you have small rooms then opt for smaller models. They are still very efficient so don't worry about having to constantly refill your unit with wood or coal!

It looks like I can place my fake fireplace outside as well. Is this true?

Yes, it is! Just make sure you set up your unit on a flat surface and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any damage. You may need an extension cord if the area isn't covered by power lines but that's about it.

Conclusion

If you are still undecided on what to have instead of a fireplace, just remember that there’s no right or wrong answer. Everyone has their own likes and tastes when it comes to choosing the best option for them. All you can do is choose something that works well with your home décor so you will not only enjoy it but also be proud of it.