As cozy and comforting the crackle of logs burning in the fireplace is, let’s admit it – wood fires are a pain. You have to deal with the ash, the soot, cleaning the flue, chopping the wood, and using it during the warm drier months in many places is just not allowed. For some these are minor issues and may even be part of the charm the ambience and warmth a wood fire creates in those winter months. Others just simply wish for the warmth and atmosphere sans the hassle and restriction burning wood comes with.
In many places right now the temperatures are starting to warm during the day, but still dipping down at night, and it sure would be nice to have that fire without worrying about the mess, the smoke and the effort – just to take the edge off that slight nip in the evening hours. If you are looking for something that’s a little more convenient and effortless maybe it’s time to convert that wood burning fireplace to gas or electric or even a pellet stove.
Houzz.com discusses in a recent article how to go about doing this, and lays out the benefits of each and why they can be superior to the traditional fire place. Some options are more cost effective than others, but some don’t do as well with the practical aspect of actually heating space – read the article though… and if it’s something you’ve considered doing, maybe it will be enough to tip you over the edge.