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By: Tanya Klein on Mon Aug 25, 2008

Wood burning fireplaces are an enjoyable place for family and friends to gather and enjoy each others company. They are an incredible source of heat though getting enough heat from them for the entire home can be difficult. In fact, to do this more than one is required through the home due to the fact that the heat produced rises and is released through the chimney into the air outside. These fireplaces take heat in and pull it to them which causes the rooms that are not as close to continue to be cold. (Blowers can be equipped on these to help circulate the heat throughout the home.)

Now there is only one wood burning fireplace in the majority of homes. A wood burning stove can be placed in the fireplace to help with the heat allowing for dampers and air control to regulate the heat. The cost of these is rather expensive though as they can run into the thousands.

While the wood burning fireplace has numerous romantic considerations with it, there are also safety issues that have to be addressed when one is in use. Cleaning the entire thing including the chimney is required to prevent build up and dangerous clogging. The fires have to be watched and should be put out before going to bed due to the risk of catching the house on fire if you don’t.

Wood burning fireplaces have to be properly maintained in order to keep them both functional and safe. As with any time that a fire is present, it is important that precautions be taken. Never leave a fire burning unattended, you are asking for trouble if you build one and leave the house.

When you are considering a wood burning fireplace as an addition, it is vital to educate yourself to ensure safety and enjoyment for a long time.