Choosing the Right Fireplace or Stove: What Homeowners Should Know

Adding a fireplace or stove to your home can do more than just keep you warm—it can boost your home’s value, elevate your interior design, and create a cozy space for gathering. But choosing the right fireplace or stove takes more than picking what looks best. It’s a decision that affects your daily life, energy use, and long-term comfort.

Whether you’re remodeling an older home or finishing a new space—like we did in this basement remodel in South Berwick, Maine—here are the top factors to consider before installing a fireplace or stove.

1. Fuel Type: Find What Fits Your Lifestyle

The first—and most important—decision is choosing your fuel source. Each fuel type has different heat outputs, costs, and maintenance needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Wood-Burning Fireplaces & Stoves: Best for those who love the look, sound, and smell of a real fire. Wood-burning options provide plenty of heat and ambiance but require regular chimney maintenance and a constant supply of firewood.
• Gas Fireplaces: Clean-burning and low-maintenance, gas fireplaces are ideal for homeowners looking for convenience and efficiency. They turn on with the push of a button and work well in both open-concept and compact spaces—but they do require a gas line and proper venting.
• Electric Fireplace: These are the most versatile and easiest to install, perfect for townhomes, apartments, or areas without existing chimneys or gas lines. While they don’t produce the same heat as wood or gas models, electric fireplaces are excellent for ambiance and supplemental warmth.
• Pellet Stove: Pellet stoves burn compressed wood or biomass pellets, offering high efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. They’re a popular option for eco-conscious homeowners but do require electricity to power the hopper and fan systems.

🔎 According to the U.S. Department of Energy, pellet stoves can be more efficient than traditional wood-burning fireplaces and may be eligible for tax credits when they meet certain EPA standards.

2. Purpose: Do You Want Heat, Ambiance, or Both?

When planning for a fireplace, ask yourself what you’re trying to accomplish:

• Primary or supplemental heat?
• A focal point or just a cozy vibe?

For maximum heating efficiency, gas inserts, pellet stoves, and EPA-certified wood stoves are excellent choices. If your goal is to create ambiance—with the occasional fire for atmosphere—then an open wood-burning fireplace or an electric unit might be a better fit.

Keep in mind: if your space tends to be drafty or hard to heat (like many New England basements or older homes), your choice of fireplace can make a real impact on comfort and energy efficiency.

3. Location and Installation Requirements

We can install a fireplace or stove in nearly any room—but there are logistical and safety considerations you’ll want to plan for:

• Room Size: A larger room may require a higher BTU output or larger unit to provide sufficient warmth. For small or enclosed areas, compact gas or electric options often make more sense.
• Ventilation Need: Wood and gas fireplaces require proper venting, either through a chimney or direct-vent system. Pellet stoves have more flexible venting requirements, but all vented units must be installed according to code.
• Safety Clearance: Safe installation requires space around the unit to protect walls, furniture, and family members. If you have kids or pets, look into models with cool-touch exteriors or integrated safety screens.
• Fireplace Surrounds and Wall Finishe: The material around your fireplace matters too. We’ll help you select safe, durable, and visually appealing materials that meet fire-rating codes and complement your interior design.

4. Aesthetic Style: Match Your Fireplace to Your Home

The right fireplace doesn’t just heat your home—it enhances your overall design. Whether your style is rustic, modern, or transitional, there’s a unit to match:

• Traditional: Stone surrounds, raised hearths, and wood-burning inserts feel right at home in colonial or craftsman-style homes.
• Modern: Sleek, frameless gas or electric fireplaces with linear flames and clean tile or metal finishes are great in contemporary spaces.
• Rustic: Cast-iron stoves and reclaimed wood mantels are a perfect match for cabins, lodges, or farmhouse-style homes. (One of our favorite brands for gas stoves is Kozy Heat—and the name says it all.)

Tip: Think about how your fireplace will look year-round—even when it’s not in use.

5. Budget: Plan for Upfront and Long-Term Costs

Your budget should cover both the initial investment and ongoing expenses:

• Initial Costs: Unit purchase, installation, materials (surround, venting), and potential gas line or electrical work
• Ongoing Costs: Fuel (wood, pellets, gas), chimney cleaning or vent maintenance, and electricity if needed
• Energy Efficiency: A high-efficiency fireplace or stove may cost more upfront but can lower your energy bills over time

Final Thoughts: Your Fireplace, Your Way

Whether you’re upgrading a living room, finishing a basement, or adding a focal point to a new primary suite, the right fireplace or stove can transform the feel of your home. And when planned well, it does more than just look good—it works hard behind the scenes to keep your family warm, safe, and comfortable.

If you’re thinking about including a fireplace or stove as part of your home renovation in Southern Maine or the Seacoast area, reach out to our team. We’ll help you select and install a system that fits your lifestyle, design preferences, and energy goals—from framing and venting to finishes and final touches.