Get matched with top fireplace pros in Algona, IA

Some types of electric fireplaces use more electricity than others. Models that produce 1,500 watts will have more of an effect on your heating bill than 750-watt models. 

Electric fireplaces use an average of $1.85 of electricity every eight hours. These minimal operational costs aren’t likely to make a big difference in your electric bill—unless you’re using it as a primary heating source for your home and it’s running most of the time.

Yes, an outdoor fireplace should use fire bricks. Fire bricks are specially designed to withstand high levels of heat and thus won’t crack as easily as regular bricks when exposed to the intense heat inside a fireplace.

The best location for a wood stove depends on your home's layout and venting options. For optimal heat distribution, a central location on the ground floor, such as the living room, is often recommended. If you have an existing, functional chimney, installing the stove there can simplify the venting process. Alternatively, placing the stove near an outside wall can make it easier to route a new chimney through the roof. For safety, ensure no combustible materials are near the stove. Building codes typically require 20 to 36 inches of clearance between the stove and any side walls.

You may have some limitations when looking for materials and a design to reface your gas fireplace versus what’s available for a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Some gas fireplace surround ideas include stone, concrete, brick, tile, wood, steel, and plaster. However, you should check with the manufacturer of your gas fireplace model to determine if you have any limitations on what you can use.