Fall is just around the corner, and within a few months it will be time to turn off the a/c and switch to heat. If you are thinking about adding a new fireplace to your home, there are many options to consider.

Some people already have a wood burning fireplace, but due to the hassle of buying, storing, and continuously adding wood to keep a fire going, they may be leaning towards another heating solution. The inconvenience of a wood burning fire often prevents people from using their fireplace. As a result, electric and gas fireplaces have become very popular due to the ease of use, as well as having virtually no side effects of a real fire, such as smoke and ashes.

Much of deciding which model you should buy comes down to is determining which type of fireplace is best for your needs. An electric fireplace has many pros that a gas fireplace lacks:

• Inexpensive
• Fast and easy installation
• Cheaper to run
• Little to no maintenance
• Little safety risk
• Increases resale value of home

Additionally, the heating elements of an electric fireplace are not exposed, allowing for their safe operation around children and pets without needing a fire-guard or wasting clearance space around a fireplace. Whereas a gas fireplace has many safety and monetary cons that should be considered:

• Glass doors are hot enough to burn
• Costs more to run
• Costs more to purchase and install
• Potential for gas leak

Electric fireplaces are great if you want a lot of options when shopping for your fireplace. From chic wall-mounted models to traditional freestanding styles, you’re guaranteed to find a unit that will blend in seamlessly with your current décor scheme.

For instance, e-Flame USA’s Sundance has a classic design which highlights the realistic wood burning effect and dancing flames. This hearth is lightweight, and installation is both easy and convenient. Safe for all wall and surface types, and is a great hi-tech heating solution for any space. Perfect for your guest room, basement, garage, apartment, office, or motorhome/RV. Plus, it can be controlled from anywhere with google Home and Alexa apps. If apps are not your thing, this unit also comes with an easy-to-use remote control.

If you are looking to add a unit to your pre-existing traditional fireplace the Montreal is an excellent choice. It features realistic wood-burning 3-D flame technology. The lightweight construction makes insert and installation into a space both easy and convenient. Also, the universal style is a perfect heating solution for any space with an insert. Like the Sundance, this unit also comes with a remote control.

Perhaps you are looking for a portable heating solution that can be moved from room-to-room. If so, a freestanding fireplace is what you are looking for. The Aspen comes with a quiet, fan-forced heater, and has easy-to-adjust settings for even heat distribution. Like all e-Flame electric fireplace, the Aspen comes with safety protection. There is an automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. Unit is odorless and smokeless, and safe for the elderly, kids, and pets.

Choosing the right fireplace for your space can be a difficult decision simply because there are so many options available. Narrowing down your style preference will help in your search. Once you’ve done that, it is just a matter of picking out the color and size that will look best in your home.