What Homeowners Need to Know Before Choosing a Fireplace… And the Company That Installs It

Choosing a fireplace for your home in Northwest Ohio or Southeast Michigan is about look, heat, cost, and safe installation—here’s how to pick the right unit and the right installer.

Understanding Initial Costs and Benefits

Selecting a fireplace isn’t just a design decision; it’s a technical and financial one. The total cost of ownership includes the unit’s initial price, installation complexity, fuel type, energy efficiency, and ongoing maintenance. Understanding all the aspects can significantly impact comfort and utility bills.

Electric fireplaces are the least expensive and easiest to install. Most just plug in, and that simplicity is reflected in the lower price.
Ethanol fireplaces (biofuel-burning) cost more, but with ventless options, they’re relatively simple to install in a room.
Gas fireplaces require a gas line and venting, unless you choose a vent-free option; thus, initial costs are slightly higher, but in the long term, they offer strong heating performance.
Wood-burning fireplaces are the most expensive to install, especially when a chimney or flue needs to be added, as masonry setup is required.

Efficiency Considerations

Gas and wood inserts can turn drafty old fireplaces into efficient modern heat sources, while open wood fireplaces offer ambiance but only about 10% efficiency.
EPA-certified wood stoves and inserts can reach 70–80% efficiency, and are a great option if you have access to inexpensive firewood.
Gas units (direct-vent or ventless) offer high BTU ratings, and some models even operate during power outages.

When budgeting, factor in annual maintenance, fuel costs, and potential federal tax credits for qualifying units.

Aesthetic and Design Integration

Beyond performance, a fireplace needs to integrate seamlessly into your living space. Advances in direct-vent technology, zero-clearance fireboxes, and electric or ethanol models have significantly expanded design possibilities, allowing fireplaces to be installed where traditional options were once impractical.

Choose Your Style

Traditional or rustic: Brick, stone, and wood-burning setups add classic charm.
Contemporary or modern: Linear gas or electric models with glass media, clean lines, and bold flame profiles stand out
Flexible install: Electric fireplaces and ethanol burners go just about anywhere—think bedrooms, basements, even apartments.

Consider:

Surround materials: you can select from tile, wood, stone, or drywall
TV placement: electric and sealed gas units often allow for close clearance, while wood-burning options are not recommended to have a TV above the fireplace
Room size: large spaces may call for a two-story feature wall or dual-sided install

Energy Efficiency and Heating Performance

In regions that experience long, cold winters, a fireplace can do more than set a mood; it can offset significant heating costs. But not all fireplaces deliver the same thermal return. Especially in retrofit applications, these technical variables can impact system sizing, venting needs, and how effectively a fireplace supplements your home’s heating system.

Efficiency by Fireplace Type:

Type	Efficiency	Notes
Electric	100%	All energy is converted to heat, but with a low BTU output. Good for zone heating.
Gas (Direct Vent)	70–90%	Draws outside air for combustion; sealed and safe. Many models include thermostats and blowers.
Gas (Vent-Free)	99.9%	No vent means all heat stays inside. Allowed in most of Ohio and Michigan, but we will check local codes.
Wood (Open)	About 10%	Most heat is lost up the chimney. Offer the ambiance and crackling most people desire, but they are inefficient.
Wood (Stove/Insert)	60–80%	EPA-certified units burn hotter and cleaner. Can heat whole zones or small homes.
Ethanol	90–100%	Ventless; real flame. Modest BTU. Great for ambiance, not full-room heat.

Zone Heating Advantage

A sealed gas unit in your living room could mean turning down your central heating and furnace while still staying toasty. It’s an efficient way to warm the rooms you actually use without heating your whole home.

Safety and Code Compliance

Fireplaces intersect with critical building systems and are subject to safety standards and permitting requirements. Building codes vary by municipality, but most rely on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Residential Code (IRC) for clearances, vent termination, firebox design, and chimney construction. The Fireside team handles all permits and inspections so you can use your fireplace confidently.

Permits and Code Requirements

We handle Ohio and Michigan permitting processes for fireplace installs.
Direct-vent and vent-free gas units must meet clearance rules for windows, doors, and framing.
Chimneys must follow NFPA 211 (National Fire Protection Association) standards. NOTE: Fireside Hearth & Home does not perform chimney-sweeping services, so you will need to hire a local wood-burning fireplace expert for specific requirements and maintenance.

Health and Safety Devices

Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor, adding protection and early warnings if CO is emitted.
Safety screens on modern gas fireplaces are standard to prevent burns from hot glass. If you have an older model, consider adding this as a safety feature.
Smoke detectors near wood-burning or gas units should be tested regularly. It is essential to replace batteries annually to ensure reliable operation.

Local Restrictions

Some counties restrict vent-free gas units, so our team works with you to determine the best model for your home.
Ethanol burners must be used in well-ventilated areas.
Bedroom and bathroom installs often have BTU limits for vent-free models.

Don’t leave safety to chance. Working with Fireside installers, who are constantly following the code. Ask if they’re certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) or Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).

Brand Reputation and Product Support

The long-term success of a fireplace installation often hinges on the reliability and support of the product. Differences between leading brands extend beyond aesthetics and quality to include warranty coverage and service networks. For example, some brands emphasize cutting-edge visual realism while others prioritize clean-burning technology or vent-free efficiency. Fireside Hearth & Home partners with leading brands to offer our customers the best access to design options, parts and components, and trusted service.

Each of these brands is backed by strong dealer networks and responsive customer service, so you can be confident you’re choosing reliability with any fireplace solution.

Heatilator+

Often found in new construction homes
Reliable and cost-effective operation
Wide product range of wood, gas, and electric options
Typically includes lifetime firebox warranties

Heat & Glo+

Premium models with lots of style and smart features
Invented and specializes in the direct vent gas fireplace
Excellent flame realism and remote functionality
Strong local dealer support for parts and service

Quadra-Fire+

Wood and pellet stove specialists
High-output, clean-burning heat
Rugged designs that prioritize function over aesthetics
EPA-certified models qualify for federal tax credits

Monessen+

Specialists in vent-free gas fireplaces
Known for high efficiency and affordability
Trusted for gas log sets and small-space installs
ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensors) standard is included for safety

SimpliFire+

All-electric line by the same parent company (HHT)
Wall-mount, built-in, and insert options
Great for rooms without chimneys or gas lines
Year-round ambiance and can run with or without heat

Installation: Who You Hire Matters

Even the highest-quality unit can become a safety hazard or underperform if venting, framing, or gas line work is installed incorrectly. Certified technicians bring critical expertise in airflow dynamics, combustible clearances, and system integration. In Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, where older homes often present retrofit challenges, skilled installers are essential for evaluating site constraints, securing permits, and delivering results that are both safe and stunning.

What Homeowners Should Expect

Site visit and consultation
Permit handling and inspections
Knowledge of clearances, venting paths, and framing
Clean, respectful work and clean-up
Education on how to use and maintain your fireplace

How to Evaluate an Installer

Are they NFI- or CSIA-certified?
Do they sell the brands you’re interested in?
Can they show you photos of past work?
Do they have a showroom or in-home visualization tools?
What do reviews say about service, follow-up, and professionalism?

Fireside Hearth & Home is your trusted fireplace expert in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. As your local dealer, we not only sell and install a variety of fireplace options but also provide maintenance and emergency service.

One homeowner in the Toledo area described their experience this way: “They explained how to operate everything, cleaned up like they were never there, and even checked back a week later to see how we liked the flame height.” That’s the kind of service you should expect.

Making the Final Fireplace Decision

Ready to compare gas, wood, electric, or ethanol options for your home in Northwest Ohio or Southeast Michigan? Our team handles code-compliant installation, permits, and ongoing service — start with the right unit for your room size, budget, and style.

Fireside Hearth & Home is your trusted source for fireplace inspiration, sales, service, and installation. We are here every step of the way as you determine the best solution for your home.

Find Your Fireplace Today

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