Cozy and warm, sitting fireside!

The snow is flying and the temperature has been plummeting for the past few weeks, leading many Canadian homeowners to flip the switch on that gas fireplace for the first blazing fire of the season. If your home is missing this cozy feature, perhaps it's an upgrade you're considering.

While a fireplace will usually add value to a home, the type of fireplace you choose will certainly have an impact. For example, a wood burning fireplace will likely result in a higher premium on your home insurance policy, meaning that some homeowners might steer clear of this feature.

You should also keep in mind that during a Canadian winter, your furnace is the most cost effective energy source. According to a study conducted by the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology (CCHT) a gas furnace will come on less frequently during fireplace use, but total gas energy consumption overall actually increases by approximately 10 to 16 percent. The study also found that even when the fireplace was not in use, overall gas energy use was six per cent higher compared to the control house because of the gas consumed by the small, but continuously running, pilot light.

Here's a quick overview of what's new in residential fireplaces:

Flat Screen Fireplace – Ideal for a small space, these units hang on your wall just as a picture would. Often gas propelled, the flat screen fireplace serves as a beautiful focal point in any room.

Floating Fireplace – Guaranteed to bring sophistication to any room, a floating fireplace is often encased in glass and appears to magically float in the air. Entirely self-contained, these fireplaces make incredible centerpieces, while larger units stand as glowing displays in any room.

See Through Fireplaces – Exposed on both sides and installed into the walls of your home, these units are encased in clear glass offering a fiery display of warmth in both rooms. Providing excellent heating options for each room, these fireplaces are an amazing selling feature for any home.

When using a fireplace in the home, it's important to keep safety in mind. Store flammable objects at least one metre away, use a fireplace screen and be sure to have your fireplace and chimney inspected every year. (RMM)