Wood-burning fireplaces are a classic staple of many homes, and they come with many benefits. From providing heat to creating a cozy atmosphere, these wood fireplaces are truly remarkable. To help you appreciate them even more, here are 16 mind-blowing facts about wood-burning fireplaces. From the different types of wood used to how they can help the environment, you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn about these traditional wood fireplaces.

1) The history of the wood burning fireplace

The wood fireplace has been around since ancient times, dating back to the Roman Empire when they used open fireplaces as a source of heat and light. As technology progressed, so did the wood-burning fireplace. The first metal wood-burning stoves appeared in Europe in the 1700s, which improved upon the existing open hearth by providing more consistent heat and better ventilation. These early stoves were used primarily for cooking and could also be used to provide warmth on cold days.

In the 19th century, inventors began producing a variety of cast-iron stoves that were both efficient and attractive. These became popular in the United States, and many homes began replacing their open fireplaces with wood stoves during this period. Improvements were made to these stoves over the years, such as larger fireboxes and added safety features, leading to the modern wood-burning fireplace that we know today.

Fun fact, Ben Franklin invented a revolutionary open-hearth cooking device, inspired by Philadelphia's wood shortage. Named the Franklin stove, this revolutionary contraption used less fuel than did the prevailing style of fireplaces and could heat the room more quickly.

2) How many homes have a wood burning fireplace?

It may come as a surprise, but according to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2017, nearly one in five homes in the United States (19%) is heated with wood, firewood, or wood pellets. That equates to about 22 million homes. Although wood heating has declined in recent years, it is still used by many households to heat their homes and provide warmth.

Wood heaters can be used in a variety of ways, including traditional fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces. Of these three types, fireplaces are the most popular form of wood heat used in American homes, accounting for almost 13 million households, or 58% of all households using wood heat.

Despite its widespread popularity, the use of wood heating is concentrated heavily in certain regions of the country. The highest concentration of wood-burning fireplaces is found in the Northeast region at 21%. Other areas that report high use of wood heat include the Midwest (17%), West (13%), and South (8%). Wood heat is least popular in urban areas (4%) compared to rural (15%) and suburban (17%) areas.

According to NAHB tabulation, 41% of new homes are still built with fireplaces today! Fireplaces typically add value to a home, with more than 60% of new houses with a fireplace selling for $1M+. Fireplaces provide warmth and comfort and pay for themselves.

3) The average cost of a wood burning fireplace

Installing a wood-burning fireplace, wood stove, or other wood-burning appliance can be a big investment, but it can also be a great way to add value and warmth to your home. How much does a wood burning fireplace cost? Well, the answer depends on several factors. Generally speaking, the cost of installing a wood-burning fireplace ranges from around $1,500 to upwards of $10,000 or more. The cost includes materials like the wood-burning fireplace, installation costs, as well as chimney cleaning and maintenance.

If you are planning on adding a new wood-burning fireplace, you may want to look into cost-saving options like using a pellet stove or a gas-burning fireplace insert. These options may require some additional installation costs, but they may help to save money on fuel costs in the long run. Additionally, the cost of a wood-burning fireplace can be offset by the value it adds to your home and the increased comfort it brings.

4) Does using wood heat for your home save you money?

When considering wood heat, it’s important to ask: Does burning firewood save you money? The answer depends on a variety of factors, such as the cost of heating oil or natural gas, the type of wood stove you use, and how efficiently you use the wood. In general, however, burning wood is a cheaper heating option than using oil or gas.

The cost savings of using wood heat for your home depend largely on the type of stove you have. High-efficiency models can reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 percent or more, resulting in considerable cost savings over the life of the appliance. It’s also important to consider the type of wood you burn. Hardwoods like oak and hickory are denser and produce more heat, so they may be more economical than softer woods like pine or poplar.

To maximize the cost savings of burning wood, it’s important to be mindful of how much you burn. Burning too much at once can lead to a rapid buildup of creosote in your chimney, which can lead to fire hazards. To get the most out of your wood heat, it’s best to limit your firewood use to just a few logs at a time and to keep the fire going for shorter periods.

With careful consideration and efficient use of wood heat, burning firewood can be an economical and sustainable way to keep your home warm during cold winter months.

Source (Wood Heat for Your Home: Does It Pay Off?)

5) How much wood can a wood burning fireplace burn?

When it comes to heating your home with a wood-burning fireplace, the question of how much firewood you will need is always top of mind. Depending on your climate and the size of your wood-burning fireplace, the amount of firewood needed for winter can vary greatly. Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is that a medium-sized wood fireplace (approximately 30” wide x 18” deep x 28” high) will burn about one full cord of firewood in the winter season. A full cord of firewood measures 8 feet long, 4 feet high and 4 feet deep, and contains about 128 cubic feet of wood. So if you have a larger fireplace, you can expect to need more firewood to keep it burning through the colder months.

6) What is the largest wood-burning fireplace in the world?

The world's largest wood-burning fireplace is the Majestic Biltmore Wood Burning Fireplace. This impressive fireplace has a firebox size of 80” wide by 50” high, making it the ideal centerpiece for any large room or outdoor gathering place. The unique design of this fireplace features a classic arched shape with decorative corbels and a substantial mantel shelf. It also comes equipped with a standard non-combustible surround, as well as a blower to maximize heat output. With up to 100,000 BTU’s of heat output, this amazing fireplace provides enough warmth to keep even the coldest spaces cozy and comfortable. Just make sure you have enough wood to keep this baby going!

7) What are some benefits of having a wood burning fireplace?

First, burning firewood is more cost-effective than using gas or electricity to heat your home. Depending on where you live, you may be able to buy local firewood for significantly less than the price of gas. Additionally, if you purchase carbon-neutral firewood, it is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

Second, wood-burning fireplaces provide warmth in a very efficient way. Burning wood produces more heat than other sources of energy and is far more efficient than electricity or gas for heating your home. You can also control the temperature in a wood-burning fireplace more easily than with gas or electric heating systems.

Third, wood-burning fireplaces are much more aesthetically pleasing than electric or gas fireplaces. They create a cozy atmosphere and are a great conversation starter when you have visitors.

Finally, a wood-burning fireplace is an excellent way to add value to your home. The presence of a fireplace will make your home more attractive to potential buyers and can increase the value of your property.

8) Are there any disadvantages to having a wood burning fireplace?

Yes, there are some drawbacks to having a wood-burning fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces require more effort and maintenance than gas fireplaces, as they must be loaded with wood and constantly monitored for safety. It also can be difficult to find high-quality firewood for sale in some areas. Additionally, unless you’re using carbon-neutral firewood, burning wood can produce large amounts of smoke.

If you are switching from a gas fireplace to natural wood burning, the transition can be expensive and time-consuming. Installing a new wood stove and chimney can cost thousands of dollars and requires professional installation, making it a costly endeavor. Moreover, burning wood is not always efficient; it takes more wood to heat a room than gas, meaning that you need to buy more firewood or chop more of your own. Finally, buying firewood in bulk can be difficult as most suppliers may not deliver large orders.

9) What type of firewood should you use in a wood burning fireplace?

Using the right type of firewood in your wood-burning fireplace is essential for maximum efficiency and to reduce smoke emissions. The best firewood for your wood-burning fireplace is seasoned hardwood, such as oak, ash, maple, birch, and hickory. This type of firewood has been allowed to dry for 6 to 12 months and typically has less than 20 percent moisture content. If you are switching from a gas fireplace to natural wood burning, you’ll need to buy firewood from a local source. Look for locally sourced, carbon-neutral firewood, which is sustainably managed and harvested from local forests or tree plantations. Avoid using green, freshly cut wood as it will contain too much moisture and can cause buildup in your chimney.

10) How often should you have your wood burning fireplace cleaned?

It is important to have your wood-burning fireplace cleaned regularly in order to maintain its efficiency and avoid the build-up of creosote, which can lead to chimney fires. Most experts recommend that you have your wood-burning fireplace professionally cleaned at least once a year, usually at the beginning of the season in spring and summer. If you use your wood-burning fireplace often, you may need to have it cleaned more often.

If you are switching from a gas fireplace to natural wood burning, then you should have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a professional before use. This will ensure that your fireplace is safe to use and will provide an accurate assessment of what type of cleaning or repairs may be needed. Additionally, if you are burning wood for heat in your home, you should also consider where to buy firewood, as not all firewood is created equal. Try to purchase carbon-neutral firewood whenever possible, which helps reduce environmental impact.

11) What is the environmental impact of burning firewood?

Using wood as a source of energy has its advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to the environment. Burning wood can create a significant amount of pollution, and if not done properly, can cause serious damage to the environment. However, the amount of CO2 absorbed by the tree during its lifetime offsets the amount of CO2 released during the burning of firewood to heat your home, so you can feel less guilty about your impact on the environment.

Wood burning is an age-old way to heat homes and can be significantly cheaper than gas fireplaces. While the upfront cost of switching from gas to wood may be more expensive, the savings on heating bills may be worth the expense in the long run.

When deciding whether to burn wood, you should also consider where you buy your firewood. It's important to buy firewood from a local and sustainable source that has been dried properly to reduce emissions. Buying firewood locally will help reduce your carbon footprint since the transportation of the wood contributes to emissions.

Ultimately, burning firewood is still a major source of air pollution, especially when compared to other renewable sources of energy such as solar or wind power. However, if you choose the right kind of firewood and practice proper burning techniques, you can help minimize your environmental impact and enjoy a cozy, wood-burning fireplace for years to come.

12) How to switch from a gas fireplace to natural wood burning?

Converting from a gas fireplace to natural wood burning is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Wood-burning fireplaces are much more efficient than gas fireplaces, creating a more pleasant and ambient atmosphere. In addition, burning firewood can also be carbon neutral, making it an environmentally conscious choice.

The first step to switching from a gas fireplace to natural wood burning is to remove the existing gas appliance and safely cap off the gas line. You will need to have a qualified HVAC technician do this to ensure it is done properly. Once this is complete, you can begin shopping around for a wood-burning stove or fireplace insert. Be sure to read reviews and consult with a sales representative to ensure that you are purchasing the right size unit for your space.

Now it’s time to install your new wood-burning stove or insert. Depending on the type of unit you bought, you may need a chimney liner and/or other parts and materials. If you purchased a prefabricated unit, you may be able to install it yourself by following the instructions included. However, if your unit requires any modifications or specialty items, it’s best to hire a professional.

Finally, it's time to find a local high-quality source of firewood for your new wood-burning fireplace!

Fyrwood is on a mission to build the largest firewood community marketplace, making it easy to buy and sell local high-quality firewood.