This FAQ guide gathers the most common questions people ask about cost, safety, installation, and maintenance, whether they’re considering electric, gas, wood, or ethanol indoor fireplaces.
Indoor fireplaces fall into four main groups:
Electric Fireplaces
• Plug into a standard outlet
• No venting required
• Lowest maintenance
• Great for apartments, condos & modern designs
Gas Fireplaces (Direct-Vent or Vent-Free)
• Real flame, strong heat
• May require venting (direct-vent)
• Vent-free requires no chimney but must meet room-size & code requirements
Wood Fireplaces (Inserts or Factory-Built)
• Real logs, high heat
• Requires chimney
• Most maintenance but most “authentic”
Ethanol Fireplaces
• Clean-burning liquid fuel
• No chimney
• Real flame, low heat output
• Fantastic for interior design
Here’s a general breakdown:
Electric:
• $300–$3,500 (unit)
• $0–$500 installation
• Ideal for budget-friendly upgrades
Gas:
• Unit: $2,000–$6,000
• Installation: $1,000–$8,000 depending on venting
• Real flame + high BTU output
Wood (Insert or Fireplace):
• Unit: $2,500–$5,500+
• Chimney liner: $1,000–$2,000
• Installation: $1,500–$4,000
• Very strong heating performance
Ethanol:
• $500–$3,000
• No venting or major installation
• Mostly aesthetic, not heating-focused
Costs vary widely depending on brand quality, fuel type, and installation difficulty.
Yes—especially if the fireplace is:
• Modern
• Efficient
• Clean-lined
• Fits the home’s style
Real estate surveys repeatedly show that fireplaces are one of the top “emotional value” features buyers look for. Gas and electric fireplaces are especially attractive in newer homes and condos.
Yes, when properly installed and used according to the manual.
Safety considerations by type:
Electric:
• Safest option
• The front stays cool (most models)
• No combustion gases
• Great for families & pets
Gas:
• Must be installed by a qualified technician
• Direct-vent systems are extremely safe (sealed glass front)
• Vent-free units must meet room-size codes
• Requires yearly safety check
Wood:
• Must burn seasoned wood only
• Chimney cleaning required
• Needs spark screen or glass doors
• Highest maintenance but safe when maintained
Ethanol:
• Produces real flame
• Never refill while flame is on or warm
• Keep away from flammable materials
Electric fireplaces are the clear winner.
Most models have cool-touch glass and no real flame. Gas with sealed glass (direct-vent) is next safest.
Avoid open wood fireplaces in kid-focused living rooms unless using screens or doors.
Electric:
• 4,000–5,000 BTU (supplemental heating)
Gas:
• 20,000–40,000+ BTU
• Can heat larger rooms effectively
Wood:
• 30,000–60,000+ BTU depending on the insert
• Most powerful overall
Ethanol:
• 3,000–8,000 BTU
• Not meant for whole-room heating
Always match BTU output to room size for comfort.
Electric: No chimney needed.
Gas: Direct-vent requires venting; vent-free does not.
Wood: Always.
Ethanol: No chimney required.
If you want a fireplace without a chimney, choose electric, ethanol, or gas vent-free (check local code).
Electric:
• Easiest installation
• Wall-mounted or recessed
• Plug into outlet; some models hardwired
Gas:
• Requires gas line + venting (direct-vent)
• Vent-free only needs gas line
• Must be installed by certified technician
Wood:
• Insert: fits inside existing masonry fireplace
• Requires chimney liner
• Factory-built: needs a vented chase and framing
Ethanol:
• Mount, place, or build into the wall
• No venting or gas line
Installation difficulty varies enormously depending on the type you choose.
Electric fireplaces are best.
Reasons:
• No venting
• No emissions
• No gas line required
• Landlord-friendly installations
• Slim, modern design options
Ethanol is another strong option for design flexibility.
Electric:
• Lowest cost
• Typically $0.10–$0.40 per hour
Gas:
• Moderate cost depending on gas rates
• Good heat per dollar
Wood:
• Cheapest fuel if you have access to firewood
• Wood costs vary heavily
Ethanol:
• Most expensive per hour
• Decorative rather than heating-focused
Electric:
• Almost none
• Occasional dusting
• Keep vents clear
Gas:
• Annual service recommended
• Inspect glass, burner, logs, venting
Wood:
• Chimney cleaning 1–2 times per year
• Remove ashes regularly
• Check door gaskets
Ethanol:
• Clean burner + check fuel container
• Wipe away residue
Wood inserts and gas fireplaces generally last the longest (15–25+ years) with proper care.
Electric units last around 10–15 years depending on flame technology.
Yes—depending on type:
• Electric → Yes, anywhere
• Gas → Yes, if vent run is possible
• Wood → Usually needs exterior wall
• Ethanol → Yes
Electric is the easiest for interior-wall placements, media walls, and bedrooms.
Electric: No
Gas: Most yes (manual ignition)
Wood: Yes
Ethanol: Yes
Gas and wood are best for emergency heating.
Ask yourself:
• Do I want real flame or realism?
• Do I need heat or just atmosphere?
• What’s my installation budget?
• Do I have access to gas or chimney?
• Do I want low maintenance?
Electric = easiest
Gas = most balanced
Wood = strongest heat
Ethanol = pure aesthetics
Indoor fireplaces are versatile, safe, and highly customizable.
Whether you're shopping for heating power, design, ambiance, or low maintenance, knowing these fundamentals makes the process smoother and helps you choose confidently.
For help with choosing, sizing, or installation questions:
📩 support@pureflameco.com
📞 +1-833-922-6460
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