When it comes to choosing a fireplace, you want one that’s not only going to blend in seamlessly with your space but also that’s not going to negatively impact the environment either. Especially in our day and age, we all need to play our part when it comes to limiting harmful emissions into the environment and atmosphere. Thankfully, with more modern-day advances, we don’t have to sacrifice our fireplaces to protect the environment. We just need to choose the best option. In this article, we’ve ranked all the fireplaces available, from those with the worst environmental impact to those that are the most environmentally friendly options. Take a look at our ranking of eco-friendly fireplaces below!
(Photo by Headway on Unsplash) It’s no surprise that wood-burning fireplaces are right at the bottom of the list. Without a doubt, they are the least environmentally-friendly option. Wood burning fireplaces sit right alongside wood stoves when it comes to tradition, but they are notorious for their negative environmental impact.
(Photo by Ostap Senyuk on Unsplash) Next up are natural gas fireplaces. Compared to their wood-burning counterparts, natural gas fireplaces are often considered a more clean-burning alternative and can help reduce your impact on the environment. Gas fireplaces are one of the more efficient fireplaces on the market when it comes to heat and energy usage.
Electric fireplaces have been a good eco-friendly alternative for many years. Their elegant designs and appearance of real flame have been some of their most attractive features. In addition, electric fireplaces do not require a chimney or vents to function with proper ventilation.
We’ve reached the cream of the crop here. When it comes to the most eco-friendly fireplace, there is no surprise that ethanol fireplaces are at the top. These fireplaces are known not only for their aesthetically pleasing look but also for their minimal impact on the environment.
1. Wood Burning Fireplaces (The Worst)
(Photo by Headway on Unsplash) It’s no surprise that wood-burning fireplaces are right at the bottom of the list. Without a doubt, they are the least environmentally-friendly option. Wood burning fireplaces sit right alongside wood stoves when it comes to tradition, but they are notorious for their negative environmental impact.
The Good News About Traditional Fireplaces
Now, there are some redeeming qualities to wood-burning fireplaces. They are a great source of heat because of the burning firewood, and the real flame is also another attractive factor. Wood-burning fireplaces also bring back those nostalgic feelings that are often associated with campfires (which is always a bonus). However, just because they’re enjoyable doesn’t mean they’re good for the environment!The Bad News About Traditional Fireplaces
As much as we love the nostalgia of wood-burning fireplaces, they pose numerous risks to the environment and your health. Since it is an open fire, they release small levels of toxic particles into the atmosphere. Some of the compounds they release (like nitrogen oxide and chlorinated dioxins) contribute to environmental hazards like smog and acid rain. Additionally, the wood smoke and gases can also harm your heart and lungs.2. Natural Gas Fireplaces
(Photo by Ostap Senyuk on Unsplash) Next up are natural gas fireplaces. Compared to their wood-burning counterparts, natural gas fireplaces are often considered a more clean-burning alternative and can help reduce your impact on the environment. Gas fireplaces are one of the more efficient fireplaces on the market when it comes to heat and energy usage.
The Good News About Gas Fireplaces
As stated above, gas fireplaces can be up to 86% efficient, and a flueless gas fireplace is 100% efficient. These kinds of fireplaces are a great producer of heat and are one of the more eco-friendly options available. In addition to being more eco-friendly, gas fireplaces also present fewer health risks as well.The Bad News About Gas Fireplaces
With all of that being said, there are some cons to gas fireplaces. The first issue present is their fuel source. The fuel source for natural gas burners is fossil fuels which are non-renewable sources of energy. Natural gas fireplaces can be up to 95% methane and produce other harmful emissions like carbon dioxide. Even though natural gas fireplaces burn cleaner and have fewer emissions than their fire log burner counterparts, they are not the most eco-friendly options available.3. Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces have been a good eco-friendly alternative for many years. Their elegant designs and appearance of real flame have been some of their most attractive features. In addition, electric fireplaces do not require a chimney or vents to function with proper ventilation.
The Good News About Electric Fireplaces
There is some good news when it comes to electric fireplaces. They are considered eco-friendly because they have zero emissions and are 100% efficient when it comes to converting electricity to heat. Electric fireplaces are also extremely convenient in their portability since all you would have to do is pull the plug and move it around. They also have many safety benefits since no harmful emissions or particulate matter are being released.The Bad News About Electric Fireplaces
One of the biggest downsides to electric fireplaces is how much electricity it takes to run them, especially when they are run for an extended period of time. Additionally, the electricity required to run them often comes from a powerplant that typically either burns coal or natural gas. Hence, there is an indirect effect on the environment. It’s also worth mentioning that electric fires cannot give you a real flame look.4. Ethanol Fireplaces (The Best of the Best)
We’ve reached the cream of the crop here. When it comes to the most eco-friendly fireplace, there is no surprise that ethanol fireplaces are at the top. These fireplaces are known not only for their aesthetically pleasing look but also for their minimal impact on the environment.
