Gel fireplace designs are a great way to accent your home while providing heat at the same time. This particular design uses alcohol gel fuel that burns clean into the air and is more efficient then wood. The fuel comes inside of a small can that sits neatly in the opening of the fireplace. To hide the can you put down cement, fireproof logs that help to simulate the look of a real fire.
Advantages
There are many advantages to using a gel fireplace design. The first and most important is it portability. These cost as low as $200 and can be placed anywhere inside of your home. When you move you can simply taken them with you. They do not use any chimney or other type of ventilation system, making them one of the safest heating sources to use in your home.
Another advantage to them is how clean they are. The fuel is designed to burn clean into the air and to help avoid the problem with indoor pollution that wood can create. It also does not leave behind any type of ash or debris making it easy to clean.
Disadvantages
Like with any good thing there will be the disadvantages that you have to consider. This biggest problem people have with gel fireplace designs is how small they are. Unlike the wood burning fireplaces these cannot be your main source of heat. They help to provide you with extra heat in any room you are in – but it is not enough to heat the entire home.
Although the alcohol gel fuel does not create pollution in the home it does have the ability to add moisture in the air. This will increase the humidity – which for many can be very uncomfortable. This is ideal for people who have dry winters – but it can create a breeding ground for mold.
Cost And Installation
The majority of the gel fireplace designs come pre-assembled and only require you to pick the right spot in your home. It does not have to be plugged into any outlet or gas line in order to work. The only time installation is required is when you purchase the type that will sit inside your existing fireplace.
The gel fireplace will cost anywhere between $200 to $500. The price will vary depending on the size, style, and quality. It comes in all shapes and sizes and can even be used as a cabinet fireplace design that will hold your television. The fuel usually costs around $60 for a pack of 24 cans.