Fireplaces form an open recess in a wall, at the base of a chimney or flue, creating a place where an indoor fire can be built. Fireplaces produce perfect warmth and eliminate cold during the frosty winters, forming the central point of any home, where most family and friends tend to gather.

Creative additions to any room, conventional fireplaces have many parts such as foundation, hearth, firebox, facing, ash dump door, cleanout door, damper, smoke chamber, throat, flue, chimney chase, crown, cap or shroud, and spark arrestor.

A fine selection of masonry or prefabricated fireplaces, in contemporary and classic style designs, which suit every budget, is now available for both indoor and outdoor use. The common ones are wood burning fireplaces, gas direct vent fireplaces, gas ventless fireplaces, pellet fireplaces, and electric fireplaces. Wood burning fireplaces made of brick, block or stone, though difficult to install, create an absolutely vibrant ambience imparting glowing warmth against the crackling sound of burning wood.

Gas direct vent fireplaces work on a steady supply of propane or natural gas and are vented directly outdoors through a blowhole in an exterior wall. The gas ventless models function without venting to the exterior. The pellet types are sophisticated combustion appliances that burn pellet fuels, are more expensive than the wood fireplaces and often require a venting. Electric fireplaces, coupled with the advantages of wood fireplaces, are the perfect ones for short-term residents and renters.

Traditionally, fireplaces were installed in a living or a family room. However, with the advent of ventless gas fireplaces, attractive fireplaces adorn unusual locations such as the bedroom, kitchen, and even bathrooms. Two-for-one fireplaces connect two rooms with a single cozy fireplace. They are open on two sides, directing heat into the two rooms.

Regular maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient functioning of fireplaces. Further, it is recommended to install a fire detector in rooms with fireplaces to avoid the risk of fire.