Thoughts on Fireplaces

[shcisamax]

I noticed some homes have fireplaces. Do people actually use them in the winter or is it just to make it feel like home? Is it something that is important for resale or, for the most part, do people not expect a fireplace in Florida? We are going to build and are trying to consider all aspects. Thanks for any comments.

[graciegirl]

In both of our homes here in TV we have had faux fireplaces to add architectural interest to a room and............................to hang our stockings with care.

Some folks have those that add heat. Not used too much I would think.

[shcisamax]

Oh I hadn't thought about my stocking...wow. you're right. that is an important aspect to consider.
So are all those fireplaces, non working? Are are there people that actually put in fireplaces? with chimneys?

[jebartle]

Used every winter except this one....Not sure there really is a need, just ambiance....

[shcisamax]

What are the affiliated costs in building it? There isn't that much wall space in these houses and it takes up a wall. I actually would love one in my bedroom.
selfish me.

[Happinow]

We are planning to put an electric fireplace in our "sitting area" we've created. It will throw some heat and it will be nice to watch the "flame" on a cool evening. We will also have a spot to hang our Christmas stockings as well. I just like the look of them. Makes me feel cozy...

[Jim 9922]

Back in the 90's some homes were built with real wood burning fireplaces. That requires the owner to stock wood alongside the home complete with bugs and the possibility of termites, snakes, and other crawlies. Then they switched to building gas firplaces, which was good as long as the neighborhood had gas service. Now the gas burning fireplaces require an underground propane tank with its related maintenance and filling.
A couple of our friends that have the gas burning fireplaces seemed to use them only a few times a year in the beginning and now rarely, if ever, burn them. We have a friend who built a gas fireplace on the lanai and uses it quite often on the chilly nights Nov - Feb. Very pleasant.

[rodie]

We are also thinking about a gas fireplace on lanai. Does anyone have pictures of what they have done? Has anyone else done this and if so are you glad you did?

[spk7951]

We have an entertainment unit that has a built-in electric fireplace. It does get use in the winter but not too much this winter. Cost less to heat the living room on cold nights using the fireplace instead of heating the whole house and it does look nice when it is on. Friends of ours have a propane fireplace in their living room but rarely use it.

[jebartle]

We are also thinking about a gas fireplace on lanai. Does anyone have pictures of what they have done? Has anyone else done this and if so are you glad you did?http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae278/jebartle1/fireplace.jpg

[Applepie]

We have a gas fireplace in the corner of our livingroom. We installed it when we built our house 6 years ago. I love fireplaces. They are fun to decorate at Christmas and add a focal point to a room. We have only used it 7 times this winter because of our mild winter, but in the past winters we have used it a lot. My parents loved to south Florida and they had a beautiful two sided fire place. So even in Florida, fireplaces there are plenty of fireplaces.