What Is A Hearth?
We like to think that we know about everything in our homes.
From the couch to the fridge, everything has a purpose and place that we specifically know, and we know how to use them for their intended purpose.
But there are some things that we only know a couple of things about and of them, there are a few items that just seem out of place or bizarre.
A good example would be dishwashers.
When a family or a person gets a dishwasher for the first time, it feels like some alien and precious device, that makes you feel like you can't touch it or even be near it in case something happens.
But perhaps the most puzzling thing for new homeowners is having a hearth in the house.
But just what is a hearth? Everyone kind of knows the term, but not many people are that familiar with it. What does it do?
In this article, we will seek to explain hearths, so you can have a complete understanding of them without any problems.
Hearths: What Are They?
Well, to get right to the point: a hearth is simply a space that has been adjusted and set aside for a fire, in essence being a fireplace.
This area is usually in a big, social room, like a living room, and it is normally reinforced by a mantle or stone to make sure the fire doesn't spread.
Now we know what a hearth is, let's discuss why people get hearths. Why do people need these weird contraptions?
The answer to that question is simple; when people build houses, they typically live in them. That means that they spend most of their lives inside their home.
And if they are lucky enough to have a fireplace in their house, then it becomes a necessity.
The main reason why people get fireplaces is that they provide warmth during cold winters.
But even though winter brings cold temperatures, there are still certain times when it might be too hot to handle.
In those cases, people usually turn on the air conditioner and put away all the extra blankets and sweaters that they had stored in the closet.
But that isn't always possible, especially in roasting summers.
When this happens, fires are more for social bonding than actual heat.
As such, people tend to go outside during these warm periods and sit by a fire pit, not for heat and comfort, but just for social interaction.
Even though this isn't the best solution, it's better than nothing. It keeps them warm and comfortable.
Now that we've discussed why people want hearths, let's move onto the next part of this guide.
We'll talk about the different types of hearths available in the market.
Types Of Hearth
There are two types of hearths commonly found in homes today. One is the log cabin style hearth, which is very similar to traditional fires from years ago.
The other one is the gas fireplace, which was introduced into the market more recently.
Let's take a look at each type to see what they offer.
Log Cabin Hearth
When people say log cabin fireplace, they usually mean that the design resembles wood logs piled up together and burning inside an enclosure made of stone and brick.
This type of fireplace is also called the open-fireplace since it offers its users a full view of the flames.
It wasn't until the late 19th century that this type of fireplace became popular with families.
At that point, they were mostly used in farmhouses and cabins where the owners needed a source of heat and light.
These days, you can find log-cabin styles in nearly every home and business that wants to keep themselves warm and cozy.
Gas Fireplace
As mentioned before, the second type of hearth is known as the gas fireplace.
Gas fireplaces are becoming increasingly common with homeowners across America.
They are basically large appliances that burn natural gas instead of firewood. Because of that fact, they use less fuel compared to traditional fires.
They also work much faster. The problem with this type of fireplace is that they don't give off heat very well.
They aren't designed to heat your entire living room, they're only meant to provide heat for specific areas such as living rooms and bedrooms.
The size of the fireplace determines how big the area that will benefit from heat.
For example, if you have a small bedroom, you may only require a fireplace that covers half of the space.
If you have a larger bedroom, you may need a fireplace that covers almost the whole space.
The Benefits Of A Fireplace
In addition to providing warmth, a fireplace gives off many other benefits. First, they create an ambiance within your home.
When you walk through the door carrying a cup of coffee or tea, you'll notice that everything seems to feel warmer.
This is because the fireplace creates a sense of coziness.
Second, a fireplace helps to cut down energy costs.
By using the fireplace, you reduce the amount of electricity that you spend heating your house, as the ambient heat from a fireplace will continuously provide that heat.
Third, a fireplace adds value to your home.
People who own houses that don't have a fireplace often ask their real estate agent to show them properties that have a fireplace.
This is because having a fireplace makes your home seem like a nicer place to live.
Fourth, a fireplace provides a great way to entertain guests. You can set the mood by lighting candles and playing some music while your guests enjoy the warmth and comfort provided by the fireplace.
How To Keep Your Fireplace Clean
There are several ways to clean your fireplace. First, make sure that you remove all debris from around the chimney.
This includes leaves, grass clippings, and any other items that could fall into the fireplace.
Next, sweep out the ash and dirt that has accumulated on the bottom of the fireplace.
Finally, clean out the flue soot that collects there. Make sure that you do these things regularly to prevent problems.
Conclusion
Fireplaces are a wonderful part of our lives. Whether we use them for warmth or entertainment purposes, they help us stay comfortable at home.
However, there are certain dangers associated with them.
Always remember to take proper precautions when working near one.
If you want to learn more about your options, contact a local professional and discuss it with them.
