Is a Fireplace Still Practical for Michigan Homes?

There are few places in the world quite like Michigan. From our Great Lakes to our wide forests, there’s a beauty here that just can’t be beat. That said, when winter comes, Michigan has one other thing that can’t quite be beat: the cold.

Yes, Michigan winters can get downright frigid compared to most places in the United States. And as wonderful as our Great Lakes are, let’s all face it—they also come with lake effect snow.

So as long as folks have lived in Michigan, they’ve been figuring out just how to deal with the Michigan winters. Historically, Michigan homes have used a fireplace to keep up the heat during the winter. But you may be asking yourself: is a fireplace still a practical installation for the modern Michigander? Well, in today’s blog post, we’re exploring whether or not a fireplace is right for your home.

Keep Out the Cold: Will Fireplaces Help Heat Your Home?

The short answer to this question is: well, sort of.

Fireplaces can be a great way to warm up the room on a cold night. That said, that’s all you should generally expect them to do.

There’s no doubt that fireplaces can do wonders at warming up a living room or bedroom. That said, fireplaces aren’t really designed to heat up an entire home. When you hear that houses from hundreds of years ago really just relied on one fireplace, keep in mind that these houses were generally much smaller then than they are now. As a result, a more sophisticated heating and cooling system is usually required to moderate temperatures of modern houses.

That said, a fireplace can go a long way in heating one room. If you want to cut down on heating costs, it may even be prudent to lower your house’s indoor temperature and use a fireplace for frequented rooms, such as the living room or bedroom.

Fireplaces as Home Décor

More commonly, fireplaces are used as home décor or as a centerpiece for a room—and in that use, they will always excel. Many homes use fireplaces as gathering spots for holidays and family get togethers, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or birthday parties.

Something about a fireplace taps into something essential about the human experience. Maybe it’s the fire’s warmth that creates a more pleasant experience for everyone. Or, maybe, it’s just the fact that it’s where communities gather. In either case, a fireplace is a fine addition to any home that wants to create an inviting atmosphere for friends and family alike.

Install a Fireplace in Your Home

Are you interested in getting a fireplace installed for your home? If so, then our professionals here at JP Heating and Air Conditioning are here to help. For more information, click here to contact us today.