However, installing a new fireplace can go wrong, quickly. There is a lot to keep in mind, and there are plenty of safety measures that you need to get right. Reaching out to a professional can help you find the right unit for your home and make sure it’s installed correctly.

What Should You Know About Buying a Fireplace?

Since wood smoke contributes to air pollution, many cities have banned the use of wood-burning units. If you’d like to buy a wood burning unit, check the city policies first. If your home already has a wood-burning unit that you’re concerned about, contact a fireplace manufacturer to replace your wood-burning unit with an environmentally friendly electric or gas alternative. Gas inserts can be efficient heaters and may lower your electric-heat bill. Many adjust to provide high heat on a cold night or a low-burning flame for ambience.
Interior fireplaces and mantel designs are as varied as home interiors. From custom fireplace mantels made to conceal a flat-screen TV to custom hearth designs with elaborate Renaissance-style stone mantels, the latest designs can be found by visiting fireplace showrooms.

Outdoors, a custom fire pit has become an important focal point and gathering place. Decorative fire pits, artisan-made fire bowls and even fire tables come in many shapes and sizes and are fast becoming an integral part of landscape designs. But whether indoors or out, it can be hard to narrow down all of the incredible choices in fire features. You may want to hire a designer to help you find the perfect size, style and placement for your new fire element. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of fireplaces: General Contractors, Interior Designers & Decorators, Stone, Pavers & Concrete, Tile, Stone & Countertops.

Here are some recommendations for when you’re shopping for a fireplace or fire pit:

• Check out Consumer’s Digest listings
  
• Make sure the unit has been certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and has passed the safety tests of the American Gas Association (AGA)
  
• Contact your local government agency to see if you need any permits or if there are restrictions in place
  

Find fireplace manufacturers and showrooms, plus fireplace installation professionals, on Houzz. Go to the Professionals section to find fireplace design and installation experts.