When Is The Best Time To Buy A Fireplace? [Updated 2024]

Shopping for fireplaces during holiday and seasonal sales can be a savvy move for budget-conscious buyers. During these times, retailers roll out enticing discounts and promotions to attract customers looking to add the warmth and charm of a fireplace to their homes without breaking the bank.

A new fireplace may be the last thing on your mind during a hot summer day, but it is actually the best time to do so. You'll be glad to avoid the autumn and winter rush knowing your fireplace will be ready to use before the cold weather hits.

The installation process may vary depending on the type of fireplace you choose. The following are the different types of installations:

Built-in Fireplace Inserts

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Built-in fireplace inserts are well-insulated appliances that are installed in an existing wood or gas fireplace and are vented up and out of the chimney. You need to have a technician evaluate the flue lining prior to installation to ensure that it is compatible with the insert device. 

Freestanding Fireplaces

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Freestanding fireplaces give a charismatic or rather appealing touch to any property. They come in different sizes, shapes, and models. If you want to install a freestanding wood, gas, or electric fireplace, a specialist will need to install a flue pipe up through the ceiling and out the roof.

Traditional Open-Hearth Fireplaces

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Traditional open-hearth fireplaces are typically built through masonry. Setting up a traditional masonry fireplace requires extensive renovations since the installers will need to build a chimney or flue in addition to the hearth and firebox, and may include a decorative mantel and air intake system.

Two-Sided Fireplaces

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This type of installation is a great way to get the most out of a single fireplace. Two-sided fireplaces can simultaneously heat two different rooms. They are widely used to split living rooms and kitchens, sleeping areas and sitting areas in bedrooms, and in some cases, indoors and outdoors.

Wall-Mounted Fireplaces

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This is the most flexible installation type and it works well in large and small-sized homes as well as commercial spaces. There are self-contained wall-mounted fireplaces that can be moved from one location to another. Some don't even need to be ventilated. Others require a ventilation system like chimneys.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Fireplace

With so many fireplace options available in the market right now, here are a few things to consider to help you select the right fireplace for your home or business.

Types of Fireplaces: What kind of fireplace should I get?

Here are the benefits of the different kinds of fireplaces to help you decide what type of fireplace you should acquire based on your purpose and needs.

Gas fireplaces are low-maintenance, easy to install and use, and energy-efficient. This type of fireplace delivers good heat output and offers a well-insulated option to save on energy costs year-round.

Wood-burning fireplaces offer the sound, smell, and feel of a traditional fireplace that burns wood. However, installation costs are expensive, particularly when constructing the chimney. Furthermore, these fireplaces are not ideal for heating large areas due to the low heat output and heat loss through the chimney.

Electric fireplaces are low-maintenance, simple to install, easy to use, and a perfect alternative to a gas fireplace if you don't have access to a propane tank or natural gas line. They provide a moderate level of heat and come in a variety of designs options. These fireplaces do not require any venting and are powered by an electrical outlet.

Purpose and Needs

What is the primary reason for installing a new fireplace? Is your purpose to improve the appearance and value of your home? Or do you wish to benefit from additional heating and decreased energy costs over the winter?

Do you prefer to stoke your fires? Or do you like a low-maintenance fireplace that you can easily turn on and off with the push of a button?

Style and Design

Another factor to consider is the design of your fireplace and hearth. Of course, we all wanted it to be aesthetically pleasing and to compliment or enhance the interior design of the room. It is entirely up to your personal style and preference whether you choose a traditional or modern design.

Traditional fireplaces and hearths are often built of marble, iron, stone, or brick and come in a wide range of architectural options.

Modern, sleek, and minimalist fireplaces, such as double-sided and multi-sided glass fireplaces that can be viewed from both sides of a wall, are constructed of glass and steel.

Why Summer is the Best Time for Fireplace Installation?

Summer is the best season to build a new fireplace because aside from the fact that the weather is good, few people consider it during the summer. You will not only have more options, but you will also be able to schedule installations and chimney cleaning appointments easily.

Ensures Enough Planning Time

During this season, you’ll have plenty of time to go over available models and combinations of options in order to build the best fireplace possible. More time to consult with a specialist to choose a model that best suits your needs, and schedule an appointment for an installation on a day that is convenient for you.

Another advantage of planning a fireplace installation ahead of time is that once it’s done, you will have enough time to make tweaks and modifications to the finishing work rather than rushing to get everything to look perfect before the holidays.

Supply/Stock Availability

It's possible that the fireplace you choose will take a few weeks to arrive once you've placed your order. And since you won't be using your new fireplace right immediately during the warmer months, waiting for it won't be a big concern.

However, waiting for your fireplace to be delivered and installed until the cold season begins means you won’t be able to use it on time when you most need it.

Installation Technician Availability

Installations of fireplaces are in high demand during the fall and winter seasons, so expect a lengthier wait and installation time during these colder months.

However, installation technicians are less in demand during the summer, so you can plan an appointment at a time that works best for you and you won't have to wait long to get your fireplace installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to buy a fireplace?

Shopping for fireplaces during holiday and seasonal sales can be a savvy move for budget-conscious buyers. During these times, retailers roll out enticing discounts and promotions to attract customers looking to add the warmth and charm of a fireplace to their homes without breaking the bank.

What is the best type of fireplace to have?

Electric fireplaces are best for safety, gas fireplaces are better if you want adjustability without the mess or hassle of wood, and wood-burning fireplaces are better if you're looking for cozy ambiance complete with the sound of crackling firewood (plus intense heat).

What type of fireplace is healthiest?

Natural gas fireplaces, which also include gas stove inserts or gas logs, are “going to burn a lot cleaner and safer than wood and other types of fuels.