We spend a lot of time writing about necessities for your RV or tips about repairing some damage; however, this time, we wanted to go a different direction: luxury.
RVs are a constantly working process, as the owner continually remodels until the RV feels more like home, and what better item to make your RV feel like home than a fireplace. In fact, fireplaces are some of the most popular items to install for any mobile home, and its no surprise – they provide a great aesthetic as well as heat for any winter travelers. So for this week, we wanted to tackle everything Dallas/Fort Worth RV owner would want to know about buying a fireplace.
What types of fireplaces are available for my RV?
This is a great starting off point for any product you are thinking about buying: what’s available?
In terms of fireplaces for you mobile home, there are two main options: electric or propane.
An electric fireplace is the most commonly used item of the two. It’s easy to install, as it can slide into any available cabinet, and will not need any sort of ventilation.
They provide a great and comfortable aesthetic, but will still be able to provide heat. For example, the Dimplex 26 – inch Plug-In Electric Fireplace works on a standard 120-volt outlet and can generate heat for up to 400 square feet.
The main issue the owner will have to face with an electric is finding the right place for it in the RV, as well as making sure it matches with the cabinets.
The electric fireplaces also tend to cost the RV owners less money compared to the price of buying or refilling tanks of propane, especially in Dallas/Fort Worth where the temperatures tend to be a bit warmer, even in the winter. If you’re worried about wasting electricity, unplug items that you are not using while using a fireplace.
Propane fireplaces, on the other hand, are useful if you are staying in a colder area. It can generate more heat and a cheaper cost compared to an electric heater generating the same amount of heat.
Propane efficiency is not an exact science by any measure, but generally, if you are in a colder area, it may serve you better to use propane rather than electricity.
On the downside, propane fireplaces will need to be ventilated, which may limit its aesthetic appeal. Again, electric versus propane usually depends on your location and how often you will be using the item.
What about a wood-burning fireplace for my RV?
Many owners ponder on installing a small wood-burning stove, and for good reason. There are a number of pros for equipping your RV with a wood-burning fireplace.
- Aesthetic – If we’re being honest, a wood-burning fireplace provides an unbeatable aesthetic. The electric or propane fireplaces may make your RV feel cozy, but it will never compare to hearing the actual snap and crackle of a real fireplace.
- Renewable Resources – Unlike propane, wood is a renewable resource, so you will be more environmentally savvy with this decision.
While the aesthetic is unmatched, we are not out of line to say that the wood-burning fireplace provides the most cons for your RV, especially compared to the electric or propane counterparts.
- Needs Cleaning – With the amount of soot and ash a wood-burning fireplace will create, you can be sure you will spend a lot more time cleaning in order to keep your fireplace safe.
- Wood Chopping – Something to keep in mind: you will need to be chopping wood quite frequently if you want to go this route. We know this may sound obvious to you, but just think about it. With a propane or electric fireplace, you will be chopping no wood at all.
- Safety – The wood-burning stove will provide a higher risk than its competitors strictly because of its use of wood and flames. Also, if you are using a wood-burning stove, a carbon monoxide alarm should be ESSENTIAL.
We know that these all might not be negatives. Some people love chopping wood and don’t mind the extra cleaning. So, we say do what you feel is best for you, your family, and your RV!
If you have any questions, or need help figuring out where to install your fireplace, make sure to give us a call or set up an appointment. We have an experienced staff, including an in house interior designer, who can help provide you the most aesthetically pleasing fireplace location. Don’t hesitate!