Thinking About a Fireplace Upgrade? Here’s What to Consider.
Whether you’re building a new home in Andover or remodeling an older one in Haysville, choosing the right fireplace can significantly boost your comfort, energy efficiency, and home value.
But with so many options—gas, wood, electric, pellet—how do you decide which one is right for your Kansas home?
This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each type of fireplace so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget.
1. Gas Fireplaces – Clean, Convenient & Energy-Efficient
Perfect For: Homeowners who want quick, mess-free heat with the touch of a button.
Gas fireplaces are one of the most popular choices in Wichita and surrounding areas. They provide consistent heat, are low-maintenance, and require no wood or ash cleanup.
Pros:
- Instant on/off with remote or wall switch
- High efficiency, especially with direct vent models
- Minimal maintenance required
- Works during power outages (for models with battery backup)
Cons:
- Higher upfront installation cost
- Requires a gas line hookup
🔥 Ideal for families in Derby or Newton looking for reliable zone heating with modern design options.
2. Wood-Burning Fireplaces – Traditional Warmth & Ambiance
Perfect For: Homeowners who love the crackle and smell of real wood fires.
Wood fireplaces bring a nostalgic charm but come with more upkeep and installation requirements. They’re ideal for homes with an existing chimney or for homeowners ready to invest in full installation.
Pros:
- Real flames and traditional experience
- Can burn during outages
- Works with existing chimneys in older homes
Cons:
- Requires regular chimney inspections and ash cleanup
- Less efficient heat output compared to gas or pellet options
- Needs wood storage and regular fire tending
🪵 Common in rural homes around Kingman County and El Dorado where firewood is more accessible.
3. Electric Fireplaces – Sleek, Stylish & Plug-and-Play
Perfect For: Apartments, basements, or homeowners wanting quick installation and ambiance over heat.
Electric fireplaces are easy to install, low cost, and require no venting or chimney. They’re more about looks and supplemental warmth, not full-room heating.
Pros:
- No venting or chimney needed
- Can be wall-mounted, freestanding, or built-in
- Safe for homes with small children or pets
- Budget-friendly and modern-looking
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide the same heat output as gas or wood
- Depends on electricity, so no use in power outages
⚡ Great for finished basements in Maize or condos in East Wichita.
4. Pellet Stoves & Inserts – Efficient & Eco-Friendly
Perfect For: Homeowners who want the efficiency of gas with the look of a real flame.
Pellet stoves are a great hybrid option. They burn small wood pellets made from recycled sawdust, offering a more sustainable heating solution.
Pros:
- High heat output with programmable thermostats
- Uses renewable fuel source
- Lower emissions than wood-burning options
Cons:
- Requires electricity to operate
- Needs regular cleaning and pellet refills
🌿 A smart solution for environmentally conscious homeowners in Valley Center or rural Sumner County.
Which Fireplace Is Best for Your Home?
It depends on:
- 🔥 Your heating goals (ambiance vs. warmth)
- 🏡 Home layout and existing chimney/gas access
- 💵 Budget for installation and maintenance
- ♻️ Environmental preferences
At DOD Fireplace Installations, we help Kansas homeowners match the perfect fireplace system to their needs, space, and style—whether it’s a cozy wood-burning insert or a sleek electric model.
🔧 Ready to Install Your New Fireplace?
We’ve proudly served Wichita and the surrounding region for over 30 years with expert installation of:
- Gas Fireplaces
- Wood-Burning Fireplaces
- Pellet Stoves
- Electric Fireplaces
- Outdoor Fire Features
- Fireplace Inserts & Remodels
Call (316) 448-1343 or get a free quote online to get started.