Does anyone in Phoenix use a fireplace? Should you have fireplaces built in your new home?
You Should Have a Fireplace in the Desert If...
...you love the way a fireplace looks. From a decor perspective, fireplaces and mantels can make the focal point of a room beautiful....you have lots of square footage. A fireplace requires space; you obviously wouldn't put furniture in front of it of right next to it, so you need a spacious room to enjoy a fireplace.
...you install a gas fireplace and don't intend to use real wood. If you are buying a resale home, you will want to consider converting it to natural gas. Why? In the Phoenix area, as the temperatures get cooler, the air pollution gets worse, and the County issues air quality advisories. On those days we are prohibited from using wood-burning fireplaces or stoves. Find out more about the Residential Restriction Wood burning Ordinance. Some areas don't even allow wood-burning fireplaces to be built in new construction homes.
You Don't Need a Fireplace in the Desert If...
...you are concerned about fires or carbon monoxide poisoning....you think it will reduce your heat expense in the winter. Fireplaces remove more heat, through the openings, than they replace.
There are some cool days and nights, even in the desert, and a natural gas fireplace may be right for you. Generally, though, don't assume that it will save you money on your electric bill. Even if it gave off some heat, it would take you years to recoup the cost of the fireplace itself, not including any maintenance. Install a fireplace if you love the way it looks. It's also very popular to build fireplaces and stoves outside. If you entertain in the back yard, this might be something you'd enjoy.
