As COP27, the United Nations conference on climate change, wraps up in Egypt, it’s a good time to review the relationship between fireplaces and climate change. After all, the selection and installation of a fireplace is something that individuals can control, and it has a potential impact on the environment.
Let’s start with the basics: What is COP27? We’re not climate change experts, and there are far more educated folks writing about it. We like this summary article: COP27 explained by experts: What is it and why should I care?
Now that you have a basic understanding of COP27 and the important climate change issues that are being addressed, you may be wondering how you can help. It’s clear that we all need to reduce our carbon emissions if we are going to slow climate change. Currently, we’re at risk of missing the critical targets that have been set by all parties to COP27.
Each of us makes choices every day that affect climate change, from how we get around (bicycle vs. car vs. transit; electric vs. gas vehicle) to the energy efficiency of our homes (heating & cooling, insulation, windows & doors). Millions of North Americans choose to add a fireplace to their home. Originally, all fireplaces burned wood or coal, and they were the sole source of home heating and cooking. As central heating evolved, fireplaces were no longer the source of home heating. In the second half of the 20th century, gas fireplaces became popular. Over the past few decades, electric fireplaces have come along. With more choice comes more potential for confusion over which fireplace is best.
We have posted many articles on the efficiency of electric fireplaces, and how they compare to gas and wood. Here’s a round-up of our most recent and relevant eco-wise articles:
COP26: Climate Change & Electric Fireplaces Our summary of the last climate change conference, including the key issues, and how the use of electric fireplaces relates to the goals of the conference.
How an Electric Fireplace can Reduce your Greenhouse Gas Emissions Introduction to Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and the various ways that an electric fireplace can help you to reduce your home’s carbon emissions.
Are Electric Fireplaces Efficient? Understanding electricity usage, venting, and zone heating to understand the efficiency of electric fireplaces.
You can read all of our Eco-Wise articles on our Stylish Blog. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our fireplace experts here at Stylish Fireplaces.
Stylish Fireplaces knows that adding a fireplace to your home can be challenging. With an electric fireplace and their NFI Certified Hearth Design Specialists, it’s easy to create a space you’ll love to share with family and friends. Check out all the options and connect with their experts for help to find the perfect electric fireplace for you. You’ll live stylishly ever after.