A fireplace is a major selling point for high-end homes, whether they’re new construction or open houses. And with good reason – fireplaces add an element of coziness, offer additional heating options and are an integral part of family living spaces.

However, while there’s no denying that most people love fireplaces, not everyone knows which option is best for their home. We’ve rounded up some of the main options out there to offer you the inside scoop.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Wood-burning fireplaces are, without a doubt, the ultimate in fireplaces. Sit next to one and you may feel you’ve been instantly transported to a ski lodge in the mountains. They offer that element of classic, rustic warmth, plus wood is easy and cheap to come by.

On the down side, there’s cleaning chimneys and having to have the flue open until all of the carbon monoxide from the burning logs is completely gone, which may not be great for energy efficiency. If you love wood burning, get the most modern unit you can afford, have it professionally installed, clean it regularly and remember to install a carbon monoxide sensor on every floor of your home, just in case.

Gas Fireplaces

Gas is another popular option for fireplaces and, with new units being almost indistinguishable from their wood-burning counterparts, they’re a great compromise. They offer great energy efficiency, real and realistic flames and – thanks to remote controls and smart home integration – they’re amazingly easy to use.

As with any gas appliance, make sure that yours is installed by a professional, and remember to have it checked and inspected from time to time.

Electric Fireplaces

Electric fireplaces have come a long way from the blown paper flames of the ‘70s and ‘80s, but while they are very energy efficient and can look okay, you need to buy a very high-end model to get the look of real fire. Electric “stove” types of units can get around this problem; they have the look of a wood-burning stove without the need for flames.

On the plus side, there are many free-standing “plug and play” options on the market that you can buy and literally plug in.  However, if you’re planning to build a unit into the wall, we’d caution against it. After all, like all electronics, electric fireplaces will be outdated sooner than other options, and then you’ll either need a costly upgrade or you’ll have an obsolete unit stuck in your wall.

Regardless of which fireplace option you choose, remember that good fireplaces should be more about ambience and atmosphere in a modern home. With proper HVAC and energy-efficient insulation and construction, you should never need to use them to heat your home. So choose whatever speaks to you, get a look you love and let your new construction home do the work while you enjoy the flicker of the flame (real or otherwise.)