Fireplaces: Warm, Mesmerizing and Cost-Effective

Nothing says home more than a fire crackling in a hearth.

Fireplaces have been a central feature in homes for centuries, but their design, technology and fuels have changed dramatically, especially in the past 10 years. Flames sprout out of torches or tureens; slip along a linear path through sand, stones or crystals; or blaze at temperatures hot enough to consume all the combustible material.

A growing number of realistic electric fireplaces or new no-vent gas products can add a touch of warmth or just the mesmerizing flicker of flames to almost any space, even apartments and mobile homes.

As higher fuel prices have consumers looking for ways to trim heating bills, many homeowners are looking at their existing fireplace as a more cost-effective source of extra heat. ...