Fireplace myths and misconceptions: What homeowners really need to know

Fireplaces have come a long way in design, efficiency and versatility, yet many outdated myths still crop up, keeping homeowners questioning the best options available to them. At Something Different, we’ve spent over 40 years guiding customers across Essex, East London, North London, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, helping them understand their options best suited to their home and lifestyle.

Here, we break down the 5 most common myths we hear in our showroom, and reveal the truth behind them.

Myth 1: “Fireplaces are expensive, both to install and use”

This misconception about costs often comes from older installations that required major building work or relied on inefficient open fires.

The truth: Installation can be affordable, and running costs vary widely.

Not all fireplaces require extensive work. Options such as:

• Electric fires
• Inset gas fires
• Media wall units
• Stoves with twin-wall flues

These allow homeowners to avoid expensive structural changes. Modern fires are also far more economical to run:

• Electric fires give you flame effects with or without heat.
• High-efficiency gas fires maximise warmth while reducing energy use.
• Ecodesign-ready stoves burn cleaner, hotter and more efficiently than older stoves.

With expert advice, you can choose a fireplace that suits your budget both upfront and long-term.

Myth 2: “Fireplaces are for large homes”

Back in the day, large traditional chimney breasts used to be bulky and take up a lot of space in the home. This was because they were the primary source for heating the home, before central heating was invented.

The truth: Today’s fireplaces suit all spaces, even small ones.

Modern designs include:

• Slimline electric fires
• Compact wood-burning stoves
• Inset gas fires
• Sleek hole-in-the-wall models
• Media walls designed to your room’s scale

These options fit beautifully into apartments, terraced homes, modest living rooms and open plan spaces.

Our experts at Something Different specialise in maximising smaller rooms without overwhelming them.

Myth 3: “You need a chimney or flue to have a fireplace”

We hear this one in our showroom more than almost any other, but with the options available today, it’s also one of the quickest myths to clear up. Modern fireplaces no longer rely on traditional chimneys the way they once did.

The truth is there are many types of fireplaces that need no chimney at all.

Modern homes can enjoy fireplaces through options such as:

• Electric fires – require no chimney, no flue and are easy to install
• Balanced flue gas fires – vent directly through an exterior wall
• Twin-wall flue systems – allow stoves to be installed almost anywhere

This makes fireplaces accessible to nearly every home, helping homeowners enjoy warmth and ambience without structural limitations.

Myth 4: “Fireplaces are not sustainable”

The belief that fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance likely comes from older homes, where early stoves and open fires were simpler and often short-lived. People assumed all fireplaces were low-maintenance, and the idea has stuck over time.

The truth: Modern fireplaces are actually cleaner and more efficient.

Today’s sustainable options include:

• Ecodesign-ready stoves that burn up to 90% cleaner than older models
• Gas fires designed to emit fewer particulates than open fires
• Electric fires that offer ambience with zero emissions
• Sustainably sourced kiln-dried logs for more efficient burning

Environmental standards in the UK are now strict, and the fireplaces we supply at Something Different are all designed to meet modern expectations for efficiency. 

Myth 5: “You don’t need to clean or maintain a fireplace”

Some homeowners assume that once a fireplace is installed, it can be left alone. However, this depends entirely on the type of fire you choose.

The truth is, maintenance varies, but all fireplaces need some level of care.

Here’s what homeowners should expect:

• Electric fires: Minimal maintenance, just occasional dusting and checks.
• Gas fires: Annual servicing by a Gas Safe engineer is essential for safety and performance.
• Wood-burning stoves: Regular cleaning is needed, plus the use of dry, untreated wood to prevent soot and residue build-up.
• Chimneys or flues: Should be swept periodically to maintain safe airflow and efficiency.

At Something Different, we ensure every installation meets strict Gas Safe or HETAS standards and provide guidance on how to care for your fire long-term.

A fireplace (without the myths) for every home

Whether you’re visualising a cosy wood-burning stove, a space saving media wall, a low maintenance electric fire or a traditional centrepiece for your home, fireplaces today are more versatile and accessible than ever. You don’t need a large living area or a chimney to enjoy the warmth and ambience that a fireplace provides. At Something Different, we help find a solution for every home.

From browsing design options and offering technical advice to surveying your space and completing the installation to the highest standards, our team of experts ensure everything is seamless from start to finish. We take care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying the comfort, beauty, and atmosphere your new fireplace brings.

Looking to upgrade your home? Visit our showroom in Chingford, or get in touch with our friendly team today. We’ll help you find the perfect fireplace solution for your home without the myths getting in the way.