Each era seems to have a house or line of houses that identify those specific times and what was needed at that time. Also across the country, there are vast differences in housing trends that reflect the area, the climate, or the people who live there. But, we’re going to see some universal changes in the next few years and it’s going to change everything, even down to the fireplace.
Ventless fireplaces have made great strides due to the backlash traditional fireplaces receive. Places like San Diego are very supportive of banning the chimney in new construction projects. They blame the traditional wood-burning fireplace for the environmental damage caused by particles released into the air from things like treated wood.
But not just because of their eco-friendly features, ventless fireplaces are easy to move around the house. They are easy to assemble. They are very cost effective compared to traditional fireplaces that cannot be moved around the house, require contractors to install, and can cost as much as a new car.
Of course, houses will be greener in the future with less square footage, but more space. How in the world is that possible? If you take a look at homes in Florida, you can get a good idea of how in the world less square footage, but more space, is possible.
Most of the houses are one story. There aren’t even bases. Obviously, they would flood all the time. Second-story houses exist, but they are not common. In just a little bit of space, you can find three bedrooms along a small hallway, the combined dining and living room, a condensed kitchen with everything you need, and a two-car garage.
You can walk around the outside of the house and think that it is small. But go inside and the space is incredibly comfortable. They are very uniquely designed and certainly surpass the construction materials, as well as the enormous space of the three-story colonial houses or mini-mansions that defined the 80s and 90s.
With less space to heat, this could be a growing trend that will sweep the country for years to come. A ventless fireplace can heat an entire house if it’s located in the center, which, by the way, is easy to do because they can be moved. With a three-hour gel fuel burn, winterize the home and eliminate night chills, letting the warmth linger for hours after the fire is out.
The cost of living can be easily decreased with a few simple commands. Build a more cost-effective house that requires less building material, but has more space. Heating and cooling the smaller home becomes less of a hassle when it comes to resources. It’s the smart way to go everywhere!
