When looking at sustainable fireplaces, you not only need to consider the fuel you use, but also your lifestyle in terms of the space you are heating and the frequency of use. Whilst electric fires may initially seem like a sustainable choice, they are not necessarily suitable for larger homes or to heat for longer periods of time. This is why wood fireplaces are still a very popular choice for the Blue Mountains region. New advances in technology have also brought to the marketplace new ideas to consider.
Today we explore the different options of fireplaces and the key points to consider when choosing a fireplace that will offer a sustainable choice for your home, lifestyle as well as the environment.

Wood-Burning Fireplaces
When sourced sustainably, firewood is a renewable, carbon-neutral energy source. Here in the Blue Mountains, we conveniently have access to renewable timbers via the central coast. Hardwood for a slower, longer burn is available from the central west, ensuring a plentiful supply to our region. As the wood is sourced from nearby, the carbon footprint associated with transportation is reduced, making wood fireplaces a relatively sustainable choice for our cold-climate region, when compared with other locations.
With advances in technology and continually revised standards set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) the traditional wood fireplace has seen an evolution. Replacing an older fireplace with today’s modern technology will not only heat your home more efficiently, but it will also lower your emissions (up to 80% less in some cases).
Modern wood fireplaces often feature built-in fans or blowers that circulate warm air more efficiently than natural convection alone. Furthermore, the advancements in design also ensure that more heat is retained within the home rather than escaping up the chimney.
A wood fireplace is your reliable, sturdy and long-term investment decision for heating your home. Whilst firewood may be a continued investment, the longevity of a quality fireplace can see you through many years if carefully maintained and mindfully used. They offer a wonderful solution for a 24-hour burn during the Blue Mountains colder months, particularly as they offer you energy independence, forgoing the reliance on non-solar produced electricity or natural gas.
Is it time to replace your old wood fireplace? Learn Here

Gas Fireplaces (Natural Gas or Propane)
Whether you choose Natural gas or Propane (LPG bottles), gas fireplaces produce fewer particle emissions and air pollutants than wood-burning fires.
With many models offering variable flame control, gas can allow for better temperature regulation and therefore, more controlled fuel usage. Gas heaters can also be turned on and off at the press of a button, ensuring time and labour efficiency, without the time to ‘burn-out’ the fire when it is not required, once again saving resources. Also, many gas fires are fitted with a thermostat which further enhances control and efficiency.
As a future vision: renewable gas is produced using natural resources that are constantly replaced and never run out; and doesn’t contribute any additional carbon emissions to the atmosphere. It is a resource currently undergoing development within Australia, with options for blended renewable/natural gas being trialled before transforming to 100% renewable gas (projected for 2050 in Australia). Current gas fireplaces can burn blended Natural/Renewable gas, however new appliances will be required to burn 100% renewable gas.
Where heating is required in a space for shorter periods, or for families where burning a wood fire is too laborious, a gas heater would be a viable option to consider.
Electric Fireplaces
Whilst electric fireplaces produce no direct emissions or pollutants and like their other counterparts, new models often use less energy than older models. However, electric fireplaces do have their limitations in output, which means they are good for small spaces where a flame is desired. Electric fireplaces however are not suitable for heating larger spaces or for all day/overnight heating, particularly in the Blue Mountains cold climate.
Bioethanol Fireplaces
Bioethanol fireplaces use a renewable, alcohol-based fuel made from plants, such as sugarcane or corn. These fireplaces produce very little waste and no smoke. Since bioethanol burns cleanly, it doesn’t require a chimney, reducing energy loss and simplifying installation. When sourced sustainably, bioethanol is a relatively eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireplaces.
Heat output of bioethanol fires however is considerably lower to its other counterparts, which make them inefficient in most spaces during the colder months of the Blue Mountains region.

Pellet Stoves
Pellet stoves are a relatively new fireplace option that burn compressed wood pellets. As the pellets are typically made from waste products (sawdust, wood chips), they are a renewable resource, and they are considered a carbon-neutral energy source as the carbon released during combustion is offset by the carbon absorbed by the trees while they were growing.
Purpose-made for heating; this style of fuel also offers a more efficient burn compared to traditional wood logs.
Pellet fires also release fewer pollutants than traditional wood-burning fireplaces, making them a cleaner option than traditional wood fires.
Some pellet fireplaces can be integrated with smart home systems to optimise energy use. This includes features such as remote control, automated temperature adjustments, scheduling, and even ducting which can help reduce heating costs and prevent overuse of energy.
The Piazzetta Pellet Fireplace will shortly be available exclusively in the Blue Mountains at Thornton & Blake.
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Fitting the right fireplace for your space and lifestyle is important
It is important to consider the size and insulation properties of your space, as well as your requirements for heating, be it all day/night or shorter periods of time whilst considering the sustainability of your fireplace. Gas or electricity for example may not be the best choice for large living spaces with tall ceilings, where all day heating is required.
Maintenance & Longevity
To maximise the lifespan and efficiency of any fireplace, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. A well-maintained fireplace, whether wood-burning, pellet burning or gas, will perform more efficiently and emit fewer pollutants. Opting for high-quality materials that last longer reduces the need for replacements and contributes to sustainability over time.
With the support of an experienced fireplace specialist in selecting the right make and model for your space and lifestyle, Thornton & Blake can share a ‘local’s’ perspective, particularly with regards to the cold, Blue Mountains climate. By ensuring proper installation, maintenance, and fuel sourcing, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire with the peace of mind in knowing your selection has been a sustainable choice for your lifestyle and the planet.