"A fireplace can sell a home". A sweeping statement, and yet at this time of the year, with the wind howling around the chimney pots, it can hold true. Whether you have a climate that brings lashing rain, gently floating snow, or just cooler temperatures, there is nothing as cozy as a glowing fireplace.

While the optimum is always the open log burning fire, any kind of moving, red glow in a fireplace seems to appeal to the primal senses A recent survey by the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association rates a fireplace as one of the most wanted items in a home.

This means that if you are renovating an old home, a fireplace will not only add to the value of the property but it will also add to its appeal. The same thing applies to a new home, of course, and it need not be expensive, as a chimney is not always needed.

When considering a fireplace, there are several types you can choose from. The big three are electric, gas and wood.

An electric fire is the easiest and the least fuss. Then the gas fire is next on the list, as it does need an exterior outlet. This means it requires some building expertise and a qualified gas fitter to install it for you.

The most expensive to install from scratch is a fireplace which burns wood because it needs a chimney of some kind. The chimney takes away the hot smoke and gases from your fire by sucking it up into the outside atmosphere.

Older houses used to be built with a chimney 'stack' which allowed for a fireplace on the second floor to be built directly over the top of the fireplace on the first floor. The same flue (inner part of the chimney) would be used for both fireplaces, thus cutting building costs.

In many of today's homes this idea can still be incorporated, as homes are often built with a basement. The fireplace in the basement could be built directly under the fireplace in the living room.

If you are considering adding a fireplace to your home in order to increase its selling power, keep it simple.

Use bricks or a brick effect, or paving or rock wherever possible. A natural look is best if you are trying to appeal to all tastes. Keep the color very neutral, so that it will blend with any color scheme. You may never want to re-surface your fireplace so think in terms of it lasting a lifetime and avoid very bright colors.

A mantel shelf is still very popular, but do not clutter it with ornaments. If your home is being viewed, make sure you light the fire in advance to ensure that there is no smell of smoke. If you opt to use an artificial log, buy a brand that you have pre-tested to ensure that it does not give off a chemical smell.

Finally, make sure that your whole feels warm, even if it means that you must still keep the central heating on!