People have gathered around fire for thousands of years. There's something about it that feels restorative—calming, centering, hard to put into words. Now, two university research studies have put science behind that instinct, and the findings are worth paying attention to.
Napoleon, one of the fireplace industry's leading manufacturers, partnered with the University of Alabama and the University of Illinois to study the measurable health effects of spending time near a fireplace. The results confirm what many of us have always felt—fire isn't just beautiful. It's genuinely good for you.
Fire and Physical Stress Relief
The first study, conducted at the University of Alabama in fall 2022, involved 226 adult participants. Researchers divided them into groups and placed them in identical rooms—some with an electric fireplace running, others without. Each participant spent 15 minutes in the room while researchers tracked heart rate and blood pressure.
The group exposed to the fireplace showed statistically significant decreases in both heart rate and blood pressure compared to the control group. That's not a subjective finding. It's measurable, repeatable, physiological stress reduction—in just 15 minutes.
For anyone who's ever sat by a fire and felt the day start to loosen its grip, this study puts data behind the experience.
Firelight and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults
The second study, also from fall 2022, took place at the University of Illinois. This one focused on adults aged 50 and older—60 participants in total. Researchers had each group play a series of cognitive games, some in rooms with a fireplace and some without.
The fireplace group showed a 12% improvement in cognitive ability compared to those without the fire. Researchers linked the results to a concept called enrichment seeking—the idea that stimulating, multisensory environments help keep the brain engaged and support healthy aging over time.
In other words, fire doesn't just make a room feel warmer. It makes the people in it sharper.
What the Researchers Are Saying
Chris Schroeter, who helped lead the initiative at Napoleon, described fire as "the missing link between the home and health and wellness." It's a strong claim—but the data backs it up.
Garry Scott, involved in the University of Alabama study, pointed to the broader implications for stress-related disorders. If something as simple as spending time near a fire can lower blood pressure and heart rate, that has real relevance for people managing chronic stress, anxiety, and cardiovascular health.
Shannon Mejia, who contributed to the University of Illinois research, emphasized the connection to enrichment seeking and healthy aging. The takeaway is that environments matter—and a fireplace creates the kind of sensory-rich space that helps older adults stay mentally engaged.
What This Means for Homeowners, Builders, and Architects
For years, fireplaces have been treated as aesthetic features—nice to have, good for resale value, a focal point for the living room. This research reframes the conversation entirely.
A fireplace isn't just a design element. It's a wellness amenity. Builders and architects who include fireplaces in their plans aren't just adding ambiance—they're creating spaces that measurably support the health of the people who live there.
For homeowners weighing whether a fireplace is worth the investment, the answer is clear. The benefits go well beyond looks and heating efficiency. Fire reduces stress, supports cognitive function, and creates a room people are drawn to—night after night, year after year.
See It for Yourself
If you're curious about what the right fireplace could do for your home—or your next build—come visit our North Charleston showroom. We have over 35 burning fireplaces on display, and our team can walk you through everything from fuel type and sizing to installation logistics. You might even feel your blood pressure drop while you're here.