Gas or Wood: 6 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Fireplace
If you’re in the planning process for your new home and you want to include a fireplace, you’ll need to choose between wood and gas. Both come with distinct advantages and disadvantages. As you weigh your options, consider these six factors about gas and wood-burning fireplaces.
1. Chimney Needs
If you plan to add a fireplace to your new home, you’ll need to consider the chimney. If you choose a wood-burning fireplace for your home, you’ll need to include a fully-functioning chimney. That’s because your fireplace will need a way to move the smoke and soot out of your home.
One of the benefits of a gas fireplace is that you won’t need to construct an actual chimney. Gas fireplaces only require proper ventilation, which can be achieved with an exhaust vent that filters to the outside.
Also, because gas fireplaces don’t require a chimney, they’re easy to install at a later date.
2. Ambience
If you can’t decide between a gas or wood-burning fireplace, think about the ambience. Both types of fireplaces provide the warmth of a roaring fire. However, if you want to go beyond warmth, you may want to choose a wood-burning fireplace.
A wood-burning fireplace provides you with the ability to relax and watch the embers flicker while your home fills with the aroma of wood. A wood-burning fireplace also provides you with the sounds that only burning logs can provide.
3. Maintenance
If maintenance is a concern, you need to turn your attention to a gas fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces require maintenance after each fire, especially where ash and soot is concerned. You’ll also need to clean your chimney at least once a year to prevent the buildup of soot and creosote. Because gas fireplaces burn clean, you won’t have any soot, ash, or creosote to clean up.
4. Startup
When you sit down to consider the benefits of each type of fireplace, be sure to consider the startup procedures. Both types of fireplaces are relatively easy to operate. Your wood-burning fireplace will require wood and kindling to achieve an optimum fire. However, your gas fireplace can be activated with the push of a button or the flip of a switch. If you’re looking for the easiest startup for your fires, talk to your contractor about a gas fireplace.
5. Fuel Source
If you’re not sure about the type of fireplace that you want for your new home, the type of fuel you want to use may help you with your final determination. With a wood-burning fireplace, you’ll need to make sure that you have a sufficient supply of wood for the season. You’ll also need to choose the right location for your woodpile. A gas fireplace will provide you with fuel all season long – without the additional storage needs.
6. Possible Expansion
If you plan to expand your fireplace options to the yard, you need to consider the pros and cons of each type of fireplace.
Wood-burning fireplaces can be constructed anywhere in your yard. However, before you can expand your gas fireplace, you’ll need to ensure that you have the proper gas lines installed. If you decide on a gas fireplace for your home, you can have your contractor install one in your backyard as well. That way, when you decide to install an outdoor fireplace, your yard is already equipped for the addition.
If you need to decide between gas and wood for your new fireplace, the information provided here will help you choose the best option. If you’re still unsure about the type of fireplace you should choose, contact our professionals at Alpine Fireplaces. We’ll help you with all your fireplace needs.
