Which Type of Gas Fireplace Is Right for You?
Gas fireplaces are some of the safest and most convenient options, especially when compared to wood fireplaces. However, you have more than one option available if you’re considering a gas fireplace. If you would like to know which type of gas fireplace is right for you, keep reading.
Traditional Gas Fireplace
A traditional gas fireplace has many advantages over a traditional wood-burning fireplace. First, since it doesn’t use wood, there’s no risk of creosote buildup. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood. If ignored, it can build up on the sides of the chimney. Since creosote is incredibly flammable and hard to remove, this can easily start a fire.
Gas fireplaces typically can’t be opened like wood fireplaces, making them a safer option for children and animals. This also means sparks, smoke, and gas won’t be expelled into the living space. Plus, gas fireplaces are incredibly easy to use. With the switch of a button, you can have a roaring fire, and with another switch, you can put out that fire. There’s no need to build a fire or make sure all the embers are out.
Wood-burning fireplaces, however, provide that beautiful look of real burning wood. Luckily, gas fireplaces can mimic this look with gas logs. Gas logs are crafted to look like real burning logs, and you can choose to have them look like specific woods. Plus, there may be special lights that help create the look of embers. Therefore, when you turn on the gas, it looks like a real wood-burning fireplace. You can’t move the wood around like a real fireplace, but you can swap out the fake logs for a different style.
Finally, the last benefit gas fireplaces have over wood-burning fireplaces: the price. On average, you can expect to pay between $8,500 and $22,000 for a wood-burning fireplace, but a comparable gas fireplace may only cost $3,650 to $7,800.
Gas Insert
If you already have a wood-burning fireplace, but you don’t use it or it’s broken, a gas fireplace insert may be a better choice. With a gas insert, you get all the benefits of a traditional gas fireplace, but you may save money on installation. This is because the gas insert is installed inside the pre-existing fireplace.
As an added benefit, installing the gas insert can boost your home’s energy efficiency. Naturally, the gas insert does this by providing heat, so you can use your furnace less. However, it also blocks the chimney, which is a notorious heat thief. Ideally, the damper prevents heat from escaping, but if it is broken, or you forget to use it, you could be sending money right through the chimney.
Gas Stove
Gas stoves are similar to traditional gas fireplaces, but they are free-standing. Like gas fireplaces, they are designed with fake wood to look like a traditional wood-burning fire. Gas stoves come in many sizes and styles, so they may be more desirable if you have a small home, or if your home has a unique cottage style.
Wood stoves are still an option, but gas stoves tend to be more efficient. The cost of wood and the speed at which it burns makes it an expensive way to warm your home when compared to gas.
In the past, wood-burning fireplaces may have been the go-to, but thanks to advanced technology, you can have a safe gas fireplace that looks just like a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Plus, you may be able to do it for cheaper than installing a new fireplace or repairing a severely damaged fireplace. If you would like to know more, or if you want a quote, contact us at Alpine Gas Fireplaces today.
