Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces have their supporters. People in the wood-burning camp tend to cite the artificial look of a gas fireplace as the main reason why they would never switch to gas. However, many recent models of gas fireplaces have extremely realistic flames and embers. Lets look at the advantages of a gas fireplace over a wood-burning fireplace
Gas:
No ashes or bits of wood to clean up
Turns on with the flick of a switch
Flames are safely enclosed
Heat can be easily regulated
Effectively heats even large rooms
Available in a wide variety of styles and sizes
Installs virtually anywhere in the home.
Wood:
Generates ashes and wood bits, provides a vehicle for insects into the house
Average time to a roaring fire under perfect conditions is about 15–20 minutes
Creosote can build up in the chimney, creating a serious fire hazard
Heat given off by a wood-burning fireplace is difficult to regulate
Wood-burning fireplaces often have negative efficiencies (heated air from the room goes up the flue).
Are there different types of gas fireplaces?
The following is a brief guide to the four types of gas fireplaces that are generally available. The type you choose depends on your aesthetic preferences, comfort requirements, and whether you already have a wood-burning fireplace that you would like to convert to gas.
Log inserts - A log insert is an artificial gas-burning log that is installed into a pre-existing wood-burning fireplace. The log insert does not provide any useable heat. This is a good option when you have a wood-burning fireplace that you no longer want to actually use but don't want to get rid of because you like the look of it in the room.
Fireplace inserts - A fireplace insert consists of a fully enclosed gas fireplace that is installed into a pre-existing wood-burning fireplace. This type of fireplace provides enough heat to warm an average-sized living area (25 000 – 40 000 BTU output).
Built-in fireplaces - The built-in gas fireplace is a self-contained fireplace that does not require a pre-existing fireplace structure. It can be installed virtually anywhere in the home. Built-in gas fireplaces are an efficient way to heat even a large living area. Although the actual fireplace itself is a complete unit, it must be framed within a box, called the surround. The surround is then finished in a way that complements the room, e.g. with traditional wooden mouldings, tiles, or a special painting effect. The options are endless. Many built-in fireplaces come with surround kits that are available in many different styles. Your contractor can provide you with a catalogue for ideas.
Stand-alone fireplaces - These look more like stoves than fireplaces. In fact, some are styled much like the old-fashioned cast-iron or enamel wood-burning stoves with attractive metal mouldings. Unlike wood-burning stoves, stand-alone fireplaces are efficient as well as charming.
Will I need a chimney to vent the smoke and combustion gases?
For safety reasons, all gas fireplaces should be installed with the proper venting by a professional HVAC contractor. How a fireplace is vented depends on where it is being installed inside your home and if you're converting a pre-existing wood-burning fireplace to gas.
Venting with a pre-existing chimney - Most masonry chimneys are usually 8 or 9 square inches wide - far too large for a gas fireplace. With a space that big, the exhaust would condense and fall back down into the fireplace before it had a chance to be vented outdoors. The old chimney would have to be fitted with an insulated 4- or 5-inch aluminum pipe.
Direct venting (built-in or stand-alone fireplaces) - Built-in and stand-alone gas fireplaces do not require chimneys, but they do have to be vented directly outside. This is usually done through a wall, but when a wall is not available, the fireplace may be vented through the ceiling.
