5 Benefits Of Gas Fireplaces Vs. Wood-Burning

There's nothing cozier than sitting next to a fireplace in your own home on a cold winter's evening, reading a book or sipping a soothing drink. But if your home doesn't have a functioning fireplace, what can you do? For many homeowners, the answer might be to repair an existing wood-burning fireplace, install a new fireplace, or replace a non-functioning wood-burning fireplace with gas. If you're trying to make the same decision, here are some of the benefits of considering a gas fireplace over a wood-burning one.

Environmentally-Friendly

One major reason to skip the wood burner is because gas burns more efficiently and with fewer carbon emissions than wood. Also, wood-burning fireplaces are harder on the people in your home. Research suggests that homes heated by wood-burning sources are more likely to cause moderate to severe respiratory problems for children living in the home.

Less Cleaning Maintenance

Gas fireplaces burn with very little residue and require virtually no regular cleaning maintenance. Wood-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, need regular cleanings to remove the creosote buildup that occurs on the inside of your chimney and should have annual inspections by licensed chimney experts to ensure that they have the proper clearance and level of cleanliness. Failing to have this cleaned regularly can result in a major fire hazard.

Safer

One of the major benefits of a gas fireplace is that the flame is often contained and there is no risk of burning logs rolling out of the fireplace and causing fires in the home. While a fire screen can help prevent this problem with a wood-burning stove, there's no guarantee it will always be safely in place, especially if you have children or pets in your home. Also, as mentioned, failing to ensure proper chimney clearance can be a fire hazard as well.

Less Costly to Operate

Another major benefit is that it costs less to run a gas fireplace annually. Stocking firewood for your wood-burner costs the average family about $234 per year while it costs an average of $74 per year to run a gas fireplace.

Temperature Control

Controlling the temperature of your wood-burning stove requires a lot of skill and a little luck. It also largely depends on the type of wood you're using as fuel, how hot and efficiently it burns, and how often you're supplying it with wood. Gas fireplaces are typically controlled electronically, often with a remote control, so it's easy to adjust the flame up or down depending on your comfort level. 

If you're thinking about gas fireplace installation, find a reputable company near you.

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