A fireplace is one of the most coveted features among homeowners looking to purchase a new home. However, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) ranks them just below outdoor patios, decks, and porches. If you are building a new house, there has never been a better moment to install a built-in gas fireplace.
Even if you already own a home and are considering switching from central heating, the variety of gas fireplaces available will astound you. Nowadays, no matter your budget, you can discover a selection of fireplaces that provide comfort and a variety of possibilities. So it’s easy to see why they’re gaining popularity, especially given the escalating cost of other fuels such as electric heat and home heating oil.
Built-ins, log sets, and inserts are a variety of gas fireplaces.
There are three types of gas fireplace: log sets, which are simple burners that fit into existing, open fireplaces; built-ins, which are for people who want a fireplace where one does not already exist; and inserts, which are for people who want to replace an existing wood-burning firebox with something more practical and efficient.
Fireplace inserts and built-in fireplaces produce continuous heat, brightening your room with radiant heat and warm air. Log installations are mainly used for aesthetics rather than warmth. You can pick between vent-free models that exhaust their heat into the house and models that vent the flames’ exhaust outside for each type of gas fireplace.
Gas Fireplace Cleaning
Like any other fuel source, you must keep the fireplace clean and in good working order. To execute this task, we recommend employing a gas fireplace professional. It can be dangerous, messy, and complicated if you don’t know what you’re doing. Several businesses offer yearly maintenance and inspections for gas fireplaces for a fee, providing you the confidence to light the first fire of the season on the first chilly night.
When using gas logs that vent through the original masonry fireplace flue, remember to consider the integrity of your chimney, just as you would when burning wood. Every day, the acid produced by your gas appliance can eat away at the inside of your masonry chimney, leaving no visible signs of damage. This damage could threaten your family’s safety and the value of your property. The National Fire Protection Association and the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommend completing a thorough annual inspection of your chimney to discover any potential problems before they become dangerous or costly. Regular maintenance will help to extend the life of your gas equipment while also improving the efficiency and safety of your fireplace.
Benefits Of A Gas Fireplace
Let us begin by going over the many benefits.
- Versatility: A gas fireplace may be installed almost anywhere in your home if you have access to natural gas or propane. Potential sites include windowsills, a wall, the floor, or even the center of a room.
- A variety of styles: A range of styles is available, from conventional to ultra-contemporary, for a fireplace or a gas insert to go inside your fireplace.
- Behaves similarly to wood: It behaves and looks just like genuine wood without the mess. There are no cleanups or smokey odors to contend with, as there would be with a campfire. What could be better?
Cons Of Gas Fireplaces
Like any other fuel source, gas fireplaces have advantages and downsides that you should consider.
- Because propane is a costly heating fuel, you would need more than a gas insert to heat your entire home to save you a lot of money.
- Gas or propane are more expensive to acquire than wood or pellets to provide the same amount of heat.
- If you love the pop, snap, and fragrance of a real fire in addition to those sounds, gas fireplaces may not be for you. The absence of atmosphere, at least the atmosphere you are accustomed to, could be a deal breaker.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gas Fireplace
How much does a gas fireplace cost?
An insert or built-in fireplace with heat should cost between $2,000 and $5,000 (installation included). Decorative log sets range in price from $400 to $1,000.
Do you hire a professional or do it yourself?
Hire a local contractor with National Fireplace Institute accreditation for the safest, most effective, and best-looking installation.
Final Thoughts
The fireplace is surrounded by a “surround,” which can be as tiny as a few inches around the fireplace unit or as wide as the entire wall where it is attached. Although many prefabricated fireplaces do not have a surround, some do, and you can add one if desired. Consider a variety of styles and ideas for the surround of your gas fireplace before making a decision.
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