The Pros & Cons of Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces seem to grow in popularity every year and for good reason. They bring homeowners many important benefits, including ease of use and clean burns. However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using a gas fireplace. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to cover a few of the pros and cons you might be glad to know.

Gas fireplaces: the cons

Let’s start with these, because there aren’t that many and they won’t apply to every situation.

Expense: Gas fuel can be more expensive than wood logs.

Carbon monoxide: Gas fireplaces that are in poor shape often create excess carbon monoxide during combustion. This gas is highly toxic and can even be fatal to people and pets when inhaled in sufficient amounts.

Vented vs. non-vented: Gas fireplaces come in vented and non-vented models. In many regions and jurisdictions in the U.S., vent-free gas units are illegal.

A different firebox visual: Special logs are used with gas fireplaces. These logs are not wood, and they don’t burn. This means you don’t get the exact look of a natural wood fire, which many people love.

Gas fireplaces: the pros

There are many positives to owning and operating a gas fireplace. Here are some of them.

Simple to use: Gas fireplaces work with a switch or a remote. Fire starts fast and extinguishes just as fast. Many models include thermostatic control for even more convenience.

Low maintenance: Where wood fireplaces create a lot of flammable creosote that must be professionally cleaned out of the chimney, gas fireplaces create very little residue. Taking care of a gas unit involves periodic wiping down and annual safety inspections. Major cleaning isn’t required.

No chimney needed: When installing a gas fireplace, there’s no need to build any kind of a chimney structure. These appliances vent through their own dedicated vent pipe, which can run through a wall or ceiling.

Versatile placement: Because they’re heavily insulated and the venting is self-contained, a new gas fireplace can be installed in just about any wall in your home. Some folks add smaller models to kitchens, bedrooms and dens for zone heating.

Striking visuals: It’s true that gas fireplaces don’t burn real wood logs, but the faux logs from top manufacturers look amazingly like the real thing. Additionally, the fireplaces themselves come in many stunning finishes, colors and design styles.

No hauling and storing wood: For some people, just acquiring and managing the fuel for a wood fireplace is a chore. With gas, you don’t have to go out and buy, chop, haul or store anything.

Clean burning: The clean-burning aspect of gas fireplaces means less residue to deal with, and it also means a better choice for those who are environmentally conscious. Today’s strict EPA emissions standards ensure that modern gas units burn cleaner than at any time in their history.

Gas & wood fireplace installation

Doodlebuggers can help you find the perfect gas or wood fireplace for your home. We’ll then install it for you correctly and in compliance with all local fire safety and building codes. When it’s time for a new fireplace, you can count on our skilled technicians to deliver the enjoyment, satisfaction and safety you desire. Reach a fireplace expert today at 850-477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at 850-243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area.