Wood Fireplace Vs. Gas Fireplace

Wood-Burning Fireplace

• In order to safely install a wood-burning fireplace in the home, you must meet certain conditions. The fireplace must be built by a tradesman certified to meet local fire-code regulations. Similarly, chimney construction or repair requires the services of an expert bricklayer or stonemason. Chimney flashing must be watertight to avoid leaks. You must inspect a wood-burning fireplace chimney for creosote buildup and/or blockage and clean it regularly.

Fireplace Insert

• A traditional fireplace loses up to 90 percent of the heat it generates. A more economical way to burn wood in a fireplace is with the installation of an airtight insert equipped with an electric fan to force heat around the firebox and into the room; then, the wood-burning fire retains the pleasing look and crackle without too much heat loss. The insert can be customized to fit the existing firebox and to use the existing chimney.The wood-burning fireplace with insert is popular in cottage country, where a natural gas hookup may not be readily available.

Gas-Burning Fireplace

• Natural gas fireplaces do not require the work involved in cutting, piling and storing wood. Cleaning is less of an issue as creosote and ash are not present. Gas fireplaces can be made to look like brick or masonry or fitted with wooden mantels to enhance any decor. An electric powered switch starts the gas logs burning brightly through decorative glass doors or a more traditional fireplace screen. Fire building skills are not needed. Gas-log fireplaces may be easily retrofitted into an existing fireplace enclosure.

Fireplaces Anywhere

• Gas fireplaces are now available for almost any application. Vented models use the traditional chimney or flue, while ventless models require no outside venting at all. Fireplaces of this sort can be installed on almost any wall or in the middle of a room. Apartments and condominiums are now often built with ventless gas fireplaces for the look and convenience of a cozy fire at the flick of a switch. You can also manually start most gas fireplaces during a power outage, as you would start an outdoor barbecue, with a long match or sparking device.

What to Choose?

• Extremely airtight homes may not have sufficient air exchange to safely operate a ventless fireplace. An experienced installer should test for adequate air flow. You should make the choice between wood and gas after considering the following: Is there a convenient and reasonably priced source of wood available? Is there existing infrastructure for natural gas? Are you willing and able to haul, chop and store wood? Is an electrically generated crackle sound acceptable to you, or is a craving for the real thing overwhelming?