Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

A fireplace adds personality and value to your home. When a person imagines their dream house, it typically includes a comfy home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running furnace or snuggling around a cozy fire. 

It’s hard to resist the charm of of a crackling fire, but how do you pick between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many aspects to consider when deciding how to heat your home. 

Aesthetics and Efficiency  

  • Wood: A wood burning fireplace typically wins in the sensation category. You get the crackle. You get the pop. You get the chance to roast marshmallows indoors. Something you don’t get is an efficient heating source. Wood fires usually receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, considerably lower than a furnace that has regular service performed. They do generate a lot of heat, but most of that heat is lost up the chimney. Wood burning fireplaces not only lose the heat coming from the fire, but it also pulls warm air from other parts of the home up the chimney. 
  • Gas: There have been many artistic advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and many versions offer various adjustments in height. The types of logs used in gas fireplaces now more closely resemble the real thing and come complete with glowing embers, which don’t demand you to wait while they burn out. You can easily switch your gas fireplace on and off which provides you more control over room temperature and frees you from having to keep an eye on your fire. The lack of fire stealing oxygen gives gas fireplaces a 75% to 99% efficiency rating. Imagine the level of comfort you could achieve when you pair that with a well-maintained furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

  • Wood: Air quality is critical to every homeowner. Burning wood creates air pollution in and outside your home and the smoky wood aroma that a wood burning fireplace gives off could be a health hazard. Wood also creates a byproduct called creosote that lines the coating of the chimney and must be removed by a chimney sweep. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed regularly, gas fireplaces also require consistant cleanings of embers and spent logs. 
  • Gas: Gas fireplaces only require some dusting every now and then and are just about maintenance free. It is advised that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted annually by a professional to keep it running both safely and effectively. 

If you are interested in finding out more information about converting your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace or you simply need to schedule your routine furnace service, please give us a call at 614-334-3192 or schedule an appointment through our website. Our experts will have you cozied up and warm in no time. 

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