Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

A fireplace adds ambiance and value to your home. When someone imagines their dream home, the home typically includes a cozy home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running heating system or snuggling around a cozy fire. 

It’s hard to resist the allure of of a crackling fire, but how do you pick between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many points to consider when deciding how to keep your home nice and toasty. 

Aesthetics and Efficiency  

  • Wood: A wood burning fireplace typically wins in the experience 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 typically receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, much lower than a furnace that has routine service performed. They do get very hot, 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 house up and out the chimney. 
  • Gas: There have been many aesthetic advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and many versions offer different adjustments in height. The types of logs used in gas fireplaces now more closely resemble the real thing and come complete with flickering embers, which don’t need you to wait while they simmer out. You can easily switch your gas fireplace on and off which provides you more control over the temperature of you home and frees you from having to look after your fire. The lack of fire stealing oxygen gives gas fireplaces a 75% to 99% efficiency rating. Just imagine the level of comfort you could get when you combine that with a fully serviced furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

  • Wood: Air quality is vital to homeowners and homebuyers. Burning wood generates air pollution in and outside the 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 professional. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed annually, gas fireplaces also require consistant cleanings of ashes and spent logs. 
  • Gas: Gas fireplaces require a little bit of dusting every now and then and are practically maintenance free. It is suggested that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted every 12 months by a specialist to keep it functioning both safely and smoothly. 

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