Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces
A fireplace adds character and value to your home. When someone imagines their perfect house, the dream typically includes a comfy home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running furnace or getting comfy around a cozy fire.
It’s hard to resist the appeal of of a warm fire, but how do you pick between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many aspects to consider when deciding how to make sure your home stays warm through those cold, winter months.
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 normally receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, considerably lower than a furnace that has consistent service performed. They do get very hot, but most of that heat disappears 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 and out the chimney.
- Gas: There have been many style advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and many versions offer various adjustments in height. The logs used in gas fireplaces now more closely resemble the real thing and come complete with flickering embers, which don’t force you to wait while they go out. You can simply switch your gas fireplace on and off, giving you more control over your home’s temperature and frees you from having to tend to 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 have when you combine that with a well-maintained furnace.
Air Quality and Maintenance
- Wood: Air quality is vital to homeowners and homebuyers. Burning wood generates air pollution in and outside your home and the smoky wood smell that a wood burning fireplace exudes could be a health hazard. Wood also creates a byproduct called creosote that lines the coating of the chimney and must be removed by an expert. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed regularly, gas fireplaces also require recurrent cleanings of embers and spent logs.
- Gas: Gas fireplaces require a little bit of dusting every now and then and are virtually maintenance free. It is suggested 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 converting your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace or you simply need to schedule yearly furnace service, please call us at at 614-334-3192 or schedule an appointment online. Our experts will have you cuddled up and warm in no time.