Do you find yourself dreaming about cozying up next to a warm fire this fall or winter? But you’re bummed because your home currently lacks such a thing? With Winston’s Chimney Services, we can soon turn your dream into a reality by helping install a gas fireplace into your existing home. Our gas insert and fireplace services are top notch, and we know you won’t be disappointed with your gas log installation and service.
Are Gas Log Fireplaces Worth it?
Absolutely! Gas fireplaces offer many benefits compared to wood-burning fireplaces – and not just that they use a fuel type that does not require chopping, hauling, and storing of wood. Gas log fireplaces also provide homeowners with:
âś“ Convenience: You have access to instant heat and can easily control flame height, heat output, and power with a switch or remote.
âś“ Efficiency: Gas log fireplaces provide consistent heat and are designed to maximize energy efficiency. Because wood-burning fireplaces lose quite a bit of heat through the chimney, they require more fuel to produce the same amount of heat and warmth in your home.Â
âś“ Low maintenance: Gas log fireplaces don’t produce ash or creosote, which means less cleaning and maintenance is involved in the upkeep of your fireplace. Take note that regular servicing and inspections are still required to ensure safer and more efficient operation.Â
âś“ Better environmental impact: Wood-burning fireplaces release particulate matter and emissions into the air which contributes to air pollution. Gas log fireplaces are often designed to meet strict environmental standards.
âś“ Aesthetics: Even though one might argue that nothing can replace the look and feel of a wood-burning fireplace, gas log fireplaces can closely mimic one with realistic logs and flames.
What Are the Different Types of Gas Log Fireplaces?
In order to decide which type of gas log is best for you, it’s important to understand the three types of gas log fireplaces.
- Direct vent: Direct vent fireplaces require a vent pipe that can be routed through an exterior wall or through a roof. This allows the fireplace to draw fresh combustion air from outside the home, eliminating the need to use indoor air already heated for combustion. In turn, you get better quality air inside your home and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide or other harmful gases from entering into your living space.Â
- Vented: This type of gas log fireplace looks more realistic. It is designed to allow the flame to actually touch the log, and offers a more natural flame pattern. A vented gas log fireplace should be installed in a fireplace with a functional chimney to allow the combustible gases to exit the home.Â
- Vent-free: Also called ventless because they are designed to operate in an enclosed space, vent-free gas logs don’t require a vent or chimney. They can essentially be installed anywhere, which is why they are such a popular choice. Compared to vented gas logs, vent-free logs produce more heat and are more energy efficient.
How to Choose the Right Gas Log Fireplace
There are a few different factors to consider when deciding which is best.
- Space and layout: Look at the space available and determine where the most suitable location is based on how close your fireplace would be to surrounding walls, windows, and other furniture.
- Ventilation options: As previously mentioned, each fireplace type requires different ventilation options. Unlike direct vent and vented fireplaces, a vent-free fireplace requires no venting system. However, it does have specific clearance and safety requirements. Be sure to ask your chimney technician about that.
- Heating efficiency: We want to make sure the gas log fireplace you choose can adequately heat the space it is intended for. All gas log fireplaces have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating that can help you decide which gas log fireplace you need.Â
- Budget: Most homeowners have budgets they would like to stay under for home improvement projects. Keep in mind there are costs associated with purchasing the unit, installation, materials (including the venting system, if applicable), gas line installation (if one doesn’t exist), and any modifications to the existing structure.Â
There are so many different options available when it comes to selecting a gas log fireplace for your home – which makes our job more fun in being able to provide exactly what you want.
Our Techs Are here to Help
One of our technicians here at Winston’s Chimney Services would be happy to help you determine which type of gas log fireplace is best for you. We have over 40 years of experience in the industry and hundreds of satisfied customers. But don’t just take our word for it, check out all of our 5-star reviews on google.
Call us at 703-379-5006 or schedule an appointment online. We can’t wait to help you get the fireplace you’ve always dreamed of.
