Gas fireplaces have grown in popularity, because the idea of flipping a switch for a warm fire has a certain appeal. You don’t have to go out and get firewood, and you don’t have to clean up the ashes afterwards. Using a gas fireplace will also keep the air in your home cleaner, which is why approximately 70% of all fireplaces use gas.
The Benefits of a Modern Design
Unlike their predecessors, today’s fireplaces have inserts that use natural gas or propane so they can produce a steady flame. And they can come out of a set of fake logs, glass chips, or behind a sealed plate of glass. Inserts can come in one of the following varieties:
- Direct-vent units – They bring in outside air to keep the flame burning, and they let out all the fumes and water vapor that are released by the burning gas. This design makes them the safest to use in your home.
• Ventless units – They have a higher efficiency rating than direct-vent units, because no heat comes out of the chimney. Ventless units have a 92% to 99% efficiency rating, while direct-vent units are at 60% to 80% efficiency. However, the exhaust fumes and moisture will stay in your home, which can be a reason for some concern.
Most ventless units have an oxygen-depletion sensor that will turn the gas off before carbon monoxide levels get too high, so they can be safe to use in your home. However, some states don’t allow ventless gas fireplaces.
Some modern gas fireplaces have ceramic logs, and many of them are hand-made to look very much like the real thing. Anything from knots and bark to glowing embers can be added to give the fireplace a realistic look. They can come in a variety of options, so you can customize them according to the look you want.
The Convenience of a Push-Button Flame
With all the things going on in our lives, there’s no way to overemphasize the convenience of a gas fireplace. Between your job, your family, and everything else, it’s no surprise that so many people are opting for the convenience of a push-button flame. But the convenience of a gas unit goes far beyond that.
Many manufacturers have added a number of other features to modern gas fireplaces that can make your life easier. You can get one with a remote control or even a timer that will automatically turn it off, and some of them have blowers that can circulate heat throughout the room. Some will even have a thermometer that can keep the temperature at a more consistent level.
A Broad Range of Installation Options
There’s a lot to consider when you’re installing a wood-burning fireplace, and you won’t get the level of flexibility that a gas fireplace can offer. They don’t require as much clearance space, so you can use the square footage of your home more efficiently. Inserts for gas fireplaces can run through an existing chimney, and they can run through a wall as well. They don’t require as much maintenance as a wood-burning fireplace, and ventless units don’t even need a chimney. Be sure to speak to a professional to figure out the best option for your home.
Final Thoughts
The convenience that gas units provide is the main reason why they have become so popular. Instead of spending hours chopping and stacking wood, you can press a button and have a warm fire that you can enjoy anytime. Their efficiency and economic benefits can go a long way as well, and they can give you a more consistent, efficient, and cleaner source of heat. You also have more options in how you want to incorporate them into your home’s design.