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Despite its apparent limitations, traditional fireplaces are still very much around, and the reason is not unconnected to its very realistic nature and ambiance. The fireplace has been a part of human evolution, and it seems it will continue that way for the foreseeable future. However, instead of battling the drawbacks of traditional fireplaces, you could opt for modern gas fireplaces. Gas fireplaces are now a popular choice for most homes for various reasons. Read on for reasons why you should convert your fireplace to gas this year.
What is a Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplace, as the name implies, burns natural gas instead of wood. It is pretty much like the traditional fireplaces, but with a firebox that ignites the gas. A gas fireplace offers a cleaner and more efficient heat compared to a wood fireplace.
There are three types of gas fireplaces; they are Gas fireplace Inserts, built-ins gas fireplace, and Gas Log sets. Gas Inserts is ideal for people who want to convert wood burning fireplace to gas permanently. In this case, the gas fireplace is inserted into the former space. This option allows for total control, it also comes with a sealed chamber, and you can also control the heat output.
Built-ins/vent free gas fireplace, on the other hand, is ideal for people who want a create a fire where there isn’t one before. One of the advantages of built-ins is low purchasing and maintenance costs. It is also very conserving and able to fill the room with both warm air and heat.
Gas log sets are shaped like logs in a wood fireplace. They are burners that you put in an existing fireplace to produce heat instead of using wood.
6 Great Reasons Why You Should Convert Your Fireplace to Gas
1. Convenient and Easy to Use
Nothing beats the convenience that a gas fireplace brings. You don’t need to go through the stress of chopping or buying logs, setting and lighting the fire, with a simple push of a button and Voila you have your fire, and the heat starts pouring in. In fact, you can even use a remote to control the heat output to your preference, something you can’t do with a wood fireplace.
2. Less Mess
Gas fireplaces require little maintenance costs and clean up. Typically, a traditional fireplace will need frequent cleaning to do away with ash and soot. You will also have to clean the chimney of smoke, debris, and ash regularly. However, with a gas fireplace, say bye to ash, shoot, and dangerous smoke. Besides, a gas fireplace only requires an occasional routine check-up, and these are usually inexpensive.
3. Efficient and Environment-Friendly Source of Heat
Wood fireplaces are not as effective as you’d think. Wood fireplaces have a higher possibility of allowing up to 90% of heat produced escape through the chimney. As a result, you might end up not having more than 20% of the heat converted for your use, what a waste!
On the other hand, a gas fireplace can conserve about 80 of heat for house use, only wasting about 20%. Plus, whenever you are not using your wood fireplace, there is a likelihood that it sucks the warm air from the house through the chimney.
Furthermore, a gas fireplace is more environment-friendly than a wood fireplace. This is because you have to burn wood to get heat, and burning wood creates air and particle pollution and also encourages dangerous creosote to build up in the chimney. However, with a gas fireplace, you can still get all the benefits of a wood fireplace without the negative impacts on the environment.
4. Lesser Costs
Installing a gas fireplace requires fewer material costs than a wood fireplace. You won’t need to build a chimney if you don’t have one, and what is more, you can also install in walls or place it within the room. You also don’t need a constant supply of wood and fuel, and the gas is carried through underground pipes, so you don’t always have to move or refill the gas.
Besides, a gas fireplace could significantly reduce heating costs by switching between the central heating system and the gas fireplace.
5. Safety
Unlike wood fireplaces, a gas fireplace has a safety turnoff system that prevents gas from leaking when not in use. Most gas fireplaces also come with a sealed chamber for extra safety. Moreover, the chimneys of wood fireplaces are at higher risk of catching fire as a result of creosote build-up than gas fireplaces.
Furthermore, a bad chimney can cause carbon poisoning. No matter how you look at it, wood fireplaces increase the chances of fire outbreak and accidents, while gas fireplaces reduce them.
6. They are Customizable
The beauty of gas fireplaces is that you can customize it to fit your particular needs. If you are keen on making it look like your traditional fireplace, there are products available to convert your fireplace and give it that glow and cackle.
You can also install it in your living room, bedroom, bathroom, anywhere! They also come in different sizes and shapes and hence can fit anywhere, and to make it more eye-catching, you can also install see-through designs that allow you to use it in two rooms at the same time.
Conclusion
Although the wood fireplace provides that traditional and countryside charms, it doesn’t beat the advantages of gas fireplaces. A gas fireplace does not only provide the much-needed heat and warmth, but it is also a safer, healthier, and more efficient option than a wood fireplace. Plus, it gives you control over heat output, use, and requires little maintenance and clean up.
