A wood-burning fireplace can be a cherished feature in a home, bringing to mind evenings of warmth and nostalgia with crackling flames, satisfying smells, and rustic appeal.
However, as lifestyles evolve and preferences shift, some homeowners start considering making the switch from a wood-fueled fireplace to a gas-burning one. Converting your fireplace from wood to gas is definitely possible…but some considerations should be taken into account as you think through how you can best use your fireplace.
Questions? Call or reach out online – we’re here to help.
Switching From Wood to Gas: What To Consider
Convenience
If convenience is a high priority, gas fireplaces take the cake. Some find beauty in the process of chopping wood, starting a fire, and fueling it throughout an evening. Others appreciate the instant warmth that comes from combustion at the push of a button.
With gas fueled units, you have precision control over lots of things – flame height, the beginning and ending of your fire, temperature output, etc. – all without the hassle of chopping wood, tending the fire, or messing with ash.
Efficiency
Gas fireplaces are designed to be efficient, though efficiency can vary with the type of unit you choose. Often, they can provide more heat with less fuel when compared to their wood-burning counterparts. This can translate to better and more controlled heating performance and lower energy bills.
However, if you have access to plenty of firewood or have the ability to chop and season your own, wood-burning fireplaces can remain low-cost to fuel.
Cleanliness
Gas fireplaces are an all-around lower maintenance option when it comes to cleaning. They don’t produce ash or soot, so they’re easier to manage overall, and their combustion is more complete than that of wood, meaning the air stays cleaner in terms of particulate matter.
Independence
Wood-fueled fireplaces can give homeowners a measure of energy independence (as long as you have plenty of firewood), since they don’t rely on gas or electric utilities. This can be reassuring if you live in an area prone to outages. However, if this doesn’t tend to be an issue for you, gas remains a strong option.
Environmental impact
Burning wood can contribute to air pollution and deforestation, though wood is a renewable resource when attained responsibly. Gas fireplaces rely on a non-renewable fuel source, but burn cleaner and produce fewer emissions.
Safety
Switching from a wood to a gas fireplace cuts out some risks associated with burning wood, such as the potential for stray sparks, embers, or a chimney fire. Plus, newer gas fireplaces come with attractive safety features.
So…what’s right for you?
When push comes to shove, it’s important to think through what you want most from your home fireplace. Just can’t resist the ambiance of popping logs and the rustic smell of burning logs? A wood fireplace might be the right fit. Love the idea of stepping through the door and controlling a cozy blaze from your favorite spot on the couch within minutes? Let’s talk about your options for making the switch to a gas fireplace.
Switching From Wood to Gas: What Are My Options?
- Gas log sets. These are realistic-looking ‘logs’ made of ceramic fiber or cement that are durable and heat resistant. These are installed into your existing wood fireplace, then connected to a gas line to produce a flame. The look of a wood fireplace with the convenience of gas? That’s a winning combination.
- Gas fireplace inserts. Fireplace inserts are prefabricated units that fit right into your existing, open fireplace. They come in a number of styles and sizes and are highly efficient, which makes them a strong choice for those converting to gas.
- Installing a new fireplace. If you don’t have a fireplace already in place, you could start from scratch with a highly efficient full gas fireplace – fully customized to your specific needs.
Reach Out Today
Whether you still have questions or you’re ready to make the move to a gas fireplace today, our reliable professionals are here to help. We’ll bring our expertise to the table to guide you through the process from start to finish, giving careful attention to your unique space, budget, and needs. And we’ll bring our technical skill and deep industry knowledge into executing your project with excellence.
We want you to be thrilled with the beauty, performance, and safety of your fireplace, whatever project you have in mind. That’s why we do what we do! So whatever your chimney or fireplace needs, don’t hesitate to contact us.