Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

A fireplace adds character and value to your home. When a person imagines their perfect home, it typically includes a comfortable home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running heating system or getting comfy around a cozy fire. 

It’s hard to resist the appeal of of a warm fire, but how do you decide between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many points 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 sensory category. You get the crackle. You get the pop. You get the ability to roast marshmallows indoors. Something you don’t get is a powerful heating source. Wood fires usually 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 is released 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 the chimney. 
• Gas: There have been many aesthetic advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and some designs offer varied height adjustments. The ceramic logs used in gas fireplaces now have the look of the real thing and come complete with glowing embers, which don’t demand you to wait while they burn out. You can easily switch your gas fireplace on and off, providing you more control over room temperature and frees you from having to keep an eye on your fire. The lack of fire stealing oxygen gives gas fireplaces a 75% to 99% efficiency rating. Just picture the level of comfort you could get when you pair that with a well-maintained furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

• Wood: Air quality is critical to homeowners and homebuyers. Burning wood causes air pollution in and outside your home and the smoky wood aroma that a wood burning fireplace emits could be a health hazard. Wood also creates a byproduct called creosote that lines the coating of the chimney and must be removed by a professional. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed annually, gas fireplaces also require consistant cleanings of cinders and spent logs. 
• Gas: Gas fireplaces only require some dusting every now and then and are practically maintenance free. It is suggested that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted once a year by a specialist to keep it operating both safely and smoothly. 

If you want to convert your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace or you need to schedule your seasonal furnace service, please give us a call at 587-315-5271 or schedule an appointment through our website. Our experts will have you cozied up by the fire in no time.