I’m Melissa from NorthlineExpress and today I am going to compare the difficulty of use, cost of fuel, maintenance, and the overall experience of wood and gas fireplaces. That way it will help you determine which will be the best fit for you. So if you’re looking to install a fireplace keep reading for the inside scoop on the two main types of fireplaces and the variances in their features and benefits.
Cost Advantage
When it comes to purchasing a fireplace most homeowners find their buying decision relies heavily on price. But both types are generally equally affordable. However if you live in a colder climate and will be using your fireplace for supplemental heat you should also consider the cost of the fuel to run your fireplace.
Wood burning fireplaces will have the advantage when it comes to the cost of fuel. Natural gas isn’t necessarily expensive but it is more money than having the option to cut down your own firewood. Another thing to consider is while gas fireplaces can be hooked into your homes existing gas line, it can be pricey to have gas lines run.
Maintaining a Gas Fireplace vs. Wood Fireplace
When you consider fireplace maintenance the gas fireplaces will definitely have the advantage. Wood fires will leave behind a great deal more ashes and soot that will need to be dealt with. Wood fireplaces are also going to experience creosote buildup which will require frequent chimney cleanings. Gas fireplaces are pretty much as easy to maintain as they are to operate. They do not require as much clean up after every fire and you will not be required to sweep the chimney as often as with wood fires. A gas fireplace chimney will only need to be cleaned when there is soot residue on the inner wall of the pipe. Both should be inspected for debris blockages before the heating season.
Ease of Operation
If you want a fire at the flick of a switch then you should be looking for a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces can be operated via remotes or switches that allow you to literally flip a switch or push a button then sit back and enjoy your fire. Wood fireplaces are not going to be quite as simple. You will have to gather the firewood, build the fire, establish the fire, and then tend the fire to keep it going.
Authentic Fires
In my personal opinion when it comes to the experience of a fireplace, wood has the advantage. Both gas and wood fireplaces will provide you with dancing flames and heat, but if you’re looking for authenticity in your fire you may be left disappointed with a gas fireplace. With a gas fireplace you will not have the authentic sounds and smells of a traditional fire. Sometimes you will have an even a lesser flame presentation.
Based on everything that we have covered today it may seem like it’s a 50/50 split between gas and wood fireplaces, Even though I am a wood burner, I will admit that the benefits of a gas fireplace do outweigh those of a wood fireplace. So if you’re really just looking to use your fireplace only once in a while on special occasions a gas fireplace would be the way to go. If you don’t mind the extra maintenance of a wood fireplace and are interested in the potential to cut your homes gas bill by burning firewood that you cut yourself, a wood fireplace might be right for you.
The decision can honestly be answered in one question! You should ask yourself are you after the convenience of a gas fire or the charm of a traditional wood fire?
I hope that you have found this information helpful but if you still have questions regarding fireplaces please give us a call at 866-667-8454. At NorthlineExpress, home of the Buy and Try Satisfaction Guarantee, we are always happy to help.