Is a Gas Fireplace for You?
The crackle of flames in a fireplace is especially appealing this time of year. It conjures up images of lounging on comfortable furniture, drinking hot chocolate, and snuggling into a wingback chair with a good book. But...there are a few flaws with this picture. For starters, maintaining a wood
Posted — UpdatedUgh, suddenly a fireplace doesn't sound like much fun, does it? But neither does a central heating system or wall-mounted gas heater, which just doesn't carry the same...flare.
Enter the gas fireplace, which aims to be a combination of the best of both words. It's a fireplace like you're used to seeing, complete with logs, flames, and a warming glow, but it's actually gas powered (those logs aren't real). Better yet, when you want heat, instead of having to wrestle with building a fire, getting filthy, and crossing your fingers when you light it in the hopes that soot won't blow back in your face, you can just flip a switch.
If you have an existing fireplace or stove that you don't want to retrofit, you'll want an insert ($2,000-$5,000). Inserts simply fit into what you already have; you'll need a heating company to install the insert and appropriate venting along with the plumbing for the gas, and you'll be ready to go. On the other hand, you can also put in a log set ($400-$1,000), which consists of a freestanding log burner set that sits in a fireplace. Be warned that if your goal is heat, you don't want a log set: they look nice, but they don't warm well.
Built-ins, on the other hand, actually wholly replace a fireplace, or allow you to install one in a new location. As the name suggests, they're built directly into the wall or a freestanding structure in the middle of a large room. They can generate a lot of heat in addition to the flames you want, although they're also more expensive than the other two options.
Remote operation is a possibility with some models (you won't even have to get out of bed!) and another option that might appeal is battery backup, which lights the flames even when the power is out. (Generally, a pilotless model will cost less to operate, but the big disadvantage is that when the power goes out, it can't ignite.)
It's also a good idea to look into a model or casing with a built-in fan that will pull warm air into the room and circulate it. This keeps things nice and toasty instead of letting the heat escape up the flue. Furthermore, we recommend buying a vented model (some vent directly into the room) to pull away byproducts of combustion and fumes.
When it comes to heating efficiently, you want to make sure your stove is up to the job. That's where this handy calculation comes in. That's right, sorry, to choose a stove, you'll need to do some math.
If your fireplace is too small, it will struggle to heat the space, and you'll be piling on the extra blankets.