Which Fireplace Is the Best for You?

So, you’re in the market for a fireplace, that’s great, but before you get too far in the purchasing process, you need to stop and consider what you want the fireplace for. Maybe the ambiance it will provide is alluring to you, or maybe you just want a more efficient way to heat your home. Whatever your reason, it’s important that you do your homework. Not all fireplaces are created equal—not even close. Here is what you need to know about wood-burning and gas fireplaces before you make a commitment to one of them.

The Heat Factor:

When it comes to actually heating your home, it turns out that gas fireplaces are actually more efficient. Sure, the wood-burning kind produce real fire, but the majority of the heat from it ends up in the open sky by way of your chimney. On the contrary, gas fireplaces are built to direct the heat straight out into the room, and some of them even have fans to make the process even smoother.

The Ambiance Element:

When it comes to the coziness offered by a fireplace, a wood-burning one takes the cake. Sorry, but nothing can compare to the crackling of the flames and the nostalgic smell they emit. However, if you want a fireplace in an unordinary location, you will probably have to go with a gas one since they don’t need a chimney to operate safely (they can be properly vented through a PVC pipe in the wall).

The Safety Aspect:

If proper care and maintenance is completed, then both wood and gas fireplaces will be safe. Nevertheless, with wood fireplaces, you do have a higher risk of air pollution from the soot and ash that the wood fireplace creates. Not only that, but according to Project: Greenify, if you don’t get an annual checkup by a professional chimney sweep, you greatly increase your chances of the buildup (creosote) catching on fire, giving you a lot more flames than you bargained for.

The Work Issue:

Now, for one of the biggest differences between wood and gas fireplaces, how much work they require. A gas fireplace is simple: connect it, light the pilot light, and then operate it with a switch for the rest of the season. A wood fireplace is not quite as easy. For one, it uses real wood, which means you either need to chop it yourself or buy it and haul it. Either way, you will probably break a sweat. Additionally, wood fireplaces need to be cleaned after every use. If you don’t, then there is a good chance some air will come down your chimney and cause the ashes to sprinkle all over your floor.

Basically, the best fireplace option depends on what you want to use it for. If you are all about efficiency and ease of use, gas fireplaces win hands down. However, if the crackling flames are your main draw, then clearly you need to opt for a wood-burning one. Porch & Patio carries something to enhance your fireplace experience no matter which way you choose to go from vented & vent-free gas log sets to fireplace glass enclosures, screens and tool sets. Porch & Patio also offers a selection of electric fireplaces that provide an attractive, low-maintenance and cost-effective alternative to traditional wood-burning and gas fireplaces. No matter what you choose, you’re covered!

If you have any questions about gas fireplaces or are looking for high quality game room furniture place contact the professionals at Porch & Patio in Orange CT for more information.