Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

A fireplace adds character and value to your home. When homebuyers imagine their perfect house, it typically includes a cozy home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running heating unit or gathering around a cozy fire. 

It’s hard to resist the allure of of a crackling fire, but how do you choose between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many factors to consider when deciding how to heat your home. 

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 normally receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, much 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 versions offer different adjustments in height. The types of logs used in gas fireplaces now more closely favor the real thing and come complete with glimmering embers, which don’t require you to wait while they go out. You can simply switch your gas fireplace on and off, giving you more control over your home’s temperature and frees you from having to tend to 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 have when you combine that with a fully maintained furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

• Wood: Air quality is vital to homeowners and homebuyers. Burning wood creates air pollution in and outside your family’s home and the smoky wood odor that a wood burning fireplace gives off 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 chimney sweep. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed consistantly, gas fireplaces also require consistant cleanings of cinders and spent logs. 
• Gas: Gas fireplaces only require a bit of dusting every now and then and are practically maintenance free. It is recommended that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted every 12 months by an expert to keep it operating both safely and efficiently. 

If you are wanting to find out more information about converting your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace or you simply want to schedule seasonal furnace service, please call today at 403-279-5760 or schedule an appointment on our website. Our experts will have you snuggled up and comfortably warm in no time.