Advantages and Disadvantages of Gas
There are so many options for fire appliances today, many homeowners don’t even realize what’s on the market right now. Gas appliances offer great benefits to customers with smaller spaces, but there is so much more to them! If you’re in the market for a new fire appliance, ask a White Glove associate about gas today and swing by our House of Fire to see our inventory in person.
Everything You Need to Know About Gas
Upside: Gas fires are the most efficient fires on the market. They use very little gas to create the heat they use for your home and for ventilation. They produce the least pollution and harmful greenhouse gases into the environment, making them extremely eco-friendly as well.
Downside: Because they use every bit of heat produced for the home, they sometimes don’t have enough heat to drive air up the chimney. This can result in a moisture problem in the home and in the chimney flue.
Upside: Gas fires need less maintenance. Because they burn so cleanly and efficiently, the gas fire produces less soot, and it doesn’t produce any creosote! This means that you can schedule chimney sweeps less frequently.
Downside: The gas fire needs the least maintenance, but in order to use it as a source of heat, you may need to run it often. It takes far more gas to create the amount of heat produced by a wood fire. If you’re looking to use your fireplace as a primary source of heat, you might consider a pellet stove.
Upside: Gas fires are versatile, come in a variety of styles, are affordable, and beautiful. The industry said good-bye to odd-looking log sets and sinister blue flames years ago. Now gas fires are more realistic than ever, with ceramic logs modeled after actual trees in the regions where we sell them. Gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts can be purchased and installed to match any home décor or personality. Ask one of our experts about contemporary styles. Would you rather have a rustic cast iron look? We have those too! Gas fireplaces offer a nice middle ground between the aesthetics of a traditional fireplace and the convenance of a wall furnace (we service and inspect those too!).
Downside: The blue flame of vent-free gas logs is still necessary, but the flames are still vibrant against a bed of very realistic-looking logs. If you need a vent-free option, don’t let the blue flame deter you. Ask to see some fires in action today!
Upside: Gas fires are convenient! They are easily installed, maintained, and easy to use. Many gas fires of the past were match-light fires. Today, you can have a gas fireplace that ignites with the press of a button. Not only that, but gas fires can be controlled by remote! Many homeowners with small children love gas fireplaces for this immediate control. You can control the temperature and extinguish it immediately!
Downside: When you have a gas fireplace, you’re beholden to the gas company and the gas bill that pays for its use. When you depend on the gas company and the gas fire, you also depend on the gas industry. There is a lot of controversy surrounding the fracking, mining, refining, and transportation of gas. Being involved is a decision for your family.
Whether you choose gas logs, inserts, or stoves, make sure you choose a certified technician for your installation. Avoid trouble with your gas fireplace by installing with White Glove Chimney and Air Duct for all your hearth systems service needs.