Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

A fireplace adds character and value to your home. When someone imagines their dream house, it typically includes a comfortable home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running furnace or snuggling around a cozy fire. 

It’s hard to resist the charm of of a crackling fire, but how do you choose between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many points to consider when deciding how to keep your home nice and toasty. 

Aesthetics and Efficiency  

• Wood: A wood burning fireplace typically wins in the sensation category. You get the crackle. You get the pop. You get the ability to roast marshmallows indoors. Something you don’t get is an efficient heating source. Wood fires normally receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, considerably lower than a furnace that has consistent service performed. They do reach high temperatures, but most of that heat is lost 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 and out the chimney. 
• Gas: There have been many aesthetic advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and some designs offer various heights. The types of logs used in gas fireplaces now have the look of the real thing and come complete with glowing embers, which don’t need you to wait while they go out. You can easily switch your gas fireplace on and off, providing you more control over room temperature and frees you from having to keep an eye on your fire. The lack of fire stealing oxygen gives gas fireplaces a 75% to 99% efficiency rating. Imagine the level of comfort you could have when you pair that with a well-maintained furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

• Wood: Air quality is critical to homeowners and homebuyers. Burning wood produces air pollution in and outside the home and the smoky wood odor that a wood burning fireplace exudes could be hazardous to your health. Wood also creates a byproduct called creosote that lines the coating of the chimney and must be removed by an expert. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed annually, gas fireplaces also require consistant cleanings of ashes and spent logs. 
• Gas: Gas fireplaces require a little bit of dusting every now and then and are virtually maintenance free. It is suggested that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted every 12 months by a professional to keep it working both safely and effectively. 

If you are wanting to find out more information about converting your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace or you want to schedule annual furnace service, please call today at 204-800-0613 or schedule an appointment through our website. Our experts will have you snuggled up and comfortably warm in no time.