Many anticipate long snowy days spent by the fireplace as the cold weather approaches. Nothing beats curling up in front of a fire in the cold of winter with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book. Fireplaces are the number two most desired amenity by homebuyers, as the National Builders Association reported. But what if you’re a homeowner who wants to put in a fireplace? The good news is that the exorbitant costs of constructing a fireplace are no longer the norm. Gas fireplaces have come a long way in recent years, allowing for a skilled plumber to install one quickly and at a reasonable cost. Here’s some information to remember as you plot the installation of a gas fireplace in your home.
How does a gas fireplace vary from a wood-burning one?
You might be most familiar with wood-burning fireplaces. Putting in a fireplace calls for constructing the chimney, firebox, flue, and sometimes even floor supports. Wood logs are used to power the fires. Only a few spots within most houses are ideal for installing a typical wood-burning fireplace due to structural and exterior building constraints.
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There is far greater leeway in the placement of a gas fireplace. The physical fireplace does not support combustion or burning. The fireplace constructions are safe because they can restrict the heat. Gas fireplaces are flexible in placement; they can be installed near a window or in the middle of a room. Tempered glass gas fireplaces allow for a modern island feature in the middle of the room, as they can be viewed from three or four sides. A connection to a natural gas or propane source is all needed.
To what extent do gas fireplaces excel over wood ones?
If you’ve never seen one in operation, it’s natural to be skeptical of gas fireplaces. A gas fireplace can look nearly identical to a wood-burning one. While they can’t compare to the warmth of a wood fire, modern conveniences like blowers make gas fireplaces just as inviting. They come in various designs, so finding one that matches your decor or helps you strike the right tone is easy. You may make it look like you’re burning wood by placing ceramic logs inside.
Wood and gas-burning devices have similar prices in the several hundred to several thousand dollar ranges. Depending on the type you choose, the design of your home, and your present access to a gas or propane connection, the installation costs may be lower for a gas unit.
However, in the long run, a gas model will save you a ton of money and trouble in terms of maintenance. Gas power is more environmentally sound and long-term cheaper than wood. Gas may be the most cost-effective way to heat your home, cutting your bill by as much as a quarter compared to other options. Gas fireplaces are more convenient because they require less upkeep and allow for more regulation of the room’s temperature. With gas, you can forget about storing wood away for the winter.
What are the many means of releasing steam?
A fireplace’s venting is one of several factors to think about. In this context, “safety” means efficiently removing smoke, ashes, and other combustion byproducts from the fireplace. The flue and chimney provide this purpose in a standard wood-burning fireplace. There are three distinct gas fireplace alternatives.
With natural venting, a gas fireplace is vented through the home’s pre-existing chimney or a steel chimney insert. Air is sucked in from the outside and expelled in the same way when direct venting is used. Direct connections are made from the fireplace’s chimney, roof, or exterior wall to the outside air. Last but not least, there’s ventless technology. Technology analogous to that used in automobile catalytic converters is used to purify the air. These versions are sleeker than the competition and could be the best option to save money on building materials.
Installing a gas-powered fireplace this winter can be less of a hassle than you’d expect. Find some styles that you like and go from there. Contact a licensed plumber whenever you’re ready to move forward. Based on your home’s current configuration and preferred design aesthetic, they can advise you on suitable product lines, installation strategies, and ventilation systems. Start now so you can stay warm during winter.
Jill Smith is an author, policy wonk, and digital marketing enthusiast.
A gas fireplace may provide the same ambiance as a wood-burning unit without the maintenance requirements. Towers Murray Plumbing is the go-to service in the Salt Lake City area for gas line and fireplace installation.
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