Choosing Between a Gas and Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert
Do you have an old wood-burning fireplace that needs some visual improvements and would like to update its look? A fireplace insert is an inexpensive way to renovate your hearth’s appearance and to improve a heating system in your home. As you start shopping for a fireplace insert, you will most likely notice that you have options for the fuel source. You can even convert an old and inefficient wood-burning fireplace into a clean-burning gas-fueled fireplace. Choosing between these two fuel types can be overwhelming as it adds another decision you will need to make when picking out your fireplace. To help you make your choice between a gas and wood-burning fireplace insert, All American Chimney Service would like to tell you about the benefits and disadvantages of both fuel types.
WOOD-BURNING INSERTS BENEFITS
ABeautiful Fire Experience
There is nothing quite like the beauty of a wood-burning fire. Creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort, a wood fire fills the senses with its lovely dancing flame, the scent of the burning wood, and the sounds of the crackling fire.
Higher Efficiency and Lower Expense
The EPA now certifies wood-burning fireplace inserts to ensure they burn wood safely, efficiently, and with less smoke. These inserts give off much less pollution, which makes them more environmentally friendly. If you cut your own wood, then your winter heating supply is actually free. Even if you do not cut your own wood, the cost of firewood is typically cheaper than the cost of natural gas.
WOOD-BURNING INSERTS DISADVANTAGES
Creosote Deposits
According toHow Stuff Works, the main disadvantage to a wood-burning fireplace insert is that burning wood creates hazardously flammable creosote deposits that stick to the inner walls of your chimney. Creosote deposits are one of the major causes of a chimney fire, so you must have your chimney professionally cleaned at least once a year to get rid of the creosote.
Labor-Intensive
Not only do you have to carry in firewood from your storage shed and then build a fire, you have to sweep up ashes after every fire. You also have to remove the ashes from the firebox.
GAS INSERTS BENEFITS
Clean Burning With High Efficiency
With efficiency ratings ranging from 76% to 83%, gas fireplace inserts burn much cleaner than a wood-burning insert. If you are concerned about the environment, a gas insert may be a better choice for you.
Convenience
No hauling in wood. No waiting for the fire to start and get going. No cleaning up ashes after every fire. With a gas fireplace insert, all you have to do is push a button, and you have a fire. You can adjust this fire to the exact temperature you want. Plus, some models come with a remote control so you can start the fire and adjust the flame from your couch.
GAS INSERTS DISADVANTAGES
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Since a gas fireplace insert burns so cleanly, it can be difficult to tell if there is a leak. During your annual service check-up, we will check for leaks; however, it is essential that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home.
No Natural Fire Atmosphere
Although a gas-fueled flame can look very similar to a wood-burning fire, it can still look unrealistic. Also, you do not get the wood-burning aroma or the sounds of a crackling fire.
Have more questions about comparing and contrasting wood-burning and gas fireplace inserts? ContactAll American Chimney Service, LLCto ask our expert staff about these two types of fuel sources.
