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Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

A fireplace adds ambiance and value to your home. When a person imagines their perfect home, it typically includes a cozy home that keeps you and your family warm in the winter, either with a smoothly running heating system or getting comfy around a cozy fire. 

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

Aesthetics and Efficiency  

  • Wood: A wood burning fireplace typically wins in the experience category. You get the crackle. You get the pop. You get the opportunity to roast marshmallows indoors. Something you don’t get is an effective heating source. Wood fires typically receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, considerably lower than a furnace that has routine service performed. They do generate a lot of heat, 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 house up and out the chimney. 
  • Gas: There have been many style advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and some models offer varied adjustments in height. The logs used in gas fireplaces now have the look of the real thing and come complete with glowing embers, which don’t force you to wait while they burn out. You can easily switch your gas fireplace on and off which gives you more control over the temperature of you home 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. Picture the level of comfort you could get when you incorporate that with a fully serviced furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

  • Wood: Air quality is crucial to all homeowners. Burning wood causes air pollution in and outside your home and the smoky wood odor that a wood burning fireplace emits 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 consistantly, gas fireplaces also require periodic cleanings of cinders and spent logs. 
  • Gas: Gas fireplaces only require some dusting every now and then and are just about maintenance free. It is recommended that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted every 12 months by a specialist to keep it functioning both safely and effectively. 

If you are interested in converting your wood burning fireplace into a gas fireplace or you simply need to schedule your annual furnace service, please call us at at 614-334-3192 or schedule an appointment on our website. Our experts will have you cuddled up and comfortably warm in no time. 

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