Choosing Between Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces 

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

It’s hard to resist the charm of of a crackling fire, but how do you pick between a gas or wood burning fireplace? There are many points to consider when deciding how to make sure your home stays warm through those cold, winter months. 

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 ability to roast marshmallows indoors. Something you don’t get is an efficient heating source. Wood fires typically receive up to a 15% efficiency rating, considerably lower than a furnace that has regular service performed. They do generate a lot of heat, 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 house up and out the chimney. 
• Gas: There have been many artistic advances in gas fireplaces. The flames have become more realistic and some designs offer different height adjustments. The 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 simmer out. You can merely switch your gas fireplace on and off which gives you more control over room temperature and frees you from having to look after your fire. The lack of fire stealing oxygen gives gas fireplaces a 75% to 99% efficiency rating. Just imagine the level of comfort you could get when you combine that with a fully serviced furnace.  

Air Quality and Maintenance 

• Wood: Air quality is important to every homeowner. Burning wood produces air pollution in and outside your family’s home and the smoky wood odor that a wood burning fireplace exudes could be hazardous to your family’s. Wood also creates a byproduct called creosote that lines the coating of the chimney and must be removed by a professional. Much like furnaces that should have furnace service completed consistantly, gas fireplaces also require periodic cleanings of soot and spent logs. 
• Gas: Gas fireplaces only require some dusting every now and then and are virtually maintenance free. It is suggested that you get your gas fireplace cleaned and adjusted yearly by a professional to keep it functioning both safely and efficiently. 

If you want to find out more information about converting your wood burning fireplace into a gasfire place or you want to schedule your seasonal furnace service, please give us a call at 587-404-0790 or schedule an appointment through our website. Our experts will have you cuddled up by the fire in no time.