When the cold days and nights of winter come, along with its bone-chilling winds and almost unlimited snowfall, many of us will be looking for ways to provide warmth and heat for the household. One such option is modern gas fires.
If you’re ready to turn up the heat and of course ensure comfort for your own home during the bitter cold weeks to come, adding another source of heat is your best bet. However, it is important that you understand fully how to make the most out of your gas fireplace.
Below, we’ve outlined the significant points you need to know before you invest in a gas unit.
Types of Gas Fireplaces
There are 2 types of gas fireplaces vented and ventless. Consider first your area’s fireplace regulations before deciding whether to go vented or unvented.
Vented: The vented logs in this fireplace type provide the look and feel of an authentic burning fire, minus the accompanying mess of burning wood. They can be installed into your existing, unused fireplace. Additionally, you will need a flue or a chimney to properly vent the fireplace.
One major drawback of this fireplace type is that it’s more expensive to install. Also, a number of homeowners noted that they’re less efficient than their unvented counterparts, with an efficiency rating of about 70% to 80%.
However, they are preferred by buyers due to their almost realistic-looking wood-burning logs and the nostalgic ambiance they add to the room.
Ventless: Meanwhile, ventless modern gas fires are almost the same as their vented counterparts, except that they do not require a flue or a chimney. Offering a heating efficiency of about 99%, ventless fireplaces could also be installed in existing and unused fireplaces, offering a more concentrated heating option.
Both of these types provide more continence than the classic wood-burning units since they can easily be turned on and off when needed. Additionally, you no longer need to haul, chop, and stock wood or tend to the fire and ensure embers do not get out of the mesh screen and cause accidental fires.
Benefits of Gas Fireplaces
Other than providing warmth and comfort to your home, gas fireplaces have other benefits that you will find most appealing.
These include the following:
- Increase the value of your home
- Enhance or complement the existing décor of your space
- Lower energy costs
- Create a place for gathering your family and friends
- Provide a relaxing and cozy ambiance
People tend to congregate around the fireplace because of the warmth they provide. They also add to the beautiful décor of your home, making it more appealing and comforting.
In terms of lowering energy costs, these fireplaces can be used to supplement the heating needs of your home or, early in the winter season, can be used in lieu of the furnace. You can use these fireplaces to heat up areas in the house you only use often, meaning you don’t need to heat up the whole house and rooms you don’t necessarily occupy.
If you intend on selling your house in the future, fireplaces could help lure in potential buyers since realtors and buyers now consider the fireplace as a sought-after amenity. They do help increase the value of your home.
Summing up
Modern gas fires have come a long way and are now considered an appealing and welcome addition to any home. They are a worthy investment, as both a source of heat and an art piece. So, which gas fireplace should you get, a ventless or a vented unit?
