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Written on: October 17, 2022
As temperatures drop here in eastern Pennsylvania, outdoor cookouts are giving way to football watch parties and other cozy indoor activities. Nothing improves the atmosphere of a fall (or winter) gathering like a warm fire in the hearth.
Even so, many households leave their fireplaces unlit all through the cold season. Some people don’t want to go through the work of building a wood fire, and others aren’t sure about the process of installing a gas fireplace. At Koppy’s Propane, we have extensive experience installing and servicing gas fireplaces. Here’s our informed assessment concerning wood and gas fireplaces. With this information, you can decide which is right for you.
A hearth is no good to anyone if it sits unused and collecting dust. It’s crucial to find a fireplace option that’s easy to use. On this point, gas fireplaces have a clear advantage.
| Wood fireplaces: ease of use | Gas fireplaces: ease of use |
|---|---|
| You need to bring in wood, stoke the fire yourself and keep it going with more logs. | Propane fireplace inserts and gas logs turn on and off with the push of a button! |
| After the fire’s out, you need to clean up ashes and burnt logs. It’s quite a mess! |
Both wood and gas fireplaces have their charms. Deciding which option will create the best ambiance in your home depends upon your tastes:
| Wood fireplaces: attractiveness | Gas fireplaces: attractiveness |
|---|---|
| There’s undeniable classic charm to a crackling wood fire. | Gas fireplaces have a steady, reliable flame |
| They are fantastically versatile, with many designs. Your fireplace can be single-sided, see-through, circular, or another configuration. |
Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces require maintenance and attention, and each has its own safety concerns.
| Wood fireplaces: safety | Gas fireplaces: safety |
|---|---|
| You must ensure that embers and burning logs do not escape your hearth. | Propane fireplaces provide a controlled flame that burns very cleanly. |
| Burning wood releases fine particulate matter and other toxins that can lower your indoor air quality. | You’ll need to schedule occasional maintenance of your appliance and its venting. |
| You’ll need to clean your flue regularly to ensure clear venting. |
There is sometimes a misconception that burning wood is better for the environment than burning natural gas or propane. This simply is not the case.
| Wood fireplaces: eco-friendliness | Gas fireplaces: eco-friendliness |
|---|---|
| The Environmental Protection Agency states that burning wood releases more pollution (including greenhouse gases) than natural gas or propane. | Propane and natural gas are among the lowest carbon-emission fuels. |
| Both fuels burn with excellent efficiency, but propane produces twice the heat energy per cubic foot of natural gas. | |
| Propane is also methane-free. |
Do you still have questions about gas fireplaces? The friendly, experienced technicians at Koppy’s Propane can talk you through the costs and installation process for a high-quality gas fireplace. Contact us today for a no-fee consultation!
