Wood Versus Gas Fireplaces: The Great Debate 

Having a fireplace installed is a great idea. A fireplace not only adds value to your home’s price but also gives you heat in the winter and a cozy place for the family to gather. There is only one question left that you may be asking: which is better, a gas or wood-burning fireplace? You are not alone; the question has been asked for generations. So, to help you decide, here is a guide to wood versus gas fireplaces: The Great Debate.

How Are Wood and Gas Fireplaces Different?

A wood-burning fireplace, or masonry fireplace, is typically made of brick and mortar and built into the house. By contrast, a gas fireplace can be brick, like a wood-burning fireplace, or made from metal. It can also be a stand-alone fireplace or an insert that fits into an old wood-burning fireplace.

The Good and Bad Points of a Wood-Burning Fireplace

The Good Points About Wood-Burning Fireplace

Heat Generation

Wood-burning fireplaces can generate more heat than gas fireplaces and are a reliable heat source if your power goes out.

Ambiance

The sound of firewood popping, the smell of burning pine, and the sight of an actual wood fire can create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere the whole family will enjoy.

Energy Costs

If you can gather firewood in your yard or buy reasonably priced wood, wood-burning fireplaces can prove to be an efficient and inexpensive heating option.

The Bad Points About Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Maintenance

Leftover ash and soot from burned logs can be a pain to clean up. Cleaning up after the fire in your fireplace is required, and so is having your chimney serviced. A stubborn, sticky, and easy-to-burn substance known as creosote will coat the interior of your chimney every time you burn a log. If a professional chimney sweep service does not remove creosote, there is a greater chance of a chimney fire occurring. So, not only do you have to clean up after a fire, but you also have to incur the cost of regular maintenance.

Effort

It takes a lot of effort to chop firewood. Even going to the store to buy firewood takes a certain amount of effort. Then, you must start the fire and, as we mentioned, clean up the ashes afterward.

Heat Retention

A substantial drawback to wood fireplaces is that they often hemorrhage heat through their chimney, which then broadcasts into your home.

The Good Points of a Gas-Burning Fireplace

Convenience

You can’t beat the convenience of a gas fireplace. It ignites with the push of a button, and you don’t have to gather or buy wood for it to work.

No Cleanup

Unlike a wood-burning fireplace, there is no ash, soot, or burned logs to clean up.

Heat Retention

Direct-vent gas fireplaces are more energy-efficient than wood-burning and have a much higher heat retention rate. Although wood fireplaces can reduce heating costs, gas fireplaces are much more efficient and can lower your bills even further.

Consistent Heat

A wood-burning fireplace only burns as long as there are logs in it, so heating is inconsistent.

A gas-fueled fireplace has a uniform heat level without constantly having to feed it wood.

The Bad Points of a Gas-Burning Fireplace

Ambiance

Let’s face it: even with all the efficiency and convenience, there is no beating a wood-burning fireplace for ambiance. A gas-burning stove feels more sterile and less inviting.

Energy Costs

The natural gas market will dictate how much it costs to operate a gas-burning fireplace at a specific time. If the natural gas market is high, it may cost more to operate a gas-burning fireplace than a wood-burning one.

Installation Costs

Installing a gas fireplace in your home can be pricey, and you need an experienced chimney sweep service to install the gas line and ventilation system; otherwise, there could be hazardous issues.

Power Outages

If a power outage happens, you will need a secondary power source to ignite your fireplace; this could be a dangerous issue in freezing temperatures.

To Sum Up

As you can read, there are points for and against wood or gas-burning fireplaces. The debate over the two comes down to what you want. Your taste and preferences are the deciding factor in what kind of fireplace you want. 

Hudson Valley Can Help You Choose the Right Fireplace

We sell and install a selection of wood and gas-burning fireplaces in the Hudson Valley area. Contact us today, and we will be happy to discuss your fireplace needs and preferences. We can guide you on the journey to becoming a fireplace owner. We are here to help you.