Among the top amenities for homeowners are fireplaces. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), they rank second after outdoor patios, decks, and porches. Although the cost of adding a fireplace used to be high – due to the need for creating an exterior stone chimney, flue, firebox, and floor supports to accommodate the weight of the hearth – nowadays the options are much more affordable and even considered an easy home improvement.

The technology and installation flexibility of gas-fueled fireplace models make these improvements both affordable and easy. To install a gas fireplace anywhere in your home, all you need is a natural gas connection or propane availability. Since gas fireplaces are shielded by tempered glass or ceramic glass, they can be exposed on three sides or even four sides.

This flexibility combined with the wide variety of styles that includes traditional to ultra-contemporary, gas fireplaces are one of the hottest hearth products on the market today. Their fire provides the look of real wood, and also are incredibly energy efficient as well.

Here are some advantages of adding a gas fireplace to your home:

1. Gas Fireplaces Are Incredibly Realistic

If you’re concerned that you will have to sacrifice the aesthetic appeal that comes with a wood-burning fireplace, you are in luck! The artificial wood in gas fireplaces looks incredibly realistic and can bring much-needed ambiance to a space. With realistic ceramic logs and embers in gas fireplaces, you still get to enjoy the general look and feel of a traditional wood-burning fireplace.

2. Gas Fireplaces Are Energy Efficient

When it comes to efficiency, gas-burning fireplaces have other fuel types beat. The use of gas gives you full control over how much fuel you use at a time. You easily can adjust the amount of gas used, and turn it off completely with the flip of a switch. Gas fireplaces also are much more environmentally-friendly since you aren’t creating smoke by burning wood or other plant-based materials.

3. A Gas Fireplace Provides Continuous Heat

Probably the most obvious benefit of using a gas fireplace is that it provides continuous, consistent heat. Because the fire from a gas fireplace doesn’t need tending, you don’t have to worry about it dying if you leave and forget it. A gas fireplace also comes with a wall thermostat, which can help you control the flame size and maintain a specific, consistent room temperature.

4. A Gas Fireplace is Easy to Use

Wood burning fireplaces can require a little more know-how compared to gas-burning models. Gas fireplaces and inserts eliminate the time-consuming and sometimes messy task of lighting and maintaining a wood-burning fire. Setting up the wood to easily ignite and allow adequate airflow comes with experience. Manipulating the amount of heat output with a wood-burning fireplace also can be tricky.

With a gas fireplace, you can easily ignite it with the flip of a switch and adjust the temperature just as simply.

5. Gas Fireplaces Are Low Maintenance

A gas fireplace requires minimal maintenance and very little upkeep between uses. You won’t need to worry about shoveling out ashes or other wood debris. Your gas insert will create less mess and require much less cleaning to remain immaculate. However, no matter what type of fireplace you choose, it is going to require regular inspections to ensure it stays in tip-top shape and performing at its best.

6. A Gas Fireplace Will Still Work During a Power Outage

In an area beset by constant power outages? A gas fireplace will work just fine. It can provide much-needed light and warmth, even if your power goes out.

7. Gas Fireplaces Produce No Smoke or Embers

If you enjoy the cozy warmth and inviting ambiance of a fireplace but are sensitive to the smell of smoke, a gas fireplace will be perfect for your home. Since no physical material is burning, there will be no sparks, burning embers, smoke, or other fumes to worry about with a gas fireplace.

Disadvantages of a Gas Fireplace:

With so many positives, you may wonder why anyone with a gas or propane line hasn’t installed a gas fireplace. But as with all good things, there are some not so great things that can go along with it. So while the drawbacks are few, we feel it worth mentioning nonetheless:

Gas & Propane Can Be Expensive – Propane is an expensive heating fuel and, as of this writing, the price of natural gas has doubled this year and is expected to continue increasing for the foreseeable future. As a result, the average household will now spend more on gas than on wood to produce the same amount of heat.

Installation Costs Can Be High – Depending on your home, the cost of installing a gas fireplace may be higher, especially if you need a gas line installed.

Gas Fireplaces Have Less Ambiance Than Their Wood-Burning Cousins – With a gas fireplace, there are no crackling sounds or smell that is typically produced by aromatic firewood. So if you’re craving the sounds, smells and full ambiance of a traditional wood-burning fire, a gas fireplace may leave you wanting more.

You Need Gas or Propane Availability – It should go without saying, but to install a gas fireplace in your home, you will need a natural gas connection or propane availability. For some communities – especially in parts of the Northeast – where natural gas is not always offered, having a propone tank installed and refilled regularly may be your only option.

We’re Here to Help

Fallon’s Home & Hearth offers a wide selection of gas fireplaces and inserts, as well as professional installation services to get your fireplace up and running safely. Give us a call or stop in, and let us help match you the best gas fireplace options for your home.