For years, the debate gas vs wood fireplace, has been raging among homeowners. Fireplaces serve as a source of heat during winter seasons and a place to gather for a cozy night. According to Realtor.com, fireplaces are popular selling points for new home buyers. There are pros and cons to each, but gas vs wood fireplace, which is right for you?
Wood Fireplace
If you live in areas that receive freezing temperatures, then you know the sheer joy of folding up with a cup of tea in front of the welcoming flames of wood fire. The blaze of the dancing flames, the sound of the crackling wood, all in the setting of your fireplace.
If you love traditional living, the luxuriousness, and elegance of lovely, big fireplaces, using natural wood, then you are a wood fireplace person.
Recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association revealed that about 30% of home fires were caused by failure to clean the ashes from a wood fireplace properly. This research finding is alarming since wood is still a popular source of fuel among homeowners in the US. The risk is non-existent with gas fireplaces.
Long-term exposure to smoke can lead to health issues, such as asthma attacks, lung disease, and other respiratory infections.
Due to the immensity of the construction process for wood fireplaces, the installation is more costly than gas fireplaces. If the warmth, inviting flickering, and the essence of a wood fire is something you love, then wood fireplace is for you.
Gas Fireplace
If ease of use and convenience are important to you, then you should consider a gas fireplace. Lighting a gas burner is simple as you only need to flip the switch or light it with a match. No gathering of the wood, arranging it and waiting for the logs to catch fire.
A gas fireplace can be set up after the house is built, and in the event of a gas leak, detectors will alert you when the leaking begins, for your safety.
Gas vs wood fireplace, which do you choose? Ultimately, you choose whatever you like. Given factors such as aroma, house size, aesthetics, ease of use, and safety, a gas fireplace is your safest bet.