Can You Burn Wood in a Gas Log Fireplace?

Gas Log Fireplace

You think you would know the answer, yet it has left many a person scratching their heads saying ‘Yes I know’ then ‘Wait a minute, not really.

Can you tell me’?

Could that be you, or just somebody that sounds like you?

Knowing that a gas log fireplace can burn wood in it still keeps people scratching their heads.

Does wood and gas go together when it comes to a fireplace?

Fireplace: gas, logs, what does this all mean?

Well, the answer is a resounding Yes!

A gas fireplace is perfectly suited to burn normal wood in it.

And you don’t have to go out and buy those Duraflame logs either.

You can just load in your fire wood and light the gas for say, about five or so minutes and then turn the gas off and to your wood-burning fireplace.

What is a Gas Log Fireplace

Well, it’s not real logs that generally burn in gas log fireplaces you know

Instead, it’s the next best thing.

What I mean is that it’s got the look and warmth, (did I mention warmth) of the log fire without all the mess, you know the ash and cleaning the chimney.

And when it comes to inside the house, some people don’t want all the ongoing hassle and mess of managing a woodpile and the continuous burning of logs.

Only to find you have run out and have to go outside and chop yourself some more wood, or go and buy it of course.

You could say that they are an environmentally responsible decision, the gas log fireplace is a safe and efficient alternative to heating when it comes to houses large and small.

Gas Fireplace Logs

For the uninitiated, gas logs are one part of the gas log fireplace.

Gas fireplace logs provide you with the beauty of a real-looking fireplace complete gas heating on demand!

These unassuming gas log heaters look just like the real wood fireplaces but without wood.

It just looks like wood, which is really constructed of ceramic.

They can be meticulously hand-painted to re-create the look of natural wood that you desire.

So don’t get a cheap set that does not look real, you will regret it when you look upon your flickering fire and wish the logs looked realistic as can be.

Superior refractory ceramic logs are reinforced with steel rods for greater integrity, thus also making them more durable.

You could also call them simulated wood so they don’t actually burn.

Yet they do give the illusion of a burning fireplace because of the gas flames that surround them.

There are different types of gas log heaters, another word for it is ‘realistic looking flame media’ such as:

• ceramic logs
• stones
• rocks
• quartz
• coals

You don’t have to be restricted to gas logs alone. It all depends on your choice, if you are not sure, it’s best to see what each looks like and the effect it gives.

What Are The Best Gas Fireplace Logs To Choose From?

Some People Say:

“I just don’t know how to get started.’

That’s not so unusual, after all, if you’re new to all of this, and you have not had a gas log fireplace before.

How would you know?

We all have to start somewhere…

Here’s Another One:

“All of the gas logs look the same to me”.

People are afraid that they will choose the wrong gas logs for their fireplace and that’s understandable…

So let’s have a look at clearing up some much-needed answers for you, ok.

Vented Gas Logs vs. Ventless Gas Logs

There are two most basic principles that are separating the two types of gas logs are.

Wait for it!

Gas Logs and Vented Gas, you already know that, didn’t you?

Moving on…

‘Gas Logs’ require some means of venting the combustion by-products and exhaust that result from the burning of any kind of fuel, whereas’ Ventless’ or ‘Vent-Free Gas Logs’ do not.

Vented Gas Logs

The Advantages:

* They are generally less expensive to purchase compared to the ventless logs
*  Vented Gas Logs do not require carbon monoxide (CO) detector because these logs need to be operated with an open damper, for whatever smell that is produced will go up the chimney
* The Venting in itself allows for a much higher yellow flame than the vent-free logs, giving you a more realistic-looking flame for you're fireplace
* They are better suited for homeowners who are seeking that ambiance from their gas logs compared to their to the heating capacity

The Disadvantages:

* It Requires a chimney or some other form of venting system
* The Vented Gas Logs provide significantly less heat than the ventless gas logs which most probably will not heat most normal sized room.
* It usually uses slightly more fuel than it's vent-free logs counterparts

Ventless (Vent-free) Gas Logs

Advantages:

* They have a slightly less fuel consumption than the vented logs
* The fuel must burn almost completely in ventless gas logs, which means that they produce less pollution. Yey!
* It has a much better heat output than vented the gas logs, vent-free gas logs are more suitable for heating a room than the vented logs
* They have no requirements for venting and can be used in a fireplace or even in a self-contained cabinet

Disadvantages:

* The burning fuel cleanly produces moisture, so that means that the ventless gas logs introduce some moisture into the home's atmosphere
* It will require an ODS (Oxygen depletion system) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in the house
* The burning vent-free gas logs can gradually deplete the oxygen in an area, so if you're burning them for long spaces of time requires opening up a window slightly, allowing in some oxygen and some cold air that can take away some of the heating benefits
* It can produce a slight odor that most people would compare to burning kerosene (although many customers report enjoying the light odor) Ok...
* It has a smaller less realistic blue flame compared to vented gas logs

There are negative and positive aspects to both the vented and ventless (vent-free) gas logs for your fireplace.

Yet as we have addressed previously that everyone is different and live in different situations/ dwellings.

You also have to be aware that there are legal requirements involved with either type of gas fireplace logs in many areas.

So you will need to check with your local gas and housing authorities in your area before purchasing.

Or country if we are getting down to the nitty-gritty of where you live.

You know what it’s like, whenever you are, there are always different regulations.

What Size Gas Fireplace Logs Do I Need?

You would not think this needed consideration would you, well your wrong.

Or maybe you did think of it, never know…

Now one of the first things you will need to do is go and get your tape out and measure your fireplace.

Begin by measuring the front width, back width, height, and finally the depth of your fireplace.

In order to accommodate those gas logs you are going to buy, your fireplace should be at least 12-14 inches deep, although there are some options available for fireplaces as shallow as 9.5 inches.

Yey!

That means a little bit more shopping around.

How Long Do Gas Fireplace Logs Last?

A well maintained, looked after OK, don’t go throwing them around.

Getting back to it…

A vented log set with ceramic logs will last a very long time, in some cases if you’re lucky you may have them for around 10 or more years.

Now a well-maintained ‘ventless log’ with ‘ceramic logs’ can also last a long time, but, if you heavily use them, well…

They will begin to wear in about 3-5 years.

What Kind of Logs Do You Use in a Gas Fireplace?

Gas logs do come in two basic varieties, ‘vented log sets’ and ‘vent-free log sets’.

The vented Gas Log must be used in a regular fireplace, designed to burn a wood fire.

Now a ‘Vent-free gas log’s can be used in a regular fireplace or can be used in a prefabricated vent-free firebox that has no chimney.

When it comes to the two choices it’s fairly straightforward.

So when you make the choice all you have to do is agonize over the style and design of what sort of look you want in your gas log fireplace.

Well…

You need to make the personal individual choice of what set of gas logs you want.

Just don’t get into too many arguments as to what design is best when it comes to the input of family members.