The Gas Fireplace: What Are They?
Gas fires are popular for sure, and when confronted with the question of a gas log fireplace, people might think to themselves.
A fireplace that is also gas?
Yes!
A gas fireplace…
Who would have thought it once…
I also used to ponder on this question.
But the forces that be have invented a heater flame that looks just like your log fireplace, without the dirt and cleaning up.
I must add though…
It’s better to view the gas log fireplace from a little distance if you really want the natural effect.
After all, can’t trick you…
That it’s not really a real log fireplace.
I have said it once and I will say it again…
That I don’t want this site to get too bogged down and boring with all facts and boring figures.
I know you can go to sleep with all that stuff.
And I don’t want this site to be just another fact file with a robotic voice.
Nooo, please!
There are enough of those out there.
So if we need to get to the facts and figures I will give you a link that will send you off to all of that information on another page just so you don’t lose this site on your computer.
After you have finished reading what you want to know, you can resume back to my site to get the low down you could say.
I did say no boring bits!
OK….
When it comes to fireplaces that have traditional arched cast iron or tile inserts that do give off that very realistic life-like flame that we all crave.
Without having all that mess too, you know, sweeping the embers and carrying out the mess.
These types of gas fire have a cartridge unit that includes a tray, the gas jets and of course the all-important decorative fuel effect.
Yey!
There are other alternatives you know…
We have the Coal Fuel effect which is more the norm, there is also Driftwood, Pebbles, and Logs to be exact.
Now there’s a choice for you…
High Output Gas Fires
Yes, there is a high-output gas fire that is available for a limited number of cast iron fireplace inserts.
Now, this high-output gas fire will give a heat output of approx 3.5kW, although it is still open to the room.
Now if you are interested in turbocharging your gas fireplace, ooooh! high output gas fires will give out a much more intense heat than those decorative gas fires (but I like decorative fireplaces!).
Yet the fireplace insert may need a thicker cast back than the run-of-the-mill normal
one to withstand those higher temperatures you are wanting to spill out of your fireplace.
Do Gas Fires Heat the Room?
Well, depending on the size of the room and the size of your fireplace – you might have the right combination if you choose what is suitable of course.
They do come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and designs.
And wait for it!
They are in fact one of the most efficient types of fires.
Especially when you start comparing the costs of running a gas fireplace compared to heating the whole of your house with central heating.
Do You Need a Chimney for a Gas Fireplace?
When you have a ventless fireplace fueled by gas or propane, they rely on the indoor air for combustion, exhausting a low level of its combustion gases into the room where the fire is.
So a chimney or flue really isn’t necessary.
Yet the gas and propane gas fireplace options do have some risks since there’s no chimney to expel the gases to the outside of your home.
However, modern ventless fireplace models of today are strictly regulated by federal agencies and standards groups for safe operation in your home.
But the debate about their safety does continue.
These ventless fireplaces are typically freestanding and don’t require a chimney or flue to exhaust combustion air to the outdoors, which in turn makes them relatively easy to install in any room in your house.
If you are concerned about this, there is an alternative…
Ventless fireplaces generally are just for aesthetics and a small space in the house.
Those with an automatic ignition or gel fuel can supply a low level of room heat for short spans of time and also those during power outages that we experience from time to time when electricity isn’t available.
A Built-In Gas Fireplace
I hear some of you saying ‘ I want a built-in gas fireplace’ and I hear you…
Not only are they out of the way being in the wall, but they look so good as well.
Inbuilt gas fireplaces do have a special place in the fireplace lovers’ hearts and also with myself, do they look as good as the original wood-burning fireplace?
Well near enough…
Let’s face it, when it comes to making a life-like version of anything, it’s a second choice, but we are in the modern age and have the choice today.
Being busy might sway your decision on making the choice of a gas fireplace over a conventional coal or wood fireplace.
Not because of its modernness but more for the convenience of not having to do all the grunt work of cleaning up and cutting logs for the fire.
You can just turn on a switch or even a remote control these days if you really want to relax and not get up.
Have you seen some of the inbuilt fireplaces today?
There are from traditional designs to the most modern, and they will all find a place in whatever style of house you have.
A gas heater with flame?
What about an electric gas heater with different flame colours?
I kid you not!
This fireplace is called the ‘Homedex 36″ Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace Insert with Touch Screen Control Panel, Remote Control, 750/1500W’
It has no less than 9 flame colours available…
All on the remote control.
Can you imagine flicking from one colour such as blue to green to grey all at the flick of a switch and your mood as well?
I find it hard to believe that someone has done this and been able to do it, and it sounds fun! amaze your friends when they come in…
Don’t tell them.
While in a conversation near the gas fireplace, switch colours while they don’t see you doing it and say nothing till they look twice and bring up the subject with you.
You could always switch it back and say that it’s in their imagination, a little bit of fun here I can see…
This one is a fan heater by the way.
Prices of a Gas Fireplace
When it comes to gas fireplace prices, this can also vary depending on if you want.
Direct-Vent Gas Fireplaces:
Can cost from $1,000 up to $3,500, plus a further cost of $500 to $1,000 for the installation.
Ventless Gas Fireplace:
Can cost from $500 to $2,500, and while there are additionally some installation costs, you most probably be paying a little extra for the finished work such as marble or wood surroundings and the mantle for instance.
Free-Standing Gas Fireplace:
It will cost you from $1,705 to $4,291, now this also includes professional installation which is all up.
Is It More Expensive To Run A Gas Fireplace?
You’re going to like the sound of this…
It’s really inexpensive if you’re going to run a gas fireplace or insert.
The cost of operating gas fireplaces can all depend on the cost of gas you are buying, and that cost varies on where you are in the world and the season and market conditions.
So if you were to have your fire burning for an evening, it can cost as little as $2 for some units out there.
Gas Log Fireplace
What is a gas log fireplace?
The first gas log fireplaces were quite simple.
They were just a pipe with a valve with a set of ceramic logs sitting in a wood-burning fireplace.
But today’s gas fireplace sets are a bit more sophisticated than they were years ago and can be installed in a standard or “ventless” fireplaces they come in sizes that will fit your original fireplace.
And remote controls so that don’t have to do all that legwork getting up and down to turn them off or on.
The gas fireplace all in all has its place in today’s society more than it ever has. Long gone are the days when they were somewhat unsafe to use,
As modern ingenuity has paved the way to have gas fireplaces sitting in small houses to mansions.
What is nice is that you have many choices, from logs to the coal look.
And so many gas fireplace designs.
If you are looking for a non-messy fireplace then you can go by seriously looking at the gas fireplace and seeing if it has a place in your house, a wall where ever.
And let’s not forget that you can also have a gas fireplace outside as well if you so choose these days…