Gas Logs Versus Wood Burning
There is one battle in the ongoing conflict over “which house feature is better?” that is fought with greater ferocity than any of the others combined. Gas logs and fireplaces that burn wood are going head to head in this competition. Homeowners on both sides of the fireplace debate several aspects of its use, including how much energy it saves, how much it costs overall, how much it costs to maintain, what types are available, and how aesthetically pleasing it is. So, which one is the best option? Which is better: a fireplace that uses gas or one that uses wood?
The Workings of both Gas and Wood Fireplaces
To have a better understanding of the dispute between a gas-burning fireplace and a wood-burning fireplace, you will need to be familiar with the specifics of how each kind functions. The warmth produced by any of these fireplaces can be supplied either by natural gas or by the more conventional method of wood burning, as their respective names suggest.
Your home is heated by a wood-burning fireplace, which does exactly what its name implies: it burns wood as its primary source of fuel. When well maintained and undamaged, these fireplaces are adequate warmers; this is especially true when they are encircled by conventional masonry and brick, which insulate the heat for your living space. However, fireplaces that burn wood can be inconsistent sources of heat since the fire needs to be stoked and maintained on a regular basis. Toxic smoke and gases are expelled from wood-burning fireplaces through brick chimneys.
Fires in gas fireplaces are fueled by natural gas that is supplied through a pipe that is installed within the fireplace. These fireplaces feature false logs that provide the impression of a real wood-burning fireplace, but they don’t make a mess like the real thing. Gas fireplaces can simply be turned on and off, and there is also the option of purchasing a fireplace insert for your gas fireplace. These fireplaces are made even more effective by the addition of inserts, which also vent by way of an exhaust pipe, with the combustion byproduct gasses being discharged to the outside via a stainless steel flue liner. Inserts are also available.
Effective Use of Energy
Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces have their advocates and detractors when it comes to the amount of energy they consume. When we talk about energy efficiency, we’re referring to the ability to effectively heat your house without spending a fortune on energy expenditures.
In spite of the fact that they are historically significant, fireplaces that burn wood are not nearly as energy-efficient as their gas-fueled counterparts. When it comes to effectively heating a living area, an open fireplace made of brick is not recommended. According to the California/Environmental Protection Agency Air Resources Board, the heating efficiency of a brick fireplace is 10%. It is possible for a brick fireplace to have a negative heating efficiency under some circumstances, such as when located in an area with inadequate insulation.
Alternative heating options, such as a gas heater or a fireplace insert, have a heating efficiency that is significantly more advantageous. The heating efficiency of a fireplace insert ranges from 35% to 50%, whereas the efficiency rating of a gas heater is significantly greater, ranging from 60% to 90%.
The expense of heating your home and remaining warm throughout the winter are obviously essential considerations, but efficiency should not be the only factor you take into account when choosing a fireplace design.
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