Converting Your Wood burning Fireplace to Gas Logs
Deciding whether or not to convert from a wood burning fireplace to gas logs is a difficult decision for any homeowner. It is one that should not be taken lightly since there are many different factors that play a role. Before making a decision, homeowners should weigh out the pros and cons of a conversion. At the end of the day, however, it usually comes down to a matter of personal preference. At Tri County, we’d be happy to consult with you about our various models and the advantages of gas logs.
The reason that most homeowners consider switching to gas logs in the first place is because they are very convenient. Rather than going outside to get wood and taking the time to build a fire, they can just flip a switch or hit a button. Within moments, they have a warm, roaring fire going in the fireplace. This is certainly a major advantage to gas logs, especially for those who are too tired after a long day to spend time building a big fire.
Maybe you are tired of getting on your hands and knees to build a wood fire after a long day at work. Maybe you just want to make your heating system more efficient. Whatever the reason, gas logs may be for you.
In addition to being so much more convenient, gas logs tend to be a much cleaner option than burning wood. With gas logs, no ash builds up in the fireplace, so it is not necessary to clean it out after each use. Firewood does not need to be purchased in advance and, more importantly, it does not need to be stored in the house, garage, or yard. This cuts down considerably on the amount of maintenance required for general use of the fireplace.
A practical concern for many people who consider making the switch is that wood burning logs are much more efficient in terms of heating the home. They create quite a bit of heat, which can spread far beyond the room in which the fireplace is located. As a result, people with gas logs in their fireplace spend that they are spending less each month on their heating bill. Although not all models can heat an entire house, many can and quickly pay for themselves in money saved on heating the home.
For some people, a fire in the fireplace is not only about the heat but also about the comforting smell. The scent of a fire burning in the fireplace creates a great feeling of nostalgia in many people and is one of the main reasons they enjoy making a fire. It is important for those people to keep in mind that gas logs do not create that same smell. They may feel as though they are missing out on part of the winter experience by switching their fireplace to gas logs.
Some homeowners consider converting to gas logs because they are tired of the annual maintenance required for their wood burning fireplace. It is important that these people realize that a gas fireplace requires much of the same maintenance. For example, it is still necessary to have a certified chimney sweep come in each year to clean out the chimney.
There are many advantages to having gas logs in the fireplace, such as the convenience and the ability to heat the entire home. However, some people prefer the smells and sounds that are associated with a traditional, wood burning fireplace. Regardless of which option a household goes with, some degree of annual maintenance will be required. In the end, homeowners must decide which option will provide everything that they enjoy about having a fire on a winter night.