CHOOSING A FIREPLACE

Many homeowners choose to use a fireplace to add style and comfort to their homes. Many like the open crackle and pop of the open wood flame while others like the simplicity of the gas units. It’s a common dilemma for homeowners when they’re comparing gas fireplaces or log sets with traditional wood burning fireplaces. Best Cincinnati Chimney has cleaned many of both, so let’s take a look at the differences between them and compare atmosphere, safety features, ease of use, efficiency and more.

Atmosphere

Many customers want roaring flames and crackling sounds and you will mostly get this from wood burning units. Different colors, different aromas, and different sounds are a constant with wood burning fireplaces. Gas fireplaces can have variable flames and some can even come with color selection but once they are set, they are pretty constant and pretty quiet.

Safety Features

In terms of safety features, gas fireplaces out perform traditional fireplaces. Modern gas fireplaces have sensors that can detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or other gases in the air. They also include safety shut-off switches that will turn off the flame if it gets too hot.

Traditional fireplaces lack these features but do come with screens that can help prevent sparks from flying out into your living space. The best choice for wood burning are the inserts. These are higher efficiency and have closed systems that have no danger of sparks.

Ease of use

When talking about convenience, gas fireplaces are much easier to use than traditional ones. You don’t need to chop wood or purchase logs to fuel your gas fireplace. All you need to do is turn on the switch or press a button on the remote control. Plus, you won’t have to worry about cleaning up ashes after you’re done using it because there are no logs or embers left behind like in a traditional fireplace. You still have to have them serviced and cleaned because gas fires draw many impurities from your home (Think hair, skin, carpet fabric) into the fireplace and form soot that can clog the unit and cover the walls and furniture.

Efficiency

Measuring the efficiency of fireplaces is all up to the user. For example, modern gas fireplaces are much more efficient than their predecessors, as they burn cleaner and produce fewer emissions into the air. On the flip side, traditional fireplaces are still not as efficient as modern gas fireplaces, but they are an efficient source of heat when used correctly. There are now many models of wood burning inserts that have catalytic converters that have very high efficiency ratings. Many of these come with a 30% government tax credit as well.

We have seen them all

As you can tell, whether or not you use gas fireplaces vs. traditional fireplaces is up to you. Both come with benefits and room for improvement. Still, choosing the right one for your lifestyle and use is important. But, no matter which one you choose, you’ll still need a reliable chimney sweep and inspector in your corner. That’s why so many homeowners in Greater Cincinnati call Best Cincinnati Chimney. Call at 513-474-1158