Why Gas Fireplace Insert Is Better Than Wood Fireplace

Gas fireplaces have emerged as the main alternative to wood-burning fireplaces over the years. A wood fireplace has an aesthetic appeal with the smell of the crackling wood floating in the air. But they are unsafe, inconvenient and inefficient. It’s why many homeowners look for a gas fireplace insert in Denver.

Gas fireplaces perform better than wood burning fireboxes in most areas. They are energy-efficient, safer and convenient. It also helps that contractors can help you get the traditional look with a gas firebox.

If you need more details on why gas fireplaces are better than wood fireplaces, then continue reading:

Burns Quicker

If you need to use your outdoor fireplace in Denver, you don’t have to go through a cumbersome process with gas. You just need to use the switches based on the manufacturer’s instructions to start a fire. One click is usually enough though older models may need more clicks. The room gets heated faster than with wood too.

Starting a fire with wood is a cumbersome process. You need the right amount of wood and take the time to light it. Kinda inconvenient with the chilly weather outside.

Flame Doesn’t Need As Much Attention

When you use wood, you need to pay attention to it at all times. The logs may burn out or sparks may fly out and cause a house fire. You also need to extinguish the flames when you don’t want to use it anymore.

It’s more convenient to operate a gas fireplace. Once you start the fire, it can keep burning as long as there’s gas or you don’t extinguish it. Extinguishing the flame of a gas fireplace is much simpler. You just need to turn a few knobs based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Safer

A gas insert is much safer than a wood-burning fireplace. A wood-burning fireplace is a fire hazard even when the flames are extinguished. It’s due to the creosote buildup and embers hidden in the ashes. A spark flying out of the firebox can burn the entire home.

A gas fireplace doesn’t have these problems, though it also has some safety concerns. The venting system must be well-built to avoid gas leaks. You can add gas detectors for safety.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Wood-burning fireplaces can cause indoor air quality issues. The burning wood leaves behind some particles in the air. This can be even more problematic if the chimney isn’t vented properly.

Gas-burning fireplaces have good venting systems that prevent indoor air quality issues. Gas leaves fewer particles than to begin with.

More Energy-Efficient

Depending on how efficient the system is, it can burn 75 to 99 percent of the gas into energy. Most of this energy produced reaches the room and heats it. Only a small portion escapes through the vent. Many fireplace inserts come with fans that spread the heat throughout the room effectively.

Wood fireplaces are not efficient by any definition of the word. When you burn wood, you only get ten to thirty percent of its energy. The rest goes up the chimney with smoke and ashes.

Eco-Friendlier

Gas is comparatively eco-friendlier than wood simply by the virtue of being energy-efficient. Gas burns almost cleanly and leaves fewer particles than wood. Propane, in particular, is considered an eco-friendly fuel. It emits a small amount of CO2 and almost no toxic gases like SO2 and NO. so those concerned about the environment might lean in favor of gas over wood.

Easier To Clean

You don’t require too much work with a gas fireplace. You just need to wipe it clean and ensure that the vents are unblocked. A technician can perform safety checks and the necessary maintenance.

Keeping a wood fireplace clean isn’t simple. You need to clear the ash regularly to prevent buildup. A technician has to clean the creosote for safety.

Easier To Install

You don't need to build a chimney to install a gas fireplace. If you have a chimney, you can have your technician install an insert there for convenience.