Fireplaces that are powered by natural gas are a popular alternative to traditional wood-burning hearths, where they are designed to mimic the look and feel of a real fire, but without the need for logs or constant maintenance.
Modern marvels like these come in various styles and designs, ranging from built-in units that can be installed into existing masonry grates, to freestanding models that can be placed anywhere in your home. These additions offer flexibility and can complement any décor, whether you prefer a sleek contemporary design or a more rustic aesthetic.
Convenience is one of the primary features of these gas fireplaces because, with just the push of a button, you can instantly ignite the flames and enjoy instant warmth without waiting for logs to catch fire. This means no hauling heavy wood inside, no messy ash cleanup, and no worrying about sparks flying out onto your carpet.
Find them to be efficient heating options, since many models come with adjustable thermostats that allow you to control the temperature in your room precisely. You can count on this feature of the gas fireplace for your home to keep you comfortable, and you can also save on heating costs by efficiently warming up specific areas.
Get an added layer of safety compared to traditional wood-burning ones, since no open flames or embers are popping out unpredictably. You won’t also risk any accidental fires, and other models have built-in safety features such as automatic shut-off valves and glass doors for added peace of mind.
How Do They Work?
At the heart of the fireplace is propane, especially if natural gas isn’t available. Heat outputs are measured in BTU, and they should be able to match your climate, room sizes, and insulation levels. Various choices are available for homeowners, and they can range from 7,000 to 60,000 BTUs.
Strategically placed burners and logs are going to produce the so-called flames, giving the appearance of real wood burning. Some models even have realistic-looking embers that glow like hot coals, and you can control the height and intensity according to the ambiance that you want to achieve. Find the ones with adjustable valves and switches, where you can easily customize your desired blazes with just a flick of your finger.
Different Types to Know About
Various types, like the inserts are for those who want a wood-burning retrofit firebox. Built-in variations are for people who want to install one when their living room doesn’t have this feature yet, and the basic burners like log sets are sitting in the open, and you can see more about them on this page.
Reliable heat producers are often found in built-in types where you can get radiant heat and warm air at the same time. Gas types allow you to choose between various models like the vent-free or the ones that use the chimneys as an exhaust.
Surrounded by a metal box, the log-and-burner type can fit in your existing hearth. This type can radiate the heat, but holes should be drilled so the electrical and other pipelines can pass through. You can get ventless, vented, glass panels, or fixed metal screens if you want.
Log sets are the most cost-effective choice out there, where you can get a stack of ceramic logs that will sit inside the hearth. Drilling is required during the installation phase, and others can vent up using your existing chimney to avoid carbon dioxide poisoning. Most of the treated air also goes up to the flue and evaporates, so you might find little heat with these.
Built-in are similar to inserts where they are inside a metal box and are constructed this way. Exterior wall opening is where the exhaust is, and they can have a fixed metal panel or surround. Sparkling beds of fine chips of glass can also be an alternative to the logs. Diamond fire glasses are often available at $5 per pound, so they are a must-try.
The rosy glow that looks like you’re living in a castle in the Victorian era is also available in the form of ceramic coal. They can be available at 25 pieces for $40 for a typical basket, but the price is not set. Calico-colored ceramic rocks add a rustic feel to them that seems like you’re on the mountaintops so see if they are well-suited for your needs.
Selecting the Right One For You
Think about the size of the space where you plan to install the fireplace since this will help determine whether you need a small, medium, or large unit. Get info about a fireplace on this website: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/fireplace.
Styles and designs that best fit your home décor should be prioritized, and you can choose among modern, traditional, and contemporary types depending on what’s heavily complementing the aesthetics of your interior.
Heat output should be considered, as well as the capacity, especially if you want special features. Remote controls might be available, while others have fans for better efficiency and easier operation. Don’t forget about the safety feature, and look for the ones that have sensors so they can automatically shut off the valves when the oxygen inside the room is too low.
