If your winter forecast includes upgrading your old wood-burning fireplace – or having a new gas or electric fireplace installed – the first big decision revolves around the type of fuel that you want to get your fireplace going.
The average homeowner has a lot to think about. When choosing an appliance, sustainability, convenience, and efficiency tend to be top concerns. In each of these categories, gas and electric fireplaces offer particular advantages of wood-burning units.
And while many still prefer that classic charm and ambiance of burning logs, for many people the ease of use and environmental factors tip the scales in favor of gas and electric heating solutions.
The Push Towards Electrification in Homes
A broad, global movement to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and enhance energy efficiency has promoted electrification of homes and businesses. This transition is evident in areas like cooking, heating, and (relatedly) in fireplace designs.
The logic is that electric appliances can be powered by renewable energy resources, like wind or solar, thus helping the drive to minimize a person’s carbon footprint.
So what impact has electrification had on the fireplace market? Where once wood-burning and gas fireplaces had unquestionable dominance in the market, electric options have been gaining ground. Not only are they simpler to install and easy to use, many organizations have introduced incentives for homeowners who choose electrified appliances that use renewable power sources.
The result of increased interest in electric fireplaces has been an uptick in their engineering. Once seen as less cozy compared to their wood and gas counterparts, manufacturers are now improving the design, performance, and feature options of electric units. Lifelike flame effects, soundscapes, safety features, and efficient warmth make them more and more appealing. Meanwhile, gas fireplaces have been refined to offer greater efficiency, cleaner burning, and more control over heat output.
In short, you, the consumer, have more options than you’ve ever had. This makes now a great time to upgrade your fireplace for whatever reason: to improve heat output, save some money on heating bills, give your living space a refresh, make an environmental impact, or all of the above!
Gas Fireplaces: Pros & Cons
Gas fireplaces have a lot going for them. Long day at work? Drop your bags, kick off your shoes, flip a switch, and voila – immediate heat and real, dancing flames.
Natural gas is widely available, and its combustion process produces heat efficiency (meaning little goes to waste). If you like the ambiance of a real fire, but want a more convenient and controlled option than wood, a gas fireplace might be just the thing.
Pros
- Real flames: The natural flames in a gas fireplace are the next closest thing to the experience of burning firewood without the cleaning, hauling wood, and tending. Plus, most models allow for such cool customizations as adjusting flame height and heat output.
- Heating efficiency: Quick, reliable heat that can fill a room results when combustion is as complete as it is in a gas unit. Plus, very little heat is lost up a chimney or vent. Gas units can be used strategically to heat larger areas and cut back on heating costs.
- Convenience: Without a doubt, gas fireplaces are low-fuss and easy to use. Besides the ease of day-to-day use, they also require minimal maintenance to continue working safely and reliably.
Cons
- Environmental factors: Gas fireplaces will burn more cleanly than wood-burning ones, but they do still rely on fossil fuels. These are non-renewable, and burning them emits carbon dioxide.
- Installation: Installation is generally more involved for a gas fireplace than an electric one. It’s a bit more invasive due to venting and running a gas line, so installation may take a little longer and cost more than having an electric unit put in. It’s important to weigh these initial costs in light of your goals for the space, however.
Electric Fireplace: Pros and Cons
As mentioned before, electric fireplaces have seen some noteworthy improvements in design and technology. They offer users a virtually maintenance-free experience that yields warmth and ambiance, and they don’t rely on combustion to do so. As a result, they’re clean and environmentally friendly.
Pros
- Environmental friendliness: Since they don’t use fossil fuels, electric units don’t produce emissions when used. If the electricity powering them is generated using renewable energy sources, they offer a carbon-neutral heating option.
- Energy efficiency: These units are also totally energy efficient, as they convert electricity to heat without ‘losing’ any – all the energy goes into warming the room.
- No venting: Electric fireplaces are easy to install. You likely already have an outlet in a spot convenient enough to power one, and they require no venting system or gas line. This also gives you flexibility in where you can install one. They’re also quite easy to use.
Cons
- Heat output: Electric fireplaces are great for adding warmth to smaller spaces, but they don’t have quite the heating potency of gas fireplaces and inserts.
- Artificial flames: Modern electric fireplace are more lifelike than ever. Yet the flame is still simulated using light, which might not quite scratch the itch for someone who loves a real blaze in the fireplace.
New Fireplace Installation: Sustainability & Environmental Concerns
When comparing electric and gas fireplaces from an environmental point of view, electric fireplaces have an edge – particularly when the electricity powering them is produced cleanly. Electric fireplaces don’t contribute to air pollution or carbon emissions if the electricity isn’t generated from fossil fuels. As the grid becomes cleaner, electric fireplaces will become even more sustainable.
Gas fireplaces rely on fossil fuels, but still represent a strong upgrade from traditional, open fireplaces. The combustion process is more complete, and less particulate matter is produced.
Making the Great Choice: Work With Northeastern Chimney
Ultimately, selecting a fireplace is a decision deeply informed by your needs and priorities. We understand the complexities of choosing the right fireplace. We’re here to offer our expertise, and then lend it to installing your fireplace with excellence, attention to detail, and safety in mind.
Call or book online today.