When you buy a fireplace, one of the first things you’ll have to do is to decide on which type to go for: gas or wood. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons when you think of a gas vs wood fireplace. This way, you’ll be in a much better position to pick the option that works best for you:
Costs
Wood fireplaces are very costly, says Do It Yourself. In this regard, gas fireplaces might be a more cost-effective solution. Also, since wood fireplaces let about 10 percent of the heat out, you’ll need to put in add-ons like better insulation and even a fan heat exchanger to prevent heat from escaping through the chimney. With wood fireplaces, you’ll also have to worry about the ongoing cost of wood. Gas fireplaces also require chimneys since the fire produces carbon monoxide.
Maintenance
You’ll have to factor in the maintenance fees as well. Gas fireplaces are much easier to maintain than wood fireplaces. There’s isn’t a switch you can flick to put out the fire. You’ll need to regularly put the ashes out and will need to have your chimney along with everything else connected to your fireplace cleaned at least once a year.
Ambiance
Compared to a gas fireplace, a wood fireplace might look more visually arresting. If you want a dramatic architecturally detail or central spot in your home, that wood fireplace—with its crackling sound and the real smell of burning wood—would steal the show any time.
Pollution
Between a gas and wood fireplace, the latter one generates more pollution in the air. If that’s a concern for you, you might want to go with gas instead when you compare the pros and cons of gas vs wood fireplace.
Ease
Lastly gas is much easier to use. With wood, you’ll need to prepare the fire. There’s a bit of waiting involved. With gas, you just turn a switch and it’s done.
