When you think of a fireplace, you probably think of sitting on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate in hand by a cozy, roaring fire. You may even consider adding a fireplace to your home but don’t know if you want a wood-burning fireplace or a gas-powered fireplace. Below are four factors that make choosing between wood and gas fireplaces in Chambersburg, PA, a little easier.
Cost
The cost of installing a wood-burning fireplace is more or less comparable to a gas-powered one, although wood fireplaces do tend to cost a little less. Gas models also tend to be slightly more costly to maintain and operate. However, they’re cleaner and you don’t have to worry about keeping wood on hand.
Efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the main factors when considering an appliance or an HVAC system, so it only makes sense to consider efficiency when choosing a fireplace. Bob Vila states that a wood-burning fireplace is only 10% efficient and that efficiency decreases if the room is poorly insulated. A direct vent gas fireplace has a 90% efficiency rating.
Fuel Source
If you go with a wood fireplace, you’ll have to stock up on wood. If you choose to purchase enough wood to last the entire cold season, you’ll need a place to store the wood and keep it dry.
You won’t have to worry about storage with a gas furnace, but you’ll need to access a gas supply. Gas is sometimes a concern for those worried about gas leaks impacting indoor air quality.
Maintenance
Gas fireplaces need little maintenance as they run clean, which means you don’t have to remove any soot or ash after a fire as you do with a wood-burning fireplace. With a wood-burning fireplace, you also need to have the chimney cleaned at least once a year to prevent soot buildup.
If you’re looking for a new fireplace or it’s time to replace your old one, our dedicated service technicians can help you with your choice. Contact Bream’s Heating and Cooling Solutions today to take advantage of our fireplace services, which include installation, repair, and design.
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