The Definitive Guide to Gas Fireplaces
Every winter, more people are looking for safe and effective ways to heat their homes. Gas fireplaces are often a natural choice, as most homes have a gas line or an old wood-burning fireplace already set up.
The gas fireplace market is one of the most diverse and versatile sections of the fireplace industry, and finding the right fit for your home may be tough without any information.
This guide will teach you the ins and outs of the gas fireplace world, including product categories, vent types, and which choice will perform the best in your home.
Types of Gas Fireplaces
One of the best parts about the gas fireplace market is that there is a solution for every home, no matter the room!
Even if you don’t have a firebox or chimney already installed, you can still bring the warmth and ambiance of a real fire to your house with the introduction of a ventless system or a gas insert. However, if you do have an existing fireplace, the options for your home are limitless.
Whether it is a more traditional model or a high-end insert, a well-built gas fireplace is an easy way to boost the value of your home and create a cozy space for the whole family.
Built-In Gas Fireplaces
Traditional built-in gas fireplaces are usually what first comes to mind when people begin to think of gas fireplaces. Not only do they come in a wide range of styles, but they also do not require an old fireplace to be installed.
These traditional fireplaces operate in a box-within-a-box style, drawing in cold air from the outside and heating it in the space between the firebox and the outer shell of the fireplace. This is a great way of dispersing heat, especially for ventless models, as the heat is directly sent out into the room.
In terms of performance, you will most likely get the most BTUs from built-in fireplaces and will see the best heating output from ventless models specifically. This makes traditional gas fireplaces the best option for families that want a large, statement-making system for their home, even if they don’t have an existing chimney or firebox.
Prices for built-in fireplaces vary, but average between $2,000 and $4,000 for parts and installation. Your installation price may also vary depending on the complexity of your desired build.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts are the ideal choice for those looking for a balance of performance and convenience, but find some significant drawbacks in terms of application.
However, if you do have a fireplace in your home, this is the best option to convert your wood-burning set into a fully gas-powered system. Gas fireplace inserts operate in the same box-within-a-box style that traditional built-in gas fireplaces, making them a great heating solution for your home.
While your design choices may be limited during due to the look of your mantle and hearth, there are still a wide variety of options available in the display and output to match your needs.
Purchasing and installing a gas fireplace insert will run anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on what size of fireplace you are filling and the amount of space you are heating.
Gas Log Fireplaces
Gas log fireplaces are a great entry point for those who would like the look and feel of a real fire, but are not necessarily looking for top of the line heating output. However, they of require a prexisiting fireplace to be installed.
Gas logs sets are ceramic replicas meant to imitate the look of an actual fire. While the realism may vary from set to set, it is by far the easiest way to improve the ambiance of your home.
Purchasing and installing these sets are pretty easy, and will only cost $200 to $1,000 on average. To learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of gas logs, read our Gas Log Guide.
Outdoor Gas Fireplaces and Heating Solutions
Did you know that you could take the comfort and aura of a fireplace outside? There’s even more options beyond the standard built-in fireplace and hearth.
While they can still be classified as gas fireplaces, they really exist in their own category.
To explore more on the different types of outdoor heating solutions, their benefits, and potential costs, read our Outdoor Fire Guide.
Types of Vent Systems
The type of ventilation system can be a huge determining factor for the efficacy of your fire place. Not only is it a large portion of the how your flame looks, but the type of of ventilation can also greatly affect the way your flame feels.
Knowing the right choice of ventilation for your fireplace is an important part of the decision making process.
Regardless of if you’re looking for a incredibly convincing alternative to a woodburning fire, or you just want a way to kick up the heat in your home, it is best to know the right option for you.
Direct Vent Fireplaces
Traditional built-in gas fireplaces are usually what first comes to mind when people begin to think of gas fireplaces. Not only do they come in a wide range of styles, but they also do not require an old fireplace to be installed.
These traditional fireplaces operate in a box-within-a-box style, drawing in cold air from the outside and heating it in the space between the firebox and the outer shell of the fireplace. This is a great way of dispersing heat, especially for ventless models, as the heat is directly sent out into the room.
In terms of performance, you will most likely get the most BTUs from built-in fireplaces and will see the best heating output from ventless models specifically. This makes traditional gas fireplaces the best option for families that want a large, statement-making system for their home, even if they don’t have an existing chimney or firebox.
Prices for built-in fireplaces vary, but average between $2,000 and $4,000 for parts and installation. Your installation price may also vary depending on the complexity of your desired build.
B-Vent Fireplaces
B-Vent fireplaces and hearth products are very common and provide the most natural form of ventilation, but often lack the advantages that come with more modern designs.
So, what is a b-vent fireplace? Simple put, a b-vent fireplace is a traditional fireplace and chimney combo. It pulls combustion air from inside the house to fuel the flame and sends exhaust gases straight up through a chimney or pipe system.
While this is nearly as safe as a direct vent system, it comes at the expense of reduced heating output.
Power Vent Fireplaces
Power vent fireplaces are similar to direct vent fireplaces, but are meant for spaces where the ventilation system may need to be run longer than normal.
They actively boost the air flow by running a fan-powered accessory along the vent ducts.
While this brings a benefit in terms of placement options, power vent systems are severely less popular due to operations and installation cost.
Ventless Fireplaces
Ventless fireplaces are by far the best option for pure heating output, but can come with severe risks if not handled properly.
The main issue arises with exhaust output and often leaves people asking “Are ventless fireplaces safe?”
Yes, ventless fireplaces are safe, but you have to take the proper precautions.
Ventless fireplaces exhaust their heat, and all of the associated fumes, right back into your home. This makes the presence of carbon monoxide a very dangerous reality. Luckily, you can install several pieces of technology to help mitigate the risk.
First, there are timers and sensors that can be installed with you fireplace to automatically shut it off when carbon monoxide levels get too high. If your home has more than one gas appliance in the home, life a grill or gas stovetop, it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide sensor installed in your home to help keep your family safe.
What is the Right Fit for Me?
Finding the right fit for your home comes with a lot of additional questions to ask. Before you truly settle on right model for you, it is best to consider your style, budget, space, and ventilation needs. No matter the need, Royal Fireplace has the perfect set for your home, bringing that new layer of comfort you’ve always wanted.
Check out the buying guide below or contact our team for more information!