A fireplace provides ambiance and warmth that other heating options can’t compare to. Wood fires are nostalgic for some people, but others don’t want the hassle and maintenance that comes with it. Gas log fires are a modern alternative, offering excellent heating efficiency and minimal upkeep.
Below we compare gas fireplaces vs wood fireplaces – how do they stack up? And which is best for your home?
Lifestyle and convenience
Wood fires create a great atmosphere but they take time to prepare and maintain – even if you buy your firewood precut. While this might be manageable for people with a slower lifestyle and easy access to wood, it can be an inconvenience for others.
People with a busy lifestyle might prefer the convenience of turning a gas fire on by the flick of a switch. You don’t need to prepare wood for a gas fire or clean up afterwards, which makes it a hassle-free option.
Some people opt for a gas heater for everyday use in their home, but then go for a wood fireplace in their holiday home. That way they can enjoy the ambiance of a wood fire when they have the time to tend to it, but get fast and effective gas heating in their everyday life.
Heating efficiency
There are different types of wood heaters – convection and radiant being the most common. Convection wood heaters heat a room more slowly and fully, but require good insulation to be effective. Radiant wood heaters are less efficient, but provide more intense direct heat.
If your home does not have good insulation, the heat produced from wood fireplaces can escape quickly. While it might be warm directly next to the fire, you might struggle to heat the room or whole house with a wood fire.
Vented gas fires that require a functioning chimney can have a similar problem. However, vent-free or direct-vent gas fireplaces can be very efficient at heating. Some modern models have over 90% efficiency.
Temperature control
Gas heaters typically provide better temperature control than wood fires. Most modern gas fireplaces come with remote settings that can be adjusted according to your heating needs. You can even heat the whole house with a gas fireplace when it’s connected to a duct system.
Energy efficiency
Open fireplaces tend to be less efficient, whether they are gas or wood. On the other hand, glass fronted fireplaces tend to be more effective at heating and cheaper to run.
Whatever type of fireplace you are considering, look at the energy star ratings to see how it compares to other models. Heaters with higher star ratings are more efficient and will be cheaper to run.
Cost
Both wood fireplaces and gas fireplaces can be built into your home or installed freestanding. Inbuilt fireplaces are more expensive and may require significant renovations to your home. Freestanding fireplaces tend to have lower installation costs.
In addition to the upfront costs, it’s important to factor in ongoing maintenance and operation costs. If wood is free or cheap to buy, wood fires can be cost-effective heaters. However, if wood is inaccessible, running a wood fire can be expensive.
The cost of running a gas heater is relatively cheap, especially if you choose an energy efficient model. Gas fireplaces also require little maintenance overtime and can be relatively inexpensive to service.
Prices vary based on what model you choose, where you live and any extra services required during installation. Speak to your local installer for an accurate quote for wood fire and gas log fires installation Perth.
Maintenance
Wood fires require active attention while burning and need you to keep adding wood to maintain heat. Wood fires can also produce smoke, ash and sparks while burning and they require cleaning up afterwards.
Gas fires require very little maintenance and no clean up required when you switch them off. No smoke or ash produced when a gas fire is on, which makes for very clean and healthy heating.
Ambiance and appearance
Nothing can compare with the ambiance and atmosphere of a real wood fire. The crackling sounds and the smell of wood burning is very nostalgic for some people and this alone can convince them to invest in a wood fire.
Modern gas fireplaces have come a long way in terms of aesthetics. They’re a great way to create warmth and ambiance at the flick of a switch and can be very realistic. There’s a large range of design options and gas fireplace styles to suit modern homes.
Add value to your home with the right space heater
Heating is one of the most important factors that buyers and renters consider when looking at a house. Whether you choose a wood fireplace or a modern gas fire heater, we encourage you to weigh up the aesthetics and ambiance as well as the efficiency and convenience. After all, the right type of heater can add value to your home, not just keep you warm in winter.
