Gas vs Wood Burning Fireplaces: Which is Better?

Fireplaces are beautiful addition to any home, but in colder climates, fireplaces are often used as a source of heat generation. Thus, the fuel it uses becomes an important factor. Which is a better option: gas or wood? Let’s take a look at several important categories and how gas and wood measure up.

Ease of use

If ease is important to you, then gas is certainly at an advantage here. It doesn’t get much easier than flipping a switch to get an instant fire. Wood burning fireplaces are like living organisms in that they need to be created and sustained. This requires more effort—from getting wood (then arranging it in a certain way) to starting the fire and keeping it burning with kindling.

Fuel cost

If you happen to live on land with an abundance of trees, chopping wood for fuel is easy and cheap enough. In the event that you live in a metropolitan area, firewood is available for purchase at most hardware or home improvement stores. Natural gas isn’t expensive, but it is more costly than free wood or the cost of a few logs.

Maintenance

Gas fireplaces require little maintenance since they don’t make messes. Wood burning fireplaces require significantly more work. In addition to the resulting soot, ash, and burned logs, creosote builds up in your chimney which requires regular chimney sweeping. Choosing not to do so could result in a chimney fire.

Experience

Gas fireplaces generate heat and look like a traditional fire. But many would argue that it’s not the same experience if you don’t hear the crackle of logs and smell its rustic smell.

Clearly, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to gas vs wood burning fireplaces; it simply comes down to preference and priorities. If you want to install a fireplace in your home—gas or wood burning—contact Brick + Ember Outfitters today. We can take care of all of your chimney and masonry needs.