As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, the allure of a cozy evening spent next to a crackling fire becomes ever more enticing. But this nostalgic tradition has evolved over the last several years as gas-powered fireplaces soar in popularity.
“Fireplaces are almost always an attractive feature for buyers,” said Jennifer Reddington of the Georgio Reddington team at Compass. “In Rye and the surrounding communities, a majority of buyers today prefer gas fireplaces. Gas is cleaner and easier and oftentimes these types of fireplaces get used significantly more than a wood-burning fireplace.”
Gas-powered fireplaces took off in the 1980s and, though they may look similar to traditional fireplaces, there are several key differences. The most obvious is that gas-powered fireplaces do not require wood to burn. Typically, they come with two options — vented and ventless. With a vented gas fireplace, air is drawn from outside to create combustion and then exhaust is released outside through a chimney or duct.
A ventless, gas-powered fireplace, does not require a chimney or vent, instead using interior air for combustion and then releasing emissions back into the room. This makes them the less-popular choice, since they decrease air quality inside and require more rigorous testing and safety standards. Both ventless and vented gas fireplaces rely on realistic looking faux logs, usually made from ceramic to provide that wood-burning look.
Another thing that sets gas-powered fireplaces apart is cost. Gas-burning fireplaces will contribute to your gas bill. The cost varies, depending on whether you choose natural gas or propane. There are also yearly maintenance and regular cleaning costs to consider. Both gas-powered and wood-burning fireplaces require yearly maintenance and regular cleaning, but gas-powered fireplaces burn cleaner and tend to create less residue than wood-burning fireplaces.
Both types of gas fireplaces also have environmental considerations. They are typically much more efficient than wood burning fireplaces, reaching efficiency rates of 70 to 90 percent, meaning that 70 to 90 percent of the gas used is converted to heat. Wood-burning fireplaces have efficiency rates closer to 10 to 30 percent. Both types of fireplaces produce emissions that affect the environment, as well as the environment of your home, but wood-burning fireplaces tend to be a bit worse for the environment overall.
In addition, gas-powered fireplaces have a major edge when it comes to safety and convenience. Gas-powered fireplaces are considered safer than wood-burning fireplaces, because they do not produce smoke, backdrafts, or soot. They also don’t require matches or lighters and, through the use of a remote control, can be easily managed and adjusted.
“I personally love the ease of gas fireplaces,” said Shannon Murray of Shannon Murray Interiors. “The simplicity of a push of a button on a remote is complete joy! No fuss, no mess! Instant ambience!”
With all these practical factors to consider, one can’t overlook the more sentimental feelings a fireplace can evoke, and Reddington says despite the benefits of gas-powered fireplaces, many clients still prefer traditional wood-burning ones.
“I still have clients that enjoy a wood-burning fireplace,” she said. “You can’t beat the smell and ambience it creates.” The soft crackle of logs burning, the sweet oaky smell of rising smoke, the traditional look of a hearth and mantel — these factors will always be adored.
But whether you have gas or traditional, any fireplace lit up on a cold winter’s night is sure to draw a crowd.
