Gas Vs. Wood Burning Fireplaces: Which Is Right For Your Home?

Gas Vs. Wood Buring Fireplaces

Interested in getting a fireplace but unsure which type you should get? Here is everything you need to know about gas and wood burning fireplaces. 

As holiday time approaches, most homeowners are looking forward to curling up next to the fireplace with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. The question is, which type of fireplace is best?

A wood burning fireplace is best for the ambiance and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, is great for regions that are prone to winter storms with power outages. Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, are easier to maintain and heat a room, which, in turn, reduces heating costs. 

Most home buyers imagine a classic wood burning fireplace, however, you can have a gas fireplace and still have a traditional experience. Both are great choices, although you should first consider your lifestyle, budget, and home location. 

When deciding between different types of fireplaces, there are many factors to consider. There are benefits and drawbacks to both to help you decide which is right for your home. Luckily, we have collected all the essential information about gas and wood burning fireplaces to ensure you are making the right decision. 

Keep reading to learn all about gas and wood-burning fireplaces. 

1. Pros of Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces are perfect for warming any room in your home. This type of fireplace has several benefits, whether you don't have a full chimney, don't have the time to keep up with maintenance, or need to save space. 

Easy to Install

While you don't need a chimney for a gas fireplace, you will need a gas line and proper ventilation. Most gas fireplaces are designed for safety in wood-frame construction, meaning the materials are more suited for most homes compared to wood burning fireplaces. 

Keep in mind that your gas fireplace shouldn't be near the central thermostat in your home, as it may throw off your HVAC system and heat cycling. 

Venting is essential to remove combustion gases from the fireplace, and typically this type of fireplace uses a vertical gas vent to make use of the natural draft caused by the hot temperature. 

Reduces Energy Consumption

A gas fireplace will provide supplemental heat to specific rooms. This means you can lower the overall thermostat setting and reduce energy consumption while maintaining the comfort of heat. 

Wood-burning smoke creates more pollution than cars, while a gas fireplace can create a real-looking, clean flame. A gas fireplace will also create much less carbon monoxide and prevent the destruction of logging and forestry. Overall, gas fireplaces win in the environmentally friendly competition. 

Convenience

A gas fireplace is convenient for several reasons, one, you don't have to build a fire, store firewood, or tend to the fire. The low maintenance is what attracts many homeowners because there is no cleaning ash, soot, wood chips, and bark from your fireplace. 

Gas fireplaces typically allow you to remotely control the temperature and set timers and thermostats. Before buying one, you should definitely look into the different types of gas fireplaces. Some wall thermostats even allow you to set the temperature of the room to automatically adjust the fireplace's heat output to maintain the perfect room temperature. 

In addition, a gas fireplace is much safer because it won't produce smoke, backdrafts, or soot. Some gas fireplaces come with a glass panel that separates the firebox from the room for additional safety. 

2. Cons of Gas Fireplaces

Every decision has benefits and drawbacks; while a gas fireplace wins in most categories, there are still some cons to consider before you commit. 

Less Ambiance

If you want a fireplace for its looks, you may not want a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces can still be warm and inviting, but they don't have the traditional appeal of a wood-burning fireplace.

The sealed glass is great for safety concerns, but it doesn't create the same aesthetic appeal as a wood-burning fireplace. 

Higher Maintenance Costs

While it may be easier to maintain a gas fireplace, it can be more expensive. Natural gas can be more expensive than wood, depending on where you live. Additionally, some homeowners use the gas fireplace more than a wood burning one. Overall, a gas fireplace will cost anywhere between $400 to $640 per year to operate. 

Keep in mind that this type of fireplace does rely on gas hookups. If your home doesn't already have them, the installation can be expensive. 

The operation costs will depend on the following factors:

• Fuel type
• heat output
• usage
• location

Safety risks

Overall, a gas fireplace is safer than a wood-burning fireplace, although there are still some safety risks to consider. The main risks include spontaneous fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

However, most homes have CO2 detectors to reduce the risks and help monitor indoor air quality. If your home doesn't already feature CO2 detectors, then it is time to invest in avoiding the risk of poisoning and accidental fires. 

3. Pros of Wood Burning Fireplaces

When most homeowners picture a fireplace, they see a wood burning fireplace. There is no beating the aesthetic of a wood burning fireplace, but is it right for you? 

Aesthetically Pleasing

Whether you enjoy hosting events or not, having a natural focal point in the home is always a plus. When you and family members gather at your home, a beautiful fireplace is the perfect addition to the room.

In addition, most wood-burning fireplaces give off an amazing aroma. Each wood type has different smells; for example, oak and birch are great if you enjoy the classic smell of wood burning. Apple, pear, or cherry wood will give off a fruity aroma. This is perfect if you are hosting events and want the home to smell delicious. 

Increased Home Value

Both types of fireplaces will increase the value of your home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, a fireplace can increase the resale value of your home by 6-12%. 

Many people are looking for homes with a fireplace as an amenity, especially if the home is in a colder region. Additionally, if you plan on renting out your home, a fireplace is the perfect addition to attract renters. 

Even if you're not planning on selling your home soon, increasing home value should always be on your mind. Not only will it make your life more enjoyable but it will help your future self. 

Reliable Heat Source

Depending on where you live, you may need a reliable heat source, and there is no greater one than a wood-burning fireplace. During winter snowstorms, your home is likely at risk of power outages. 

As long as you keep a good amount of dry firewood within reach, you can build and maintain a heat source in your home. Again, this is a great option for those who live in rural or mountain locations. This way you'll never have to worry about keeping your home warm and comfortable if the power goes out. 

4. Cons of Wood Burning Fireplaces

While wood burning fireplaces are beautiful, they still have their cons. Make sure you understand them before making a decision.

Maintenance

A wood burning fireplace will require cleaning and maintenance to keep them safe. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, annual cleaning and inspections are required by law to remove creosote buildup. 

Depending on how often you use the fireplace, you'll have to keep a certain amount of wood to fuel your fire. This means you'll have to restock your store of firewood constantly. This also requires a place to store the extra wood. If you don't have the extra time for the upkeep associated with a wood burning fireplace, then this may not be the best option. 

Safety

A wood burning fireplace must always be watched. It is unsafe to leave it unattended even if the fire is not burning, as the ashes are still warm and fire can spark. If you do opt for this type of fireplace, ensure you are always around even after putting the fire out. 

Not Cost-Effective

While a wood burning fireplace may look beautiful and heat your room effectively, it is not effective for your wallet. Almost all of the heat generated from a wood burning fireplace will escape through the chimney. 

As warm air escapes through the chimney, cold air will enter the home, requiring your furnace to work harder. This cold air influx can increase your energy bill. However, there are some ways to mitigate the negative effect on utility bills. 

• Install a fireplace insert to direct heat into the room. 
• Close the damper when you aren't actively using the fireplace.

5. Which Is Right For Your Home?

Before anything, figure out your specific wants and needs. Do you need a fireplace that is easy to maintain? Do you enjoy the hard work it takes to keep up with a wood burning fireplace? Does your home have a chimney?

These questions will guide you to the right answer. However, keep in mind that this isn't a one-size-fits-all question. What works for you may not work for someone else, so carefully look over this guide to ensure you are making the right decision. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about gas vs. wood burning fireplaces. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• The U.S. Department of Energy 
• The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers
• The Chimney Safety Institute of America

FAQ: Gas Vs. Wood Buring Fireplaces

Here are some commonly asked questions about gas and wood burning fireplaces.

What gives off more heat, gas, or wood fireplace?

Both fireplaces emit the same amount of heat, but gas fireplaces prevent the loss of more heat. This should be what you are focusing on when deciding which type of fireplace to buy. 

Do wood fireplaces save on heating bills?

A classic wood fireplace provides the most traditional source of heat but is the least cost-effective for your heating bill. According to the Department of Energy, the average fireplace operates between 5% and 15% efficiency, losing a significant amount of heat through infiltration and conduction during the 90% and 95% of the time it sits unused in the home. 

Does a wood-burning fireplace add value to a home?

Yes, any fireplace can increase the resale value of your home by anywhere between 6-12%. This means if you are renovating your home to sell, you should definitely consider adding a fireplace. 

Should you turn off a gas fireplace in the summer?

It is completely up to you if you want to keep the gas fireplace on in the summertime. However, most professionals recommend off the gas pilot light during the warmer months. 

What is the purpose of glass doors on a gas fireplace?

The glass doors regulate the amount of air that is drawn into the fireplace, simultaneously radiating out the fireplace's heat. The doors will draw in warm air from the house to fuel the fire.

Gas Vs. Wood Buring Fireplaces - The Bottom Line

Gas and wood burning fireplaces both have unique qualities that attract a great amount of homeowners. When deciding which is best for you, consider your lifestyle, decor, and budget.

A wood-burning fireplace may be more aesthetically pleasing, but it can be significantly cheaper to install. On the other hand, gas fireplaces are more expensive to install, but require less maintenance and upkeep. 

If you are thinking about relocating, Raleigh, NC, is a great option for a fresh start. As you search through Raleigh's best neighborhoods, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect location. We know that investing can be overwhelming, but a real estate agent can walk you through the entire process.