Tips for Selecting the Right Gas Fireplace for your Home

Besides keeping you warm, a fireplace is integral to your home’s interior décor. Its significance means it should showcase your style and suits your needs.

The three common fireplace types are wood-fired, gas, and electric. Wood-fired units are popular for their rusticity and ambience, while electric models offer convenience and easy use. Then, there’s gas, which combines the benefits of wood-fired and electric fireplaces. 

Here are useful tips to help you choose the right gas fireplace. 

Placement

Modern fireplaces aren’t restricted to family and living rooms, unlike traditional units. Instead, you can place them in any space where ambience and warmth are needed. For instance, you can have a fireplace in your bathroom to create a relaxing mood or on the patio to make it liveable in winter. 

A room’s interior design and colours can also influence your fireplace design choice. For example, an ancient-themed room will need a freestanding unit, while built-in models work well with contemporary designs. Of course, you can also mix different designs.

Desired Output

Before purchasing a gas fireplace, calculate the desired heat output. This generally depends on the space you intend to keep warm. 

Fireplace output is defined in BTU (British Thermal Unit). If you want to heat a small room, purchase a unit with a low BTU rating. For large rooms, choose models with higher ratings. 

Choosing the wrong heat output provides undesirable results. For example, the heater can be so small that it’s ineffective or too large that it overheats the room. For this reason, it’s important to consult a professional before choosing a heater. 

Venting System

A gas fireplace can have a direct vent or a B-vent. Direct vent models have a chimney comprising two parts, a large pipe with a small one inside it. The outer tube draws air from the atmosphere used for combustion, while the inner pipe acts as the exhaust. These units have a glass face to prevent leaks. 

Conversely, B-vent fireplaces use conventional chimney pipes that terminate above the room. As a result, these units use little room air for combustion and release exhaust fumes outside. B-vent fireplaces are popular because of their aesthetic appeal. They produce bright yellow flames, similar to wood-fired fireplaces, while offering the convenience of gas-powered units. However, they have low heat output. 

Control Options

Gas fireplaces offer several control options. Some models have controls mounted on their front side, allowing you to operate the equipment by flipping a switch. Others come with wall-mounted switches, enabling you to turn them on or off like standard light fixtures.

The best control option is the remote control. This allows you to regulate temperature levels while seated on the sofa. If you misplace or damage the remote, you can use the manual controls mounted on the unit. 

Wrapping Up

Few appliances can match gas fireplaces’ comfort, elegance, and usefulness. In addition, each space in your house can benefit from added warmth, especially during the cold months. 

Moreover, gas fireplaces are clean and green. They aren’t as messy as wood-fired models and produce sustainable amounts of greenhouse gases.