Gas Fireplace

Adding a fireplace to your home is one means of improving energy efficiency, and in many cases without having to do major remodeling. Modern fireplaces are more compact and have clever venting mechanisms that may avoid the need for a chimney, for example. They also improve the potential resale value of your home.

Gas Fireplaces are far more efficient and burn cleaner

However, before you begin considering this option check your local zoning laws. Every region is different. In some areas you’re required to have “in line” fire alarms in the room bearing a fireplace, for example. This means additional layouts at the outset of your remodeling effort that should be taken into consideration budget wise.

With that small bump out of the way, one of the most important features to review on all potential fireplaces is the BTU rating. This tells you how much heat the fireplace provides. You want a gas system that’s going to give off enough heat to decrease heating bills without making the room in which the system’s installed too hot for comfortable living.

Gas Fireplaces may also increase the value of your home

Additionally, determine if you’d prefer a direct vent, vent free, or insert gas fireplace, and if you’d like a model that’s flexible to using propane and/or wood along with the gas as fuel. The insert fireplace is ideal if you already have a wood fireplace and simply want to change to gas. It slides into place and utilizes the existing fireplace’s vent. This type of fireplace may also have a blower to help distribute heat more evenly.

For homeowners without the benefit of an existing chimney, direct vent is a great option. These fireplaces have a vent that goes through the wall behind the system. There’s no need for a chimney. This type of system is very efficient, and it comes in a variety of power levels suited to different sized rooms. The only remaining questions for homeowners are in the details like color and style. Then there are vent free fireplaces. These are somewhat controversial. While they are highly efficient, some experts worry about air quality. In some cases, even with the vent-free designation, some other form of ventilation may be required in the home. With all three of the aforementioned gas fireplaces, you’ll get various controls that make lighting and shut off very easy. Some even offer remote controls!

Finally, look at the safety features of various models, and make sure that there’s a way that you can ignite the fire by hand safely so that you can maintain warmth during power outages.

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