When outside temperatures start to drop and we all begin to pile on the layers and spend more time indoors, few things rival the comfort and ambience created by a beautiful, roaring fire. And with the ease of gas fireplaces sparking to life with the flip of a switch or touch of a button, cozy human hibernation has never been simpler – or more enjoyable.
But what about your utility bill? Can utilizing a gas fireplace create enough heat to allow you to turn down your thermostat and save on your heating costs? What are the benefits of fueling with gas anyway?
With so much information out there, it can be tough to find the answers to all your home-heating and hearth-related questions – that’s where the experts at Dunrite Chimney & Stove come in. Keep reading to learn more about gas fireplaces and how they might enhance your holiday season this winter.
And, as always, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through our website or give us a call at 631-738-0005.
Are Gas Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money?
Well, that depends. Investing in a fireplace insert may come with a high ticket price, but it’s for good reason. Fireplace inserts are perhaps the single best way to not only update and enhance the life of your existing masonry fireplace structure, but to drastically improve its performance and overall efficiency too. There is a certain charm to an old rustic fireplace, but not even its traditional beauty can outweigh its subpar ability to produce optimal, palpable heat. For many homeowners, this discrepancy between presentation and performance renders the appliance largely useless – save for a nice focal point to decorate, but never to enjoy as intended.
Gas inserts breathe an entirely new life into an old chimney structure and of all the heating appliances are known to pack a powerful punch when it comes to their ample and effective heat production.
Gas inserts breathe an entirely new life into an old chimney structure and of all the heating appliances are known to pack a powerful punch when it comes to their ample and effective heat production. Because of their fully concealed combustion chamber, inserts do an excellent job creating high quality radiation heat that effectively warms your living space – and the people in it – without you spending an arm and a leg on your central heating bills to make every room of your house comfortable. A gas fireplace insert may not be designed to adequately warm a whole entire house, but they’re pretty hard to beat when it comes to supplemental, room-specific heating.
Does a Gas Fireplace Increase Energy Bills?
Ultimately, this depends on a few factors. The specific kind of gas you’re burning (natural or propane), the average amount of time you operate your fireplace, and more all contribute to how much you’ll be paying in utility bills every month.
Let’s say you and your family spend the majority of your time in the common living room of your home every winter and you’re looking for ways to save on your heating costs this holiday season. While your furnace might outperform your gas fireplace or insert in terms of whole-house heat production, does that really matter if most of your time is spent in one space?
On average, because your gas fireplace costs less to run per hour than your furnace, choosing to turn off your heat and turn on your fireplace for those times when everyone is gathered in the living room could save you quite a bit of money.
Besides, many modern gas fireplaces – and especially inserts – perform at a rate of 75% and higher when it comes to their heat efficiency, compared to their wood-burning counterparts’ 30%. And of all the fuel options available, gas is still one of the cheapest sources available.
Will Adding a Gas Fireplace Increase My Home’s Value?
Absolutely. Gone are the days when gas fireplaces loosely resembled real logs and burned blue tinted flames. Now, the modern models look realer than ever before, and because gas has been proven to be much more efficient when it comes to heat production, gas systems are all the rage. They’re significantly lower maintenance, much cleaner, and safer, too – not just because many appliances feature a fully enclosed firebox, but also because gas combustion does not create the same level of particulate matter found in the fire’s smoke as wood. What’s not to love?
Is It Safe To Decorate My Gas Fireplace for the Holidays?
Of course! As long as you take proper precautions, of course. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you begin to gather supplies to deck your halls this holiday season:
- Make sure your Christmas tree is at least 3 feet from your fireplace or stove, as required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Never leave garland or any draping hanging off your mantle – including stockings – when you light a fire.
- Look for flame retardant or fire-resistant decorations, whenever possible.
- Avoid placing any imbalanced items near your fireplace
- Remove any flammable decor and materials from your mantle and the surrounding area of your fireplace whenever you plan to enjoy a fire.
For High Quality Gas Fireplace Installation & Services, Trust Dunrite Chimney & Stove
Have you been thinking about switching over to gas, but just needed the extra little nudge? Perhaps you’re simply intrigued and interested in learning a bit more about the various gas appliances out there and if they might be beneficial in helping you save money this winter.
No matter your unique situation, the experienced crew at Dunrite is here to help. Set up an appointment with us by filling out this form right here on our website, or by giving us a call at 631-738-0005. We look forward to serving you!
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