The Ultimate Guide to Gas Fireplaces: Benefits, Installation and Maintenance

Gas fireplaces are an excellent way to heat your home without the hassles associated with traditional fireplaces, such as cleaning up ashes and dealing with smoke.

If you are considering installing a gas fireplace in your home, here is everything you need to know before purchasing.

How Gas Fireplaces Work

Though they don’t burn wood, gas models create the appearance of a wood-burning fire with real flames, glimmering embers and radiant heat. Here’s how propane and natural gas fireplaces work:

1. Depending on the fuel, a line connected to your home will supply you with natural gas, or a supplier will install propane tanks on your property.
2. Determined by the model of your fireplace, an electronic ignition system or a pilot light sparks the gas to produce a flame.
3. The gas mixes with air to combust, generating heat and flames.
4. With some models, byproducts such as water vapor and carbon dioxide are vented outside, while others don’t need venting.

Most gas fireplaces have a few essential components. First, the ignition system ignites the gas — some newer models will do so electronically, whereas many other models use a pilot light. Second, a burner combines the gas and air for combustion. Finally, the gas combusts and produces a safe, clean-burning flame that looks and feels just like a wood-burning fire.

Placing fire media — these include logs made from ceramic or other heat-resistant materials — into a gas fireplace further contributes to the illusion.

Benefits of Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces have been growing in popularity because they are more sustainable than traditional options. They burn cleanly and produce fewer emissions. Gas fireplaces enable you to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying a cozy atmosphere and the charm of a wood fire.

Other benefits of gas fireplaces include:

• Cleanliness: Gas options don’t create a mess, as there is no ash, soot or smoke. They can stay cleaner for longer without requiring much effort.
• Energy efficiency: Wood-burning fireplaces are inefficient at heating your home as much of the heat they create gets lost through the chimney. Gas fireplaces are highly efficient as they offer direct heat. Many units also feature a thermostat that automatically turns off the flames once the room reaches a comfortable temperature, helping to minimize energy consumption.
• Enhanced safety: Gas models tend to be safer because they don’t involve shooting embers or open flames. They are also designed with safety features such as glass fronts or metal screens, providing greater peace of mind.

How to Use a Gas Fireplace

In addition to the above benefits, gas fireplaces are convenient to use as they eliminate the need to purchase or chop and store firewood. The exact method for using a gas fireplace will depend on its model:

• Control panel: Many gas fireplaces will have a control panel to light and manage the flames. This panel will have a knob that reads “on,” “off” and “pilot,” as well as a button that is the ignition switch.
• Key: Other gas models require a metal key to start the gas flow and light the flames. According to most state building codes, a gas shut-off valve or keyhole must be located near the unit, such as on the floor or a wall.
• Wall switch or remote: Gas fireplaces with remotes or switches use electricity to start and control the flames. To create a fire, just push a button or flip a switch.

Always read the owner’s manual before igniting your fireplace and follow the appropriate safety measures listed.

Types of Gas Fireplaces

Along with a wide variety of gas fireplaces to choose from, there are also various venting systems.

Venting Systems

Whether powered by wood or gas, most fireplaces need a venting solution to circulate fresh air and remove toxic combustion byproducts from your home.

Gas fireplaces have three types of venting systems:

• Natural vent: Also known as B-vent fireplaces, this system uses your home’s air for combustion and carries exhaust gases outside via a chimney or pipe.
• Direct vent: Gas fireplaces have a sealed combustion system that uses two pipes — one draws in air from the outside used for combustion, and the other sends exhaust gases outside.
• Vent-free: These fireplaces burn gas extremely cleanly and do not need venting.

Fireplace Types

There are four main types of gas fireplaces, and most are available with different venting systems:

• Insert fireplace: These inserts fit into an existing wood-burning fireplace opening, enabling you to create a more modern aesthetic and optimized function.
• Built-in fireplace: These are built into a wall and don’t need an existing fireplace or chimney, so they are customizable and efficient.
• Stand-alone fireplaces: Since these units are freestanding, your placement options are almost limitless.
• Log sets: These are bundles of ceramic logs with a gas burner pan placed into your existing fireplace to create realistic-looking flames.

Choosing the Right Gas Fireplace

With so many variations, selecting the ideal gas fireplace is crucial. There are three main considerations.

1. Budget

On average, installing a gas fireplace costs between $2,300 and $10,000, depending on the size, venting system, labor and materials needed:

• Logs sets are one of the most budget-friendly choices.
• Vent-free fireplaces are usually more affordable than vented or direct-vent models because the latter requires professional installation.
• Built-in fireplaces cost more than inserts, as installing them can involve major renovations.
• Stand-alone fireplaces vary in price as they are available in various sizes and styles.

2. Natural Gas vs. Propane

Both propane and natural gas are mostly domestically produced fuels. The most significant difference for homeowners is that propane is compressed into a liquid and sold in canisters or delivered to a permanent storage tank. Natural gas is delivered to homes through a pipeline — this can be a serious limitation, as these pipelines are only available in select highly populated areas.

Fuel cost is another key factor when deciding between natural gas and propane. While natural gas might seem cheaper, the actual cost will depend on your usage and where you live.

Propane is more than twice as efficient as natural gas when it comes to heating your home. Rather than simply comparing price per gallon or pound, you should consider each fuel’s heating capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which gauge heating efficiency. Propane has a BTU of 2,500 per cubic foot, whereas natural gas only has a rating of 1,030 per cubic foot. With a higher rating, propane will heat your home much more efficiently than natural gas, so you will spend less over time.

3. Vented vs. Ventless

Although gas fireplaces don’t create smoke like their wood-burning counterparts and produce much less emissions, their flames still emit certain byproducts. Vented fireplaces direct these pollutants outside, while ventless fireplaces are designed to produce as few emissions as possible to keep your living space safe.

A benefit of vent-free fireplaces is that they can be installed anywhere. They are also more efficient than other models — all the heat they create stays in the room. Due to their nature, manufacturers design vent-free models to burn much cleaner.

Installation Process

Once you have selected a model and decided on a location, the next step is installation. Since most states have strict building codes regarding fireplaces, you should always hire a professional to ensure the system is set up correctly and any pipes are properly connected.

The installation process will differ based on the model:

• Adding vented inserts into an existing fireplace can take up to six hours.
• A vent-free fireplace may only take up to four hours.
• Built-in fireplaces can be a two-day undertaking.

Maintenance Tips

Even though gas fireplaces are low maintenance, you still need to care for your fireplace:

• Clean the glass: Lightly wipe away dirt or dust using a soft cloth.
• Clean the interior: Remove dust and debris with a broom or vacuum.
• Replace batteries: Put new batteries in your remote at least once a year.

You should also schedule an appointment with a certified service technician to clean your logs as needed and inspect your fireplace once a year.

Heat Your Home With Foster Fuels

Whether you want to convert an existing fireplace or add a beautiful feature to an empty wall, our Hearth & Home catalog has a fireplace suited to your needs.

Once you have chosen a fireplace, Foster Fuels can help with all your fuelling needs. For over 100 years, we have been a trusted fuel partner for Virginia residents.

Our friendly drivers will deliver propane wherever you are, and our auto-fill program helps ensure you’re always supplied with fuel to create a warm atmosphere.

If you have questions about the fireplaces in our catalog or want to know more about our propane services, contact us today!