Choose Gas Fireplace Inserts to Warm Up Your Home

Gas fireplaces with gas logs require little cleaning or maintenance throughout the year. Because they don’t use wood, there are no ashes, partially burned logs, or soot to deal with. They do require some annual maintenance however, as well as periodic professional maintenance.

Annual Maintenance for Gas Fireplaces

Each year, you should perform these simple steps to clean your gas fireplace and ensure that it’s working properly. You can hire a professional to do it, or you can do it yourself. If you have a vented gas fireplace, there is slightly more maintenance, but it’s still manageable.

1. Turn off the gas valve, pilot light, and electrical igniter.

2. Remove the gas fireplace insert and take it outside.

3. Dust off the insert. Visually check it for cracks. Most inserts are concrete, so you shouldn’t see cracks, but call a professional if you spot any or see excessive wear around the gas release valves.

4. Dust and vacuum the fire box.

5. Remove the glass doors. Clean them with vinegar and water or glass cleaner. If the doors have developed a white film or fog, buy a special glass door cleaner to remove it.

6. Inspect the lines and valves for cracks and wear. Make sure all the connections are tight.

7. Reassemble the fireplace. Relight the pilot and perform a 30-minute test burn to ensure all parts are working properly.

Professional Maintenance for Gas Fireplaces

In addition to the annual maintenance you can perform yourself, you should have your gas fireplace inspected by a professional periodically. Manufacturers recommend once a year, but every two to three years should be sufficient unless you use the fireplace heavily.

At the visit, the technician will perform all of the above maintenance. He’ll also check the pilot and electrical igniter, valve pressure, log position, electrical connections, and heat exchange. In addition, he’ll test for gas leaks, inspect the chimney for cracks, and inspect the flue for rust caused by moisture in the gas.

If necessary, the technician will replace parts, replace the embers that wear out faster than the logs, and repaint the interior to correct any heat-induced discoloration.

Although gas fireplaces require less maintenance than wood-burning fireplaces, they’re not maintenance-free. Perform these checks annually and schedule periodic service visits to ensure your safety and the proper function of your fireplace.

By: Lisa Becker

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Everyone loves the sound of crackling logs and the red glow of golden embers. Not everyone wants to deal with the headaches of a wood-burning fireplace, though. In this era of endless multi-tasking, who has time to chop wood and kindle flames? Thanks to the new generation of gas fireplace logs, you don’t have to. It is now possible to have quite realistic “wood” fires, without the wood.

Today’s gas fireplace logs are designed to look as close to real wood as possible. Though they are made of ceramic, ceramic fiber or concrete, they are created to simulate real wood. Most even come with such authentic touches as ax marks and knots. These real-looking gas fireplace logs, combined with the more genuine looking flames of many fireplaces, unite to make a fireplace that is very close to wood-burning in looks and warmth.

Gas fireplace logs can be installed in most masonry fireplaces, prefabricated wood-burning fireplaces, and ventless fireplaces. Gas fireplace logs come as either vented or ventless—make sure you use the appropriate kind for your fireplace. Vented gas and direct gas fireplaces come equipped with factory installed logs. Generally, these cannot be changed.

Gas fireplace logs are available at many online outlets including the following. Home of Décor features a very helpful FAQ section, in addition to an excellent selection of gas fireplace logs. Elite Deals offers an assortment of Peterson Real Fyre Gas Logs. Peterson logs come with high definition bark and natural colors.
Home Click offers a variety of vent free and ventless gas fireplace logs. Stove City offers fireplace logs and accessories at wholesale prices.

A search for “gas fireplace logs” on any search engine will uncover numerous companies offering gas logs. You can compare features and prices and the click of a mouse. Before you purchase logs, find out if your area requires any special testing or certification of gas logs.

By: Eric Morris

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Many people want the atmosphere and ambiance of having a fireplace but don’t want to mess with chopping wood or hauling ashes outside. Here are some of our common questions and answers about gas fireplaces to help you decide if this is the best option for your home and family.

Can I convert my wood burning fireplace into one that works with gas?

Yes. There are manufacturers who make gas fireplace inserts designed specifically for this purpose. Be sure to ask your vendor to verify your chosen style will work that way. But it is definitely possible and often quite simple.

Can I do my own installation?

Yes, although we usually recommend that if you don’t have any experience with this type of thing or aren’t the handyman type then you should have a professional do it for you. In some areas the housing codes require that a professional do the installation so be sure to check with your local authorities to be sure.

I don’t have any open wall space, can you tell me my best options?

The obvious solution is to make space, but beyond that we strongly suggest getting a corner fireplace. They’re perfect designed just for corners, take up very little space and are just as beautiful as those which sit flat against the wall.

Are there any hidden costs?

Typically when you buy a gas fireplace it comes with everything you need except the venting, gas lines and sometimes the grills for the inside. As with any product line there are custom accessories you can purchase, but they are not required in order to make the fireplace function.

Can I convert my propane fireplace to natural gas or do I have to buy a new one?

Check with your specific vendor, but many of them can be converted to natural gas if that fuel source is now cheaper in your area. It definitely pays to evaluate the costs of your fuel choices (primarily propane or natural gas) as there can be wide differences in price.

If I lose electrical power in my home will the fireplace still run?

It will if the fireplace has its own standing pilot installed. For many units this comes standard. In these cases there is no electric source required so it will function in the event of a power outage, making it an excellent heat source that is reliable and available during winter storms.

By: Alana Tanner

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By: Simon P Smith

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Fireplaces not only provide warmth but also add class to a home. It is an element that most house owners prefer to have. Traditional wood-burning masonry fireplaces have an irreplaceable charm. There is however an increasing concern in the quality of air circulated indoors due to the burning of wood. Owing to this, gas fireplaces have taken over as a favored alternative. They are energy efficient, are economical to maintain and can be installed anywhere.

Traditional wood burning, masonry fireplaces are simple in their construction. They do not require replacement of many parts. The only major requirements are wood to burn the fire, and a cleaning rod to dust out the carbon that gets accumulated in the chimney. There are various cleaning agencies that undertake the job of cleaning up the carbon-laden chimneys.

Gas fireplaces operate on gas or propane without emitting smoke or noxious fumes. The chimney and burn unit do not require constant cleaning. However, it needs attention in order to be kept in top operating condition. Most gas fireplace units feature a thermostat or remote control along with a fan kit for optimal heat circulation and maximum energy efficiency. The fan kit is an important element that needs special attention. The fireplace would come to a cold halt if the kit were clogged. The gas required for heating is passed through pipes. The pipes must be regularly replaced to avoid any leaks. The service agreement with the company usually includes the replacement of these parts.

Fireplace parts are available online. There are many companies that specialize in parts for Gas fireplaces. They also provide parts to enhance the look of the fireplace like mantels, blowers and other trim kits.

By: Eric Morris

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Dimplex electric insert fireplaces are ideal for you to purchase, especially with the cost of rising gas fuel. The electric fireplace will not only heat your room because there are so many attractive designs to choose from they will add a touch of elegance to any room.

Modern technology has moved on greatly over the years and with the invention of the modern electric fireplace that dimplex has to offer, these heating units are terrific value. If you have a room where you would like to install one, don’t forget to turn down the thermostat in the house, this will help to cut down your gas bill and save you money.

Dimplex electric insert fireplaces are easy to install as long as you have an electric plug outlet nearby. There is no installation mess involved or major refurbishments needed to your home. The fireplace can sit quite comfortably against any wall in the room of your choice.

The fireplaces are ready assembled and are lighter than they look; this is great because it gives you the chance to move it to a different room at a later date if you wish to. If you decide to purchase one, you will have a beautiful portable fireplace that saves you money as well.

There is without a doubt a fantastic feature with the dimplex electric insert fireplace, and that is the way the flames move when the fire is switched on. Those family and friends when first walking into the room will be deceived into thinking it is a real working fire.

The fireplaces themselves come in a variety of styles, and colors offering you the chance of various options with all the different fires. Thermostats on all the fires come as standard, this will allow you to control the temperature. Also, some come with a switch to turn off the heat, leaving you the option of just having the flame glowing.

By: Blake Allen

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Needless to say, most of us dream of a home where a beautiful and charming fireplace cozies up a room. Many of us dream of bitter cold days and nights which can be warmed up by a glowing and romantic fire. While most of us would love to have such fixtures in our homes, not everyone can actually afford to have even one. The price of construction and available space are all factors that block us from having fireplaces. In these modern times, however, we are blessed with such innovations that allow us to create our homes the way we want to regardless of the limited budget and space. One such solution is gel fireplace inserts.

Gel fireplace inserts can now be easily bought from home shops and even from online stores. You can easily order them and there would be no problem of constructing a whole new traditional fireplace. Making use of the various FP inserts does not only provide most with the chance to have their own fire and hearth even without being wealthy but it also allows smaller houses or smaller rooms to have the warmth and fire they deserve.

One great advantage to gel FP inserts is the fact that they are portable. They can be bought as is and they can be easily set up in any kind of room. If you want to transfer the fireplace insert, then you just do so as it is not permanently fixed on a corner or a wall of your home. For this reason, fireplace inserts are in high demand because they provide you with the flexibility of decorating your home the way you want to.

Another advantage to the gel-based FP inserts is that they do not produce any kind of unhealthy smoke or soot. Unlike coals or the usual wooden logs which produce smoke and release carbon monoxide, gel fireplace inserts are made in such a way that they can be vent-less. You do not need vents or chimneys because there is no smoke or soot released. For this reason too, these fireplace inserts are easier to maintain and clean. Since they are vent-less, you will also be assured of a more energy-efficient fireplace as the warmth do not escape through chimneys or vents.

Gel fireplace inserts truly provide you much more than the traditional fireplace. It is the perfect room fixture if you want cozy nights or romantic evenings. You do not need to exert much effort in making a good fire as gel fuel cans are used. These gel fuel cans are easy to turn off and can be reused if you have not consumed all of it.

Creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere as well as having comforting warmth in any room of the house is never difficult nor costly with the use of the various types of fireplace inserts. Long gone are the days when you have to have a mansion-type home to have a great looking and fully functional fireplace. With fireplace inserts that use gel fuel, you can easily have your dream of having a pretty fireplace anytime of the year.

By: Viliam V. Kanis

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Gas fireplaces have been increasing in popularity of late, especially up here in the Pacific Northwest, where it’s often cool and gray. It’s hard to beat the ease of flipping on a switch and having an instant fire.

Gas fireplaces are popular in other climates as well. For example, in Arizona, you might want the ambience of flickering flames for a romantic evening at home, but you don’t need the heat. That works fine, since gas fireplaces give you the option of operating them with the fan on or off (the fan is what’s responsible for blowing heat into the room).

If you’re reading this article you probably haven’t decided, however, if a gas fireplace is right for you. They cost anywhere from $1500 and up, and in most cases, installing one means you won’t be able to use your wood-burning fireplace any more. (Most gas fireplaces come as inserts that fit into your old firebox.) To help you decide, let’s look at the pros and cons of each:

Pros of Wood-burning Fireplaces

–You get the crackling realism of a true fire.

–You can practice your fire-building skills every time you want some extra heat.

–They can bring the family together during a power outage.

Cons of Wood-burning Fireplaces

–You have to haul the wood inside, often up stairs.

–You have to clean ashes out of the hearth regularly.

–It takes time to build a regular fire, and then it’s a bad idea to leave the house or go to bed as long as it’s still burning, so you’re committed to a fire for hours.

–Much of the heat goes up the chimney, because wood-burning fireplaces are not energy efficient.

Pros of Gas Fireplaces

–You can have warmth and a fire at the flick of a switch.

–They are energy efficient and warm up a room quickly.

–You don’t need to worry about chimney sweeps, creosote, and chimney fires.

Cons of Gas Fireplaces

–Though the flames on many gas fireplaces today are quite realistic, you don’t have the sound of crackling wood and the genuine feel of a fire.

–Potential homebuyers who haven’t been turned on to the comfort and ease a gas fireplace provides, may prefer a traditional wood-burning hearth.

As you can see, there are arguments for both sides. Is a gas fireplace better than a wood-burning unit? This is something that depends on the tastes of the fireplace-user. It’s really up to you and your preferences as to whether you want one over the other.

As someone with two gas fireplaces in the house, I will say that many people don’t realize just how wonderful they are until they’ve owned one themselves. We started with one upstairs, and soon after installed the second in our downstairs fireplace. You just can’t beat the convenience of getting out of bed on a cold morning and snapping on the gas fireplace, so you can warm your buns while you dress. And many of today’s models have remote controls and automatic timers, so you can program the fireplace to turn on ten or fifteen minutes before your alarm goes off, or you can have the unit turn off after you’ve gone to sleep. You just don’t get that kind of immediate satisfaction with a wood-burning unit.

And, if you’re still drawn to the idea of a wood fire, there’s always the backyard. Outdoor fire pits are increasingly popular these days.

By: TC Thorn

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