Traditional fireplaces have their charm. The crackling sound of burning wood and the slight scent of ash can bring back nostalgic memories. However, the use of more modern gas fireplaces is slowly becoming more and more popular, and there are several reasons why this is happening.
Safety and Health Concerns
Modern fireplaces are a lot safer than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. There are no flying embers that can set fire to nearby curtains or leave marks on your wooden floorboards. You have absolute control of how big or how small you want your fire to be, and you can quickly turn it off with a push of a button. There are zero chances of embers reigniting and causing an accident as you sleep. Gas fireplaces also produce close to zero particulates and smoke. No scent of burning wood means no particulates entering your lungs. Particulates and smoke from burning wood can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat. Constant exposure can lead to severe conditions like bronchitis or even lung cancer.
Efficiency
Gas Fireplaces burn more efficiently, eliminating the need for additional venting. This is especially important if you’re living in an apartment where venting options can be problematic. In fact, most apartment buildings will not even allow traditional fireplaces for venting and safety concerns. Gas fireplaces are also a greener option; you don’t pollute the air or cut down trees for firewood. It takes up less space and is a lot easier to install. You don’t need to stock up on wood (which can be impractical in an apartment setting) as the standard gas line fuels your fire. Of course, you can still use fancy French mantels for your fireplace, but you don’t need an actual chimney. A modern fireplace also allows you to control the level of heat it is producing. You can connect your furnace to your thermostat and control your room’s temperature through the remote.
Cost
In an urban setting (where you can’t cut your logs), traditional fireplaces are a lot more expensive to use. The average conventional fireplace consumes around $200 a year worth of logs — more if you live in a colder climate. On the other hand, running a gas fireplace is relatively cheaper and would cost you around $60-$75 for the same length of time. You’re not stocking on wood so you’re not risking exposing your house or apartment building to termites or fungi, which can cause a lot of damage. Traditional fireplaces also cost more — a lot more. They cost two to three times the price of a gas fireplace — more if you need additional venting options. Gas fireplaces require little to no maintenance and minimal cleaning, unlike traditional fireplaces that require regular maintenance and constant cleaning.
Nostalgia should always give way to progress. Modern fireplaces are less expensive, safer, and more efficient than traditional furnaces. They are a much better fit to urban living, giving you the semblance of a traditional fireplace, with none of the problems that come with it.
