Gas vs Wood Fireplace: Which is best

Looking for the right fireplace for your home is a big deal. 

You need to find one that is functional, can heat your home, and ticks all of the boxes when it comes to how it looks and makes you feel when you’re in the room. 

For example, are you dreaming about cozying up in front of a real wood-burning fire, hearing  the sound of the crackling wood as the flames dance about in the light? Or are you looking for a gas fireplace that looks like wood, but you can turn it on and off with a simple button on a remote? 

When it comes to choosing the right fireplace for you, it’s important to consider all of the factors and in this post, we look at these in more detail, as well as some of the pros and cons of each. 

Choosing wood fireplaces

Let’s start with what is becoming more and more popular: wood fireplaces. Imagine real wood burning, the smells and sounds that radiate throughout the room, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere. This is what a wood fire has to offer. 

Benefits of wood fireplaces:

• Creates the perfect ambiance
• Less expensive to run
• Cheaper to install
• Excellent heat production
• Both modern and traditional wood fireplace options are available 

Disadvantages of a wood fireplace:

• Emit more pollutants to the environment 
• Subject to more stringent regulations. 
• Less flexibility in customisable options 
• Have to be manually fuelled and ash has to be removed daily 
• Requires more cleaning and maintenance – labour-intensive 
• Less energy efficient 
• Fuel used must be correctly dried logs. It is not advisable, and in many cases illegal, to burn scrap timber. 

Why choose gas fireplaces?

Gas fireplaces are fast becoming the fireplace of choice due to their flexible range and the fact that they can offer much the same as a wood fire can provide but with less mess! You also have the option of natural or propane gas, and it can be either vented or ventless. 

Benefits of gas fireplaces:

• Less cleaning and maintenance required
• It emits fewer pollutants – cleaner air
• Heats your space more efficiently
• Safer to use
• More convenient to operate
• Have various lighting options included
• Can customise to suit your taste and style
• Long-lasting 

Disadvantages of a gas fireplace:

• They don’t offer the smell, sound, and feel of a real wood fire – less ambiance 
• They can be expensive to install as they require gas lines. 
• Do come with safety risks, i.e., risk of carbon monoxide poisoning 

Factors to consider 

Gas fireplaces vs. wood fireplaces – what should you consider: 

Convenience 

Gas fireplaces offer a little more convenience as they are easier to use, think remote control or a flick of a switch on the actual fireplace. You also don’t require a stack of wood to keep placing into the fire to keep the heat radiating. 

Customisation 

A range of options are available for both wood and gas fireplaces, so the choice comes down to your personal taste and style. 

From single-sided wood burners to see-through fireplaces, for gas, you have the option of circular units to create focal points and curved glass fireplaces to create open viewing and more. 

There is also the option of various frame finishing as well as grids and handle choices. 

Efficiency 

Neither gas nor wood-burning fireplaces require an electric supply, so you can be guaranteed reduced energy consumption from both. However, a gas fireplace will contribute to your overall gas bill, whereas a wood fireplace will not. 

Note: All fireplaces must meet strict safety guidelines, standards, performance, and sustainability. 

Cost 

The cost of the fireplaces will all come down to usage; however, wood fireplaces can be slightly more cost-effective but do come with drawbacks in other areas (see disadvantages of wood fireplaces). 

Installation and maintenance 

Both fireplaces should be installed by a professional. However, a gas-certified professional must install a gas fireplace. 

They will also require regular maintenance and safety checks. 

Wood fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected annually to remove any soot buildup, which can cause considerable problems. 

Safety 

Gas fireplaces can be slightly safer compared to wood fireplaces, which can see soot and ash building up and falling from the fireplace, causing fires. 

Wood fireplaces can also expose you to certain pollutants and hazardous smoke. For example, wood emits 75% more CO2 than natural gas. 

Fires by Phoenix Fireplaces 

Whether you opt for gas or wood, the right fireplace can increase the value of your home. 

Creating a warm, inviting atmosphere now you can choose the type of fire you want. Think about why you want a fireplace, what features you are looking for, and where you want to install it. 

Helping to provide you with alternative solutions to heat your home; whether you’re looking for high efficiency and an aesthetically pleasing wood fireplace or a gas fireplace that can offer you good heat output, no chimney requirements, and high efficiency, we can help with it all. 

To find out more about what we have to offer, contact us at 01562 823282 email: sales@phoenixfireplaceworld.co.uk