Is it OK to leave a gas fireplace on all night?

You can leave a gas fireplace on all night, but it will consume energy that could be costly. It is best to use your gas fireplace in situations where you will directly benefit from the heat it generates, such as when you are in the same room.

How do gas fireplaces work?

Gas fireplaces work by burning gases in a controlled fireplace environment behind flame retardant glass. Ventilation from outdoors helps support the combustion of the gas to keep your house warm and comfortable while also providing radiant and convection heating similar to an open fire.

Are gas fireplaces good for heating?

The heating ability of a gas fireplace depends on the size of the space and the heat output of the model you have. Gas fireplaces are great for providing direct heat and can be an excellent supplementary heat source when combined with other forms of heating sources.

What is a gas fireplace insert?

A gas fireplace insert is a low-cost option that can be added to an existing fireplace to convert it to a gas fireplace.

Are gas fireplaces ventless?

Ventless gas fireplaces do not require a vent or chimney because it uses indoor air to assist the combustion of the gas. However, other types of gas fireplaces like top vented and direct vent would require vents. Ventless gas fireplaces exhaust gases into your home, so it is recommended you install a carbon monoxide detector.

Do gas fireplaces need logs?

Logs are not necessary for gas fireplaces and are optional, although one can purchase a ceramic log that can be placed inside to give the appearance of a wood fireplace.

Are gas fireplaces used outdoors?

Outdoor gas fireplaces can be a great addition to outdoor living spaces that provide a welcoming outdoor environment for spending quality time with family and friends or cooking.

What is needed to install a gas fireplace?

To install a gas fireplace, you need the fireplace unit and a gas line at the location you wish to install the fireplace. You'll require a professional to install a gas line and the actual unit itself.

Do gas fireplaces need to be serviced?

Compared to other types of fireplaces, gas fireplaces require much less maintenance. Typically, you should have your gas fireplace serviced or cleaned once per year, depending on the frequency of use. A qualified technician can administer a leak test on your gas fireplace and also check its operating efficiency. Frequent cleaning in your home is also important as dust and debris can cause the motor, fan, or burner to malfunction.

How much do gas fireplaces cost?

The cost of a gas fireplace depends on the type to be installed, the size, and if you have an existing wood fireplace that you may be looking to convert to gas. Top vented gas fireplace inserts cost approximately $750 - $3000 and another $500 – $1000 to install. Direct-vent gas fireplaces cost $1000 - $3500 and $500 - $1000 to install. Ventless gas fireplaces are typically between $500 - $2500. Other costs include installation of a gas line that can vary between $500 - $2000 and wiring costs between $150 - $300.

Do you need a chimney for a gas fireplace?

If you are installing a ventless gas fireplace, a chimney will not be necessary as they rely on indoor air for the combustion of the gases.

Does a gas fireplace increase your gas bill?

Gas fireplaces can cost up to four times less than gas furnaces but at the cost of not being able to heat your entire home as efficiently.

Does a gas fireplace add value to a house?

The addition of a gas fireplace can undoubtedly add value to your home. You are potentially raising the resale value of your home by as much as 6% - 12%.

Can I leave my gas fireplace on unattended?

You can leave a gas fireplace unattended. However, you may be wasting energy and money if you are not directly benefiting from the heat it is producing. It is best to use your gas fireplace in situations where you will directly benefit from the heat it generates, such as when you are in the same room.

Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas fireplace?

A gas fireplace does produce carbon monoxide but in much lower quantities than a wood-burning fireplace. To monitor the levels in your home, install a carbon monoxide detector to alert if you are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is it cheaper to run the furnace or gas fireplace?

When comparing the cost of running a furnace or a gas fireplace, it is important to consider the size of the space you are heating. A furnace is more efficient at heating an entire house due to its ability to generate more heat and distribute it evenly throughout. On the other hand, a gas fireplace is a more direct source of heat as it uses less energy to generate heat for a smaller area.

Learn about Gas Fireplace

A fireplace that burns natural gas or propane, with the look of a wood stove, and often using a home's chimney as its exhaust pipe.

When choosing a gas fireplace, consider your choices of ventless, top vent, or direct vent. Ventless gas fireplaces don’t require a chimney or vent, but they are known to harm your indoor air quality. Vents, especially chimneys, require maintenance, they result in heat loss, and they often negatively impact your house insurance and value. As with any fireplace ownership, install a carbon monoxide detector to monitor your home’s air quality.

Energy Star does not cover gas fireplaces, but you can look for other voluntary energy efficiency ratings, such as the EnerGuide efficiency rating (in Canada), or the Enerchoice label. To carry an Enerchoice label, a gas fireplace must have an efficiency greater than 61 to 66%, depending on the type. Heat pumps and high-efficiency gas furnaces have lower energy costs per unit of heat delivered. Check your unit’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) - the higher the better.

A gas fireplace gives the pleasing aesthetic and warmth of a fire, without the need to carry wood, and can have a higher energy efficiency than a wood stove. But it is fueled with a non-renewable fossil fuel, and has much lower efficiency than a high efficiency gas furnace. Most gas fireplaces range between 30 and 70% efficient, while a high efficiency condensing gas furnace can easily be over 90% efficient.

The love of watching a fire runs deep and wide in human culture. A post-modern equivalent is the LED fireplace, a wall-mounted electric heater that uses an LED light show to create the artistic visual impression of a gas or wood fire in a hearth. There are even several long-running TV shows that consist simply of logs burning in a fireplace during the winter holiday season, including the 'Yule Log' TV program that has been aired on and off for over 50 years in the USA, and the 'Shaw Fire Log', burning on Canadian TV sets since 1986.