How a Gas Fireplace Can Help You Survive the Winter
In the colder months, keeping warm at home is top of mind for most of us. And while we often think of a gas fireplace as something to enjoy during the fall and winter months, they’re also perfect for combating cabin fever when it’s freezing outside! If you want to upgrade your home this winter, adding a gas fireplace insert may be just what you need to beat those chilly blues. While there are a variety of different types of fireplaces you can install in your home, a gas fireplace offers some unique benefits that other types may not.
In this blog post, we explore everything you need to know about installing a gas fireplace in your home — and why it could be exactly what you need to survive the winter!
A Quick Overview of Gas Fireplaces
Before we get into the details of gas fireplaces, let’s first take a brief look at what they actually are. A gas fireplace is a heating appliance that features a gas burner inside of a decorative case. You can use the gas burner to produce a flame and then transfer that heat to the surrounding air. You can find gas fireplaces in a variety of styles and designs, including freestanding units as well as those that are built into your walls or ceilings. A freestanding gas fireplace is designed to be placed in a fireplace or fireplace opening. This will typically be in the center of a room. Many of these freestanding models can also be used in other rooms of the home, like an upstairs family room or living room. If you’re looking to add some warmth to a room without blocking the view, built-in gas fireplaces are a great option. They’re designed to be placed inside of a wall or ceiling and can give your room a bit more architectural interest.
Why Install a Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces are popular choices for homeowners because they offer a few key advantages over other types of fireplaces — advantages that can really come in handy during the colder months! First off, when you’re installing a gas fireplace, you don’t need to worry about making room for a wood-burning fireplace. This makes it a great fit for smaller homes where a traditional fireplace may not be an option. Gas fireplaces are also incredibly easy to control and maintain. You can easily turn them on or off with just a push of a button, and many models offer electronic ignition for added convenience. Lastly, gas fireplaces are a great option if you have indoor pets or if your home has young children. While there are a variety of ways to keep your home warm year-round, gas fireplaces are a sensible choice for households with furry family members or curious kids who might get too close to a fire.
How to Install a Gas Fireplace?
Installing a gas fireplace is a pretty straightforward DIY project. Once you decide which model is right for your home, you’ll need to make sure you have the right amount of clearance for the exhaust. You also need to make sure the location you choose is safe; avoid installing the fireplace above or near anything that can catch fire. Gas fireplaces are generally pretty lightweight, so they’re a good choice if you need to install the fireplace on a higher level in your home. The first step is to install a gas line so the fireplace can draw fuel. Make sure to hire a professional to install the line and connect it to your appliance if you’re not comfortable doing so yourself. Once the line is installed, you can install the fireplace itself. You can mount it on the wall or place it on a stand or other type of support structure.
Benefits of a Gas Fireplace Insert
Gas fireplace inserts are the most common type of gas fireplace because they’re designed to fit inside of an existing fireplace or fireplace opening. These inserts are designed to be installed during or after a home renovation. If you have an old fireplace that you don’t use, you can have a fireplace insert installed inside. They’re also a good option if you want to add a fireplace to a room that doesn’t have an existing fireplace. Gas fireplace inserts are often attractive and modern in design, so they’re a good option if you want to add some style to your home without compromising on safety or functionality. You can find gas fireplace inserts in a variety of sizes, which makes them a good choice for a wide range of homes.
Installing a gas fireplace: FAQ
- What are the benefits of a gas fireplace over a wood-burning fireplace? Gas fireplaces are cleaner and easier to operate than wood-burning fireplaces. They don’t require any wood
- Burning or other special skills, and they don’t produce any messy ashes or dust.
- Is it necessary to hire a professional to install a gas fireplace?
- Yes, it is necessary to hire a professional to install your gas fireplace. They will make sure the fireplace is installed correctly, and they will also make sure the gas line is installed and connected to the right place.
- Is it necessary to have a professional inspect my fireplace? While it isn’t necessary to hire a professional to inspect your fireplace, it is a good idea. An inspector can make sure the fireplace is in good shape and that it works properly. They can also tell you if you need to do anything to make it safe, like adding a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Why do gas fireplaces require clearance from combustible materials? Gas fireplaces release combustion gases that could ignite flammable materials. The National Fire Protection Association recommends at least 5 feet of clearance from any wall or ceiling.
- How do I know if my home is safe for a gas fireplace? Gas fireplaces are safe for most homes as long as they have enough clearance. However, they’re not recommended for houses with very little clearance.
- What is BTU and why is it important when choosing a gas fireplace?
- BTU stands for British Thermal Units. It’s a measurement used to indicate how much heat a fireplace produces. The higher the number, the more heat the fireplace will produce.
Conclusion
A gas fireplace can be a really great addition to any home, especially one that doesn’t have an existing fireplace or fireplace insert. It’s also a good option if you need to add a fireplace to a room that doesn’t have an opening or if you want a clean, modern design that doesn’t require burning logs. With all the benefits of a gas fireplace plus the fact that it keeps your home nice and warm during the winter months, it’s easy to see why a gas fireplace is a popular choice for homeowners!