Tips for Purchasing a Gas Fireplace

Are you thinking about adding a gas fireplace to you home? Or perhaps you’re building a new home and considering having one installed? Whatever the case, once you add a fireplace to your list of desired amenities, it’s usually there to stay. And you aren’t alone. According to the National Association of Homebuilders, fireplaces are one of the top three features new homeowners want. When purchasing a gas fireplace, it’s smart to do your research. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics, helping you to choose the best gas fireplace for your lifestyle and home.

Gas fireplaces are factory-built fireboxes with specialized venting systems that can be vented in a variety of ways. Direct-vent gas fireplaces are the most popular because they are convenient and safe, with sealed combustion systems that protect indoor air quality by drawing outside air for the fire and expelling 100 percent of combustion exhaust and byproducts outside the home. Since it’s a complicated topic, we created a full explainer on fireplace venting. Check it out if you’d like more information on the technical specs!

Direct vent gas fireplaces are available in many designs, ranging from traditional to linear. With a brand like Heat & Glo, you can find the style and size fireplace to perfectly complement your home.

Operated by the flip of a switch or remote control, direct vent gas fireplaces offer the greatest convenience of all hearth products. Because they burn natural gas or liquid propane, there is no ash to clean up and maintenance is minimal. When used as zone heaters to reduce energy costs, direct-vent gas fireplaces can pay for themselves in a matter of a few years.

Wood fireplaces, especially when not being burned, pull heated room air up the chimney. That drives up fuel bills. But a gas fireplace is a sealed, closed system that draws combustion air from the outside and expels exhaust air up and out the chimney. A beautiful fire warms your room at upwards of 70 percent efficiency. No heat loss, ever! Technologies like IntelliFire and FireBrick can also significantly boost efficiencies. Some gas fireplaces even have battery backup systems so you can use your fireplace during a power outage.

You can add a gas fireplace to an existing or new construction home for around $5,000 - $8,000 (and up). Actual costs vary by area of the country, type of chimney, whether or not you need a bump-out chase and the fireplace model and surround materials you choose. You can learn more about what goes into the of a fireplace addition in this article on fireplace costs.

From bedrooms to basements to bathrooms, you’ll be surprised by how well a gas fireplace can fit almost anywhere in a house. Conversion kits are available for most gas fireplaces that will convert the fireplace from propane to natural gas, and vice versa. Installation is flexible due to zero-clearance construction, which means almost no space between the fireplace and wallboard or wood (combustible materials).

For safe and reliable installation of all hearth products, we recommend that a professional installer certified by the National Fireplace Institute perform all installation tasks. This isn’t a job for a handyman! A hearth professional is adept at obtaining necessary permits and arranging required inspections, in addition to providing a safe and seamless installation and start-up process.

Ready to take the next step? Our network of authorized dealers is standing by to help you select the very best fireplace for your space. Request a no-obligation consultation today!