Flip a switch; possess fire. That’s the main element appeal of a gas fireplace insert. You enjoy real flames still, but minus the hassles of strong fuel. There is absolutely no firewood to stack, hand bags of pellets to dump, no ashes to completely clean out. The fresh air inside your house and in town stays clean, too. No question that about 70% of most hearth products-fireplaces, inserts, and artificial log sets-right now burn gas.
Unlike old ornamental gas fireplaces, today’s gas inserts are heat-producing dynamos that use gas or propane to power a reliable flame dancing on bogus logs, decorative contemporary glass chips, or stones behind a sealed glass face.
Gas inserts can be found as vented units or even unvented units.
Direct-vent models are safest. They attract outside air to help keep the flame burning up and exhaust all of the combustion gases and drinking water vapor launched by burning gas.
Ventless inserts have an increased efficiency ranking (92% to 99% vs. 60% to 80% for direct-vent inserts) because no warmth escapes upward the chimney. However the exhaust fumes and moisture launched from burning gas stay static in your house, which may be an underlying cause for concern.
Most ventless gasoline fireplace inserts are believed safe for homeowners since they consist of an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns gasoline off before carbon monoxide gets to dangerous levels inside the room. Nevertheless, some continuing states don’t allow ventless gas units.
Check your neighborhood building codes concerning the forms of fireplace inserts permitted in your area.
On the Downside
Propane can be an expensive heating gas - you won’t cut costs heating your whole home with a gas insert.
You’ll save money on gasoline or propane than you'll on solid wood or pellets to create the same level of heat.
You won’t benefit from the snap, pop, and aroma of a genuine fire.