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Gas FIreplace

When searching to add the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace to your home, you want to choose one that not only works well and looks great but one that is efficient. the impact your fireplace makes on energy use will depend on a variety of factors such as:

  • Energy prices
  • Type of fireplace
  • Fireplace use
  • Fireplace placement

What Types of Fireplaces Can I Choose From?

Every fireplace is different when it comes to energy efficiency. Their impact on energy use will depend on how much heat is put out that is lost.

Natural Gas Fireplace Pros and Cons

These are available in gas logs and gas inserts. With gas logs, we can set them into an existing masonry fireplace and attach them to a gas line. Typically this will feature an open front or one with glass doors that you can open. It’s important to keep in mind that most of the heat goes up and out of the chimney, with about 75% of the heat being lost.

With a gas insert, they are basically an enclosed metal box that can be installed with an existing masonry and sealing of the chimney or can be installed as a new construction without the need for a chimney. Instead, the air flows through a pipe that goes outdoors, keeping the unit closed and working more efficiently. You can expect to only lose around 20% of the heat produced by a gas insert.

Wood-Burning Fireplace Pros and Cons

While many people love the crackle of a wood fire, this is the least efficient type of fireplace for the home. With a traditional wood-burning fireplace, you are losing over 80% of the heat that is produced from your fireplace. Additionally, the chimney creates an opening where your cooled air from the AC can escape throughout the summer, making your AC less efficient as well.

Electric Fireplaces for Maximum Efficiency

The electric fireplace is the most efficient option you can choose. Since the electric fireplace is not connected to the outdoors, you only lose about 1% of the heat that it produces within the home. There is also no worry of pollution like with other options since electric fireplaces burn the cleanest.

How to Choose the Right Fireplace

Before making your decision, it is crucial to know the costs of electricity and natural gas in your area, especially if your fireplace uses a different fuel source than your current furnace.

For example, if electricity rates are up one winter and you have an electric furnace, a gas fireplace could help save your money and make your home more energy efficient.

How Does Fireplace Use and Placement Affect Efficiency?

Your cost savings will rely heavily on where you have the fireplace installed and how often you use it. It all boils down to this: If the fireplace doesn’t cut down your furnace use, it’s not saving you money.

We recommend two ways to get the most out of your fireplace. First, try zone-heating. This is where you have your fireplace installed in a high-traffic area of the home, such as the living room. This will allow you to turn down your thermostat while keeping yourself and your family comfortable.

Also, if the fireplace is installed near the thermostat, it can help to affect the thermostat’s temperature sensor and help the furnace run less.

Electric Fireplace Installation Services

If you are interested in saving on your heating bills, we recommend an electric fireplace to help you achieve that goal. To learn more about how you can save on energy costs with Ed’s Woodshed.

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