What Are the Benefits of a Gas Fireplace?

Easy Start-Up

• Unlike a wood fireplace, which requires kindling, tinder and firewood added in stages, a gas fireplace starts with the press of a button. The process to start a wood fireplace can actually take as long as 30 minutes, while a gas fireplace starts instantly. Some gas models come with a remote control that allows you to start a fire from across the room, so you don't even have to leave your spot on the sofa to enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire.

Continuous Fuel Supply

• A fireplace that utilizes natural gas usually connects directly to your home's gas line, so there is always a continuous supply of fuel from your local utility company. With a wood fireplace, there must be logs on-hand in order to start a fire. If you run out on a cold, winter night, you must go outside and get a fresh supply. Having a wood supply in your yard also requires chopping and carrying logs inside, which can be difficult work. A gas fireplace ensures that you never have to worry about preparing or running out of fuel.

Reduced Pollution

• Compared to a wood fireplace, a gas fireplace causes fewer issues for the environment. When burned, wood gives off particulates that drift into the air and cause pollution. A gas fireplace, on the other hand, does not produce nearly as many pollutants. In fact, according to the Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association, pollution and emissions are reduced by 99 percent with a gas fireplace. Some jurisdictions actually ban wood fireplaces in new home construction and only allow wood-burning fires on certain days in an effort to reduce pollution.

Cleaner

• Because a gas fireplace does not burn wood, it does not produce soot or ash. As a result, no clean-up is necessary. Residue does not build up inside your chimney either.

Safer

• A gas fireplace is generally safer to use than a wood fireplace. Sparks or burning embers cannot fly out of a gas fireplace and ignite the room. In addition, creosote, a by-product of wood smoke, does not accumulate inside your chimney with a gas fireplace. Creosote is extremely flammable and may cause a serious fire if it is allowed to build up. Wood fireplaces may also introduce termites to your home through the logs, which can cause serious structural issues.

Cost

• While it might be a costly initial investment, a gas fireplace usually winds up paying for itself within a few years. Because you do not have to continually purchase wood, you can save quite a bit of money. In fact, according to the Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association, you can save as much as 25 percent a year if you use a gas fireplace instead of a wood-burning model.