The Pros & Cons of Ceramic Fiber Gas Logs

Economy

• After paying the initial installation fee, gas log fireplaces run very efficiently, and at just a fraction of the cost, for the most part. On average, they cost only pennies per hour to operate. Gas log fireplaces are especially ideal for those to whom access to and storage of a woodpile would be an issue. Maintenance is greatly reduced, with gas log fireplaces requiring much less care and cleaning than a wood-burning fireplace.

Heat

• Gas logs offer a significant advantage to someone interested in choosing an alternative to "central" house heating. Vented gas logs are more aesthetically pleasing, offering a realistic flame pattern compared to ventless gas logs, which heat the room more efficiently because they have no open flue through which heat can escape. Prospective purchasers must therefore make a choice to favor appearance or efficiency.

Aesthetics

• Gas log fireplaces, while pleasing to the eye, lack some of the appeal of traditional wood-burning fireplaces. The distinctive sound of a wood-burning fireplace is absent, as are the scents and textures associated with burning fresh-cut wood. Many people also consider the presence of a woodpile and hearth tools to be part of the complete ambiance of a fireplace.

Safety

• Gas log fireplaces are safer to operate than wood-burning fireplaces, and can be operated even by children without danger. Because they do not require electricity to run, they are available as a backup heat source during a power outage. Choosing a gas log fireplace is a commitment in the sense that your fireplace is no longer usable to burn normal wood logs -- attempting to do so creates too much heat and can be dangerous. Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended for use with gas log fireplaces.