Adding a fireplace to your home provides a reliable heat source and can increase your home’s ambiance and value.
That’s true whether you pick a natural gas fireplace or wood-burning fireplace, but each type has its own benefits to consider.
OJ Insulation has been an expert in the industry throughout California for over 25 years. We understand the benefits and considerations of installing both types of fireplaces and can help you determine which is best for your needs, budget and preferences.
Schedule fireplace installation with the experts at OJ Insulation today. Call (800) 707-9278 to get started.
Pros & Cons of Gas and Wood Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces burn wood logs or after-market, artificial logs. Gas fireplaces only burn natural gas, but can do so using gas logs, burners and igniters. When determining which is right for your home, consider these key factors.
Convenience
A wood-burning fireplace requires a lot of extra work, from chopping or buying firewood to hauling and storing it. With a gas fireplace, starting a fire is as simple as pressing a button.
Customization
Both gas and wood-burning fireplaces can be customized to fit your home and style. OJ Insulation installs fireplaces and inserts from a wide range of trusted brands and manufacturers:
- Centurion
- Saber
- Cavalier
- Paris Lights
- Valiant
- Noble
- Gallant
- Rapture
- Venice Lights
- Citadel II
- Heat & Glo
- Heatilator
- Montigo
- Flare Fireplaces
- And more
Maintenance
A wood-burning fireplace produces soot, ash and burned logs. This means additional cleanup each time you use it and necessitates professional chimney cleaning and maintenance each year.
Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, don’t require the same level of cleaning and sweeping. However, it’s best to schedule an annual fireplace inspection when you schedule your routine furnace maintenance to ensure it’s working safely and properly.
Cost
If you live in a place where wood is readily available, such as a forested area, wood-burning fireplaces can be very cost-effective heat sources. If you must purchase wood, costs can add up quickly.
Gas fireplaces are powered by natural gas, which is an inexpensive fuel if your home already has a natural gas line installed.
Environment Impact
Both fireplace types have an impact on the environment: Natural gas fireplaces emit fewer pollutants, but natural gas isn’t a renewable resource. Wood-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, produce more CO2, but wood is a renewable and readily available resource.
Converting Wood-Burning Fireplaces to Gas
If your home has a wood-burning fireplace, but you prefer a gas fireplace due to their many advantages, OJ Insulation can help. Once a natural gas line is installed, you can choose from several gas fireplace types:
- Direct-vent gas fireplaces: More realistic-looking than electric fireplaces and more convenient than wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, these gas fireplaces require a chimney or vent.
- Ventless gas inserts: These are great, inexpensive options because they don’t require venting and thus don’t require any fireplace remodeling.
- Vented gas logs: This low-maintenance and visually pleasing option replaces your wood logs with artificial logs that will work with your existing masonry fireplace.
Transform your wood-burning fireplace with OJ Insulation today. Call (800) 707-9278 to get started.
Trust OJ Insulation for Fireplace Services in California
OJ Insulation delivers extensive and reliable fireplace services throughout Los Angeles, San Francisco, Monterey and Palm Springs.
We install high-quality products using exceptional craftsmanship, and we pride ourselves on conducting business with integrity, knowledge and excellence. We also offer insulation and acoustical ceiling installations.
Call OJ Insulation at (800) 707-9278 today for reliable fireplace services in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Monterey or Palm Springs.
