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A warm room feels cozier, especially during cold winters. Installing a fireplace is a great way to maintain warm temperatures in your home or office.
Imagine wanting to watch a movie overnight but you can’t just because it is too chilly? If you already have a wood fireplace and you’re looking to upgrade or you want to add a new one in your home, gas fire pits are a contemporary option.
This is because gas burning fireplaces are cleaner and more efficient compared to the traditional wood stoves and can add more ambiance to your home. However, to get the right unit, there are key factors you need to consider.
You need to identify where you will install the unit, as this could impact your home’s style. If you have an existing space like a masonry fireside you can make it your first option.
All you need is to fit your gas unit into the existing space. On the other hand, if you plan on building a new fire space into an exterior wall, consider a linear built-in fireplace.
These options are ideal for homes without an existing fireplace or chimney. Also, your gas fireside should be located away from flammable materials to reduce fire risks.
The type of ventilation in your home is a crucial factor when installing a gas fireside. The two main types of ventilation systems are vented and vent-free systems.
Vented models come with a sealed combustion system that helps to improve indoor air quality by expelling smoke outside and letting in fresh air into the fireplace. By expelling byproducts outdoor, vented systems eliminate the risk of gas poisoning.
Plus, it is an ideal option for homes with an exterior wall. In contrast, their counterpart does not exhaust byproducts outdoor which can be hazardous. See this link to read more insight https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-install-a-gas-fireplace/
The heating capacity of an appliance is determined by the amount of usable heat it produces. Moreover, it is measured by the British thermal unit (Btu).
On average, gas fireplaces produce a heat output of approximately 7,000 to 60,000 Btus. Nevertheless, these amounts may vary depending on factors like your home style, your geographic location, window quality, age among others.
For example, if you plan on heating the entire room, then a gas unit with a high heating capacity might be appropriate. On the other hand, if you’re more into home aesthetics, a medium or low heating appliance will do.
There are multiple styles of gas fireplaces to choose from. You can choose between a modern built-in linear fireside, a stand-alone stove, or a traditional stone insert.
It is also equally important to consider the architectural and interior décor of your home when selecting a gas appliance in addition to the available space.
Choosing an appliance that blends well with your style can bring ambiance into your home and help enhance the overall appearance.
You may choose to use manufactured logs to bring out the more realistic flame or select contemporary flames for an electric style.
Aside from the initial buying price, find out also the overall cost of owning the appliance before opting for a particular one. While a large fireplace might have a higher heating capacity, it may not deliver the required energy efficiency.
This is why you should consider purchasing the right-sized unit. Likewise, direct vented appliances have higher energy efficiency compared to gravity vented ones. Ask your dealer about the cost of running a fireplace in terms of the heat it produces per hour.
A good and reputable dealer will help you identify the right appliances with regards to energy efficiency, ventilation type, and design.
It is also worth noting that prices of gas fireside may vary depending on the design, brand, quality among others. It is always important to have a well-planned budget to avoid impulse buying. Also, be sure to include the installation cost in your budget.
Every buyer wants to see value for their money after they have purchased a product. Fortunately, adding a fireplace to your home can increase your home value in the event you want to sell it in the future.
According to research, most home buyers find homes with fireside more desirable and this can be a good thing for sellers. Click here to see a few questions you should consider asking when getting yourself a gas fireplace.
Conclusion
Aside from having a fireside hearth to keep your house warm, you need to have the right one. A good gas fireplace will help you save on energy bills and also ensure your home receives continuous heat. That said, you should carefully consider your budget, ventilation requirements, aesthetics, and operation efficiency among other factors when marketing for a gas heating system. If you ‘rent sure where to begin your search it is smart to do your research and get referrals from pros.