How to Choose a Gas Fireplace

A gas fireplace can add style and elegance to your living room. Though they lack the same aesthetic appeal as a traditional wood fire place, they are actually better at warming the house. Another advantage is that they don't have to be cleaned like a regular fireplace and there is no wood to chop.

• Assess the layout of your home. If you already have an existing wood fireplace and are looking to convert it to gas, then you will have more options and your gas fireplace will look more realistic. If there is no chimney or if it has been shut off then you will have to use a vent-free insert for your fireplace.


• Make sure that your home has available gas service. If it doesn't then a gas fireplace will not be possible for you to install. If you do have gas service then you need to take note of where your gas meter is located. The closer it is to the location you wish to have the fireplace installed, the less costly it will be for you. For example, if your gas meter is located in your basement and your bedroom is directly above it, then this will be the least expensive room to have the fireplace installed. You will want to take this into consideration especially if you are on a budget.


• Choose the style that you prefer. If you are looking for a realistic looking fireplace then using vented inserts with built-in logs is the way to go. The flames are quite colorful and closely resemble a real wood burning fireplace. If you are on a budget then the least expensive way to go is with vent-free gas logs. These logs are made of metal and the flames are usually blue just like when you turn on a gas stove. It doesn't look as realistic as the red flames, but the gas logs only cost a few hundred dollars.