As the temperature drops, lots of people here in Eastern North Carolina look forward to enjoying a cozy fire in their fireplace.
However, if you’re tired of dealing with the mess and work of a wood-burning fireplace or want to upgrade to a gas fireplace, Tidewater Energy’s team of gas appliance experts can assist you. We sell top-quality Heatmaster gas fireplaces and provide safe and expert natural gas and propane fireplace installation as well as gas log installation.
We’ll assist you in choosing the best propane fireplace and gas logs for your home. Once your new fireplace is installed, we’ll help make sure that it runs safely and efficiently with regular gas fireplace maintenance and repair services.
Gas fireplaces come in two types: vent-free and direct-vent.
Direct-vent fireplaces are popular with homeowners, because they offer an attractive and realistic flame. However, they are less efficient, as a considerable amount of the heat produced is lost through the chimney or flue.
Although vent-free fireplaces provide greater heating efficiency, they may have smaller and less lifelike flames than direct-vent fireplaces do.
Vent-free fireplaces and gas logs cannot be installed in bedrooms or enclosed areas like bathrooms, because their exhaust is released into the home instead of being vented outdoors.
Before purchasing gas logs or a fireplace, it is important to check your local regulations, as some municipalities do not allow the installation of vent-free fireplaces or gas logs.
The type of gas logs you buy depends on the type of fireplace you have, whether it is direct-vent or ventless.
A gas log includes piping and a set of logs that can be made of refractory ceramic, ceramic fiber or refractory cement. These logs are available in various sizes to fit different types of fireplaces and in styles that imitate actual wood, ranging from classic oak to rustic pine to coastal driftwood.
Gas logs are a better option for heating than electric fireplaces, since they can generate up to three times more heat than a comparable electric model. Additionally, they can be customized to create the look of a wood-burning fireplace and add a cozy atmosphere.
It’s important to match the size of your gas logs with the size of your fireplace to maintain a proportional look. If the logs are too big, they will appear out of place. On the other hand, if the logs are too small, they will look inadequate. This may bother you in either case.
When choosing the size of your new gas logs, it is important to consider performance and safety. This means leaving extra space on the sides to allow for free air circulation and to prevent the gas valve from overheating.
In order for us to assist you in selecting the appropriate size of gas logs for your fireplace, please take four measurements: the front width, the back width, the depth, and the opening height. This should be done before you begin shopping for gas logs.
Safety — Although the smell of woodsmoke may be pleasing, it poses health risks due to the fine particulate matter it contains. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and respiratory problems. However, with cleaner-burning propane and natural gas, you won’t have such concerns.
Environmental friendliness — Burning wood gives off 28 pounds of smog-producing particulate emissions per million Btu’s of heat output, which is much more than the emissions produced by gas combustion. Therefore, switching to propane or natural gas can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Ease — If you have an existing fireplace, great! A gas fireplace insert, either direct-vent or vent-free, can be installed in a masonry fireplace. Adding a masonry fireplace if you don’t already have one can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you will be living in a dusty, messy construction zone for weeks. Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, can be installed in a day or two.
Design — With a propane fireplace, you can choose where you want it, whether it’s the family room, the dining room or your bedroom. There are styles of fireplaces and gas logs to fit every home.
Tidewater Energy is Eastern North Carolina’s leader for expert and safe natural gas and propane fireplace maintenance , installation and repair services. Contact us today for a FREE estimate on adding one to your home!
