Fireplaces play a vital role in many Aussie households and are available in different types, but the most popular and extensively used are wood and gas fireplaces. Both gas and wood fireplaces need different environments to work smoothly. So before buying the fireplace, you need to know which one (i.e. gas or wood) would best suit you and your loved one’s health, your home and your budget.

Here we will reveal gas and wood fireplaces, their features, buying considerations and health concerns, which will help you choose the fireplace best suited for you and your home.

How Do Gas and Wood Log Fireplaces Differ?

Wood Log Fireplaces:

Kindling is the fuel source for wood fireplaces, which can be coal, firewood or other materials that you can burn. Well, it could be a tricky thing, especially for those who are not familiar with wood fireplaces. You need to use particular kindling for a specific burning material, and the conditions must suit. The wood should be dry; else, it would not light properly and release excess smoke. You can use whole or chopped logs depending on the firebox but ensure the kindling can accommodate it.

Gas Log Fireplaces:

The flames are fuelled by natural gas or something similar in gas fireplaces. The fuel source needs to be nearby a natural gas source in your home. Maintenance of fireplace differs in wood and gas fireplaces. Wood tends to be more atmospheric, but it can produce more soot and ash than gas.

Features of Wood Fireplaces:

Wood fireplaces may differ based on their design and the materials used to make them. A wood fireplace is not necessarily the variant positioned into a wall. You can place it as part of the facade or in the middle of the room or an open brazier. Wood fireplaces can be made using concrete, clay, stone, bricks or steel. In most cases, these fireplaces have several features in common, including:

• Ventilation
• Grate, grille, or barrier
• Fire and ash containment
• Sealing cover
• Heat safety measures

Features of Gas Fireplaces:

Gas and wood fireplaces may have several common features, but they have different main features. Gas fireplaces have thermostats, temperature controls, pilot lights, a gas line and combustion systems. The different types of gas fireplaces include:

• Built-in gas fireplaces
• Gas fireplace inserts
• Gas log fireplace sets

What Should You Consider When Selecting Fireplaces?

When you’re trying to find out the type of fireplace best suited for your home, you should consider your options carefully. Yes, you can change the fireplace model later, but it may prove to be expensive. So look at both gas and wood fireplace systems carefully and think about the best solution for your home. Here are some vital points that you’ll need to consider as well:

• Location
• Effectiveness and efficiency
• Design of your property
• Type of ambience desired
• Upkeep required
• Gas line accessibility
• Where will you place it – positioning?
• Will it be easy to access?
• What will be the impact on health?
• Total costs involved

Among all the considerations, the health aspect is a vital one you should not overlook. If proper ventilation and air circulation are not there, the fumes and smoke could cause respiratory problems. Installation of the fireplaces in small rooms can also cause problems, leading to a fire hazard. Finally, you need to consider the initial and operating costs, including cleaning, maintenance and repair. Purchasing an unsuitable fireplace for your home could result in higher expenditure than required.

What Are the Health Concerns With Wood and Gas Fireplaces?

Wood fireplaces: A likely cause of health concern with fireplaces is the release of microscopic particles, particularly with wood fireplaces. Burning wood expels soot, which results in ash. If proper ventilation is not available, these particles can accrue in the air to hazardous levels.

Gas fireplaces: Incorrect installation or maintenance of gas fireplaces and their poor cleaning can lead to likely carbon monoxide poisoning. Thus, it is imperative to inspect gas fireplaces regularly.

Final Words

• Selecting a wood or gas fireplace needs careful consideration. It is vital to choose a fireplace system that suits you and your loved one’s health, your budget and would increase the value of your home.
• Both wood and gas fireplaces require different training and skills to work on. Thus, it is vital to hire the services of the right company for the quality of work and safety with regards to installation, repairs, maintenance and cleaning of the gas or wood fireplaces.

Get In Touch with Fireplace Masters

Fireplace Masters supply and install fireplaces and accessories of all prominent brands, such as Quadra-Fire, Regency, Blaze, Dimplex, Euro, Nectre, Real Flame, Masport and more. If you need help selecting the right fireplace for your home, call us at Fireplace Masters on 02 4257 5493, and we will be happy to serve you.