How to Choose a Gas Fireplace System
- 1). Verify that your home has natural gas service. If not, this may not be the most practical option. If you do have gas service, then check the location of your gas meter. The farther away it is from the location where you would like to install your gas fireplace, the more expensive your installation will be.
- 2). Consider your home's setup. Do you already have a wood-burning fireplace? If so, you have more choices available, and your gas fireplace will have a more natural-looking setting. If your chimney is sealed shut or otherwise inoperable, then you should choose a vent-free fireplace insert.
- 3). Consider vent-free gas logs if you are on a budget. Gas logs are essentially a set of metal logs that fit into your existing wood-burning fireplace. A gas connection is made through your chimney or wall, so that flames can be vectored in and around the logs. Most gas logs cost only a few hundred dollars.
- 4). Think about a vent-free insert if you want something that looks a little more realistic. This is an insert that fits inside of your existing fireplace. Logs are built into the insert, often with simulated coals beneath, and a blower directs the warm air into your home. If a source of heat is your primary concern, this is the way to go.
- 5). Consider a vented insert if you are seeking the most attractive option. Vented inserts are similar in appearance to vent free inserts, but they draw air in from the outside. This makes the flames much more colorful and realistic looking. However, this type of fireplace is much more expensive. With installation, it can run several thousand dollars.
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