04.09.14
Benefits and Maintenance of Gas Logs
Would you like to enjoy the coziness of a wood-burning fire but without the hassles involved? Gas log sets make it possible to simulate the experience with remarkable realism. More and more homeowners are enjoying the convenience and beauty of faux logs burning in a gas-powered fireplace. In previous times, gas log sets didn’t achieve a truly realistic appearance; but that has changed. Not only are fire-resistant gas logs remarkably true-to-life in appearance, but they also provide a very inexpensive way to enjoy a fire in your home. There are many styles available which will nicely complement all types of home décor.
Less Hassle. Burning wood in a fireplace is a pleasure that many enjoy, but not everyone has the time or inclination to deal with all the steps involved. Gas logs are growing in popularity because more people are realizing that they can enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without having to buy or chop firewood, store firewood, or deal with the possibility that creatures inside the logs will get inside their homes. When firewood burns, a much greater amount of creosote and soot builds up in the chimney and can cause dangerous chimney fires. While still important for safety reasons, cleanup and maintenance for gas log sets is much easier than when burning wood.
Convenient Start-up. There is no easier way to enjoy a fire in your home than with gas logs. Depending on the type of gas appliance you get, starting the fire may involve simply flipping a switch, using a remote control, or lighting one match.
Environmentally Friendly. Gas logs are a popular choice among environmentally conscious homeowners. Fewer pollutants are released into the air when you use natural gas or liquid propane instead of firewood.
Authentic in Appearance. Since the point of a gas log set is to simulate the experience of using a wood-burning fireplace, it helps that the gas logs available today looks just like real firewood. The ceramic logs are molded with forked branches, ax marks, knotholes, natural bark patterns, and other natural details. The sets include red embers that glow and flickering flames that seem to be burning the faux logs.
Wide Selection. Gas log sets can include faux logs that are a foot long up to 60” long. They are available in models that look ideal in every type of home environment, whether contemporary, traditional, rustic, shabby-chic, country, eclectic, Tuscan, or minimalist.
Choice of Vented or Vent-Free. There are vented gas log sets that require a chimney, and vent-free models, which don’t require a venting system but are not permitted in many regions of the U.S. About 90% of the heat produced in a vented gas log set goes up the chimney, which is about the same efficiency rate as an old-fashioned fireplace. Vent-free gas log sets produce more heat. The reason a chimney is not required is that they produce about the same amount of emissions as a gas stove. As long as the appliance is installed in a room that is an appropriate size, it is safe to use. If a vent-free unit is installed in a fireplace, simply keep the damper closed.
Affordable. Gas log sets are affordable by most standards. Whichever type of gas log set you choose, the cost of the appliance can sometimes be as little as about $300.
Easy Maintenance. Gas log sets are wonderfully convenient, but regular maintenance is still very important. Gas log sets should be frequently inspected because they should not be used if there are cracks and breaks on the faux logs. Several components of gas fireplaces need to be checked routinely, to ensure safe operation.
Contact our chimney professionals for proper installation and maintenance of your gas log set.
Northeastern Chimney, Inc.
formerly Nayaug Chimney Services, LLC
37 Cody Street, West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: 860-233-5770