Gas vs Electric: Which Fireplace Is Best for Your Home?
A fireplace can add heaps of warmth to your house. It’s also a great way to enhance the interiors and make them look homely and snug. But there is a question on everyone’s mind – should I get a gas fireplace or an electric one? Gas and electric fireplaces are great choices for those who don’t have a chimney. Since these fireplaces don’t require wood for burning, they are quite easy to fuel. Nonetheless, it still confuses you whether to choose an electric one or a gas one. Electric fireplaces are safer and cheaper than gas fireplaces. However, gas fireplaces produce a lot more heat and are aesthetically pleasing as well. Want to know more? An elaborate post discusses the differences between gas and electric fireplaces. For some people, the electric one would work and for others, it’s the gas one that makes more sense. Also, it depends on the budget as well. Keep reading to find out more as to what would suit your requirements.
Highlighting the Differences Between Electric and Gas Fireplaces
Both electric and gas fireplaces are designed to keep the house snug and warm. However, both fireplaces have certain differences too. The main difference between the two is that gas fireplaces need natural gas to create a flame, and electric fireplaces need to be plugged into a power outlet to radiate heat and give out a fake fire. There are other differences such as safety, cost considerations, maintenance, and how well it heats your house or any space that you would like to keep warm and snug. Let’s figure out the key differences between the two.
Gas Fireplace – Pros and Cons
Gas fireplaces need a natural gas connection as well as electricity to function smoothly. The reason why people choose this fireplace is that it gives a real flame, and generates more heat, and even if there is a power outage, you can still use the fireplace. The best part about gas fireplaces is that they’re energy-efficient. These days there are major threats to the environment which is why we need to embrace different changes to protect Mother nature. Gas fireplaces do not cause any major threat to the environment. As for the negative aspects, the initial cost of setting up this fireplace is high. The actual flame may also cause a fire risk which people try to avoid. Moreover, the gas tank installation is overall challenging and highly expensive too. We know that gas fireplaces look surreal at home as compared to electric fireplaces. On second thoughts, it’s closest to the fireplaces you see in most homes that have a chimney. The aesthetic appeal and the energy efficiency are what make people choose gas fireplaces. Just in case you are opting for a gas fireplace, you have to ensure not to keep flammable items near the fireplace. Pets and children should not come close to this because it gets too hot to touch. Gas fireplaces also produce CO which is carbon monoxide. So, overall it’s a good option as long as you follow all the precautionary measures. It’s an environmentally-friendly option.
Electric Fireplaces – The Pros and Cons
Electric fireplaces need an electrical outlet to start functioning. It’s fairly simple and does not need rocket-science lessons. The reason why people choose it is that it’s people-friendly. It’s safer than a gas fireplace. You just need to plug it in and it will start working immediately. Moreover, the installation is simple too as compared to gas fireplaces. Electric fireplaces are also cheaper and do not need a gas line. Also, the maintenance is quite low, so you won’t be spending a lot of time trying to repair it or keep it ship-shaped. Another positive aspect of electric fireplaces is that it doesn’t require a vent or a chimney. Gas fireplaces may or may not require a vent, but it is not needed in an electric fireplace. Here’s something: you do not need to worry about your children or pets getting too close to an electric fireplace. The downsides are a few. First, it does not create a real flame. Second, it only relies on electricity. In case of a power outage, you will be left feeling cold and chilly because it only runs on electricity, so you have to find a plan B when there is none.
What’s the Best Fit For You?
Now it all boils down to what you need in your home or any space that requires a fireplace. You know the pros and cons of both, so it will be easier to pick one out of the two. For instance, if you have children and pets at home that generally get into trouble, it is ideal for you to opt for an electric fireplace. Just in case you are not able to monitor your kids at a certain point, it will be dangerous for them to be too close to a gas fireplace. If you have a way to monitor this situation and can also spend extra money on the initial installation and upkeep costs, then a gas fireplace is aesthetically pleasing and much more effective in heating your home. Electric fireplaces are also a good option as long as you are not worried about power outages. In case there are fewer power outages in your area and you are comfortable with the no-flame heating, then an electric fireplace is a cheaper and better option.
The Final Call
As we conclude, weighing your options and then choosing is important. Electric fireplaces are safer and cheaper, whereas gas fireplaces are energy-efficient and warmer. What is your priority? If you are ready to make peace with the cons of either of them, then both are good options. You must figure out what all pros you want from a fireplace. Energy efficiency or a budgeted option? Warmth or a safer option? The ball is in your court – make a decision and get one installed soon.