With winter nipping at Toronto’s heels, it is natural that thoughts turn to fireplace – specifically gas fireplaces. Although wood burning fireplaces used to be the gold standard when it came to cachet and mood enhancement, they are now banned in many municipalities and most new construction will only include gas fireplaces. The reasoning is simple: wood is very polluting and much less efficient than gas.
Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the classic wood fireplace and the contemporary gas ones.
Wood fireplaces, aside from their charm release far more pollutant emissions particulate per MMBtus than gas. They lose a lot of heat up the chimney and if not vented properly will actually suck the air out of a room instead of warming it up. Wood fireplaces will also require an annual cleaning of your chimney to clear it of creosote and other undesirable residue. Such cleanings are essential as any build is a fire hazard. On the pro side, wood burning fireplaces can be very fragrant depending on the type of wood you use.
Gas fireplaces are far more efficient and much easier to maintain that wood burning ones and even cost less in the long run. A gas service will fill your tank up as needed and service it as well ensuring that you are always stocked for winter. They also lose far less heat up a chimney and can include fans that blow heat directly into the room thereby increasing their effectiveness.
Fireplaces will always have plenty of appeal and are consistently ranked among the top three features that home buyers look for. Regardless of the kind you have in your home, you will certainly get years of enjoyment out of it.
Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the classic wood fireplace and the contemporary gas ones.
Wood fireplaces, aside from their charm release far more pollutant emissions particulate per MMBtus than gas. They lose a lot of heat up the chimney and if not vented properly will actually suck the air out of a room instead of warming it up. Wood fireplaces will also require an annual cleaning of your chimney to clear it of creosote and other undesirable residue. Such cleanings are essential as any build is a fire hazard. On the pro side, wood burning fireplaces can be very fragrant depending on the type of wood you use.
Gas fireplaces are far more efficient and much easier to maintain that wood burning ones and even cost less in the long run. A gas service will fill your tank up as needed and service it as well ensuring that you are always stocked for winter. They also lose far less heat up a chimney and can include fans that blow heat directly into the room thereby increasing their effectiveness.
Fireplaces will always have plenty of appeal and are consistently ranked among the top three features that home buyers look for. Regardless of the kind you have in your home, you will certainly get years of enjoyment out of it.
