Even after you’ve decided you’d like a fireplace, there’s still the choice of wood or gas. Before taking the plunge and making your choice, let’s take a moment to consider the difference between the two and which might be the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
It’s often the gentle crackle of burning wood that comes to mind when we think about fires in the home. Since the dawn of mankind, humans have enjoyed the soothing effect of fire, so it’s no surprise we’re drawn to wood burning fireplaces. However, a gas fire comes with plenty of benefits, too, making it just as worth your consideration.
The main things to think about when it comes to which type of fuel to choose is availability and consumption.
Availability
If you live nearby a wood, or know people locally who can offer firewood consistently, you should have no trouble with a wood-burning fireplace. Similarly, if your house can’t be connected to a gas or propane source, a gas fire is somewhat out of the question. By double checking what current types of energy your property is set up for, you can know what to look for when shopping for your dream fireplace. Most fire specialists, like stonewoods.co.uk, offer a variety of fuel types so you can find the perfect style and functionality for your home.
Consumption
Next you want to consider how much time you’re planning on spending using the fire, and how much time you’re willing to spend setting it up. With a gas fire, you’re all set to get comfortable and warm after a hard day, while a wood fire will need to be set up and started before you can relax. If you’re still not sure which is the right choice for your home, below we’ve highlighted a few benefits and characteristics for each fuel type.
Wood Fire
Wood is a natural fuel source that can reduce heating costs by up to 30%. Wood fires are typically steady and give off radiant heat and that ever so calming crackle. To start a wood fire, you’ll need kindling, paper and some expert tips. When you feel the room getting colder, you can add more fuel to the fire to increase the heat almost instantly. As well as set up, wood fires require additional servicing and chimney sweeping to ensure they are kept within safety regulations.
Gas Fire
Gas fires are also beneficial for reducing your overall heating bill, and are particularly good for warming up small zones in the house. They’re also much more convenient than a traditional wood burner as all you have to do is turn it on, adjust the flame height or intensity and enjoy.
Gas for the fire will either be fed through the existing pipework or stored in tanks, which can be delivered to your door as and when you need. They require very little maintenance and don’t create the same level of mess as wood burning. That said, if you suspect your gas fire isn’t working quite as it should, you should consult a specialist and never delay repairs.
There are several benefits to each fuel type. The final decision really comes down to what options are available to you in terms of resources and how convenient you’d like the fire to be.
What ever you choose make sure it is the right fit for your dream home.