Gas Fireplaces, Gas Inserts, Linear, Stoves – what’s the difference and how do I choose the right fireplace for my home?
Fireplaces have long held a special place in Canadian homes. At one time the fireplace was an essential source of heat for warmth and cooking. They still they remain a gathering spot for family and friends and a visually attractive addition to many homes. Fireplaces are so popular that, in most parts of Canada, it is difficult to sell a new or existing home without one.
However, improvements in the way houses are built and renovated have made most contemporary homes unsuited to conventional wood-burning fireplaces. The increased insulation and improved airtightness of today’s homes run counter to the large amounts of air required by conventional wood fireplaces. Wood-burning fireplaces are also extremely inefficient and produce high levels of harmful emissions, which pollute outdoor air and can have dangerous effects on indoor air quality.
Enter the well designed, energy efficient natural gas Fireplace.
Gas Fireplaces are attractive to homeowners because:
- Convenience – The fire is started with a flick of a switch
- Cleanliness – No ash, wood chips or smoke, and very little cleaning required
- No Requirement to sweep the Chimney
- Safety – Sealed combustion units contain all gasses and vent them to the outside
- More environmentally friendly – these fireplaces produce lower emissions than wood and other fuels
Choosing the right gas fireplace can be a bewildering mix of terms, so please allow us to explain some of the key differences
Gas Fireplace
In layman’s terms, a gas fireplace is what most people now think of as a fireplace. The unit is built into a wall either during construction or renovation
Gas Fireplace Insert
A Gas inset is used as an upgrade to an old wood-burning fireplace. It is “inserted” into the existing fireplace and makes use of the existing chimney as a vent. A Gas fireplace insert is a good choice in renovations
Linear Gas Fireplaces
Linear fireplaces, also referred to as contemporary fireplaces or rectangular fireplaces, are a style of gas fireplace that can be installed in most indoor or outdoor spaces. They aren’t limited by the traditional fireplace design and have become very popular in commercial and residential settings
Gas Stoves
Gas Stoves are a natural gas burning alternative to a freestanding wood burning stove. They are installed inside a room or existing fireplace rather than being built into the wall
