The fireplace started out as a necessity in many homes when it was first introduced. Being a source of light, a place to cook meals, and doubling as a utility to heat the home, one could almost say that the fireplace was integral for survival. We have obviously come a very long way since back then and while the fireplace isn’t used in all of the ways it was before, it still has value. In most cases, the fireplace is still used as a source of heat and many of them run on gas. Since heat is the main use of a fireplace today, some people may ask themselves, do gas fireplaces really heat a room? We’d like to help you find that answer today.

UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is an HVAC company that installs and repairs natural gas fireplaces. Our HVAC contractors have plenty of experience working with gas fireplaces and can help you understand their benefits.

Gas fireplaces rely on consistent combustion to produce real flames and keep the fire burning for long periods of time. Overall, gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it’s likely to heat a room rather quickly. The type of gas fireplace you have is likely to affect the fireplace’s ability to heat a room efficiently. Typically, the larger the fireplace, the more heat it is able to produce. Additionally, the room your fireplace is in will have a significant impact on how well it can heat a room. Depending on the types of walls you have, as well as the back of your fireplace, your room may heat faster or slower than average.

Gas fireplaces also allow you to have some control over how much they heat the rooms you’re in. Many come with a control dial that helps you adjust the amount of heat coming from your fireplace. These dials will control the amount of gas released into the fireplace that will combust with the pilot flame. This will increase the flames in your fireplace, and make for a warmer room.

A vented gas fireplace vents the emissions produced through a flue - a duct for smoke and gas produced by fires. With vented fireplaces, you have no access to the flames burning - they are behind a glass barrier. The smoke goes through your chimney or a wall that connects to the outside. Here, the by-product of the fire is vented out of the house, but this leaves you with fewer areas where you can place the vented fireplace throughout your home.

These fireplaces are typically safer, as they allow for far less potential for accidents to occur due to the glass barrier. Additionally, since these fireplaces vent the by-products of the flames outside of your home, reducing the likelihood of poor air quality. If you do not currently have a gas fireplace and are looking to install a vented one, you will need to consider their limited options for placement due to the need for filtering outside. Our knowledgeable HVAC contractors will be able to direct you as to where is best for your fireplace.

Alternatively, ventless fireplaces do not have a vent component. Instead, the air is redirected back into your home. They are directly connected to your gas or propane line and are generally designed to burn with little to no exhaust. These types of fireplaces do not require a chimney, making them easy to place in any area of your home, offering more flexibility than their vented counterparts. If you are looking to install a ventless fireplace in your home, you can expect to pay less than you would for a vented fireplace. This is because they do not require a ventilation system as part of the installation process. An added benefit of a ventless fireplace is that they are more efficient in heating a room faster. However, though they are largely safe, they do release some fumes into the homes they are in. Because of this, it is recommended to keep a window open for a bit if your fireplace is lit for a long time and ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.

All in all, gas fireplaces are highly efficient at heating a room. Aside from the benefit of heat, they can provide the ambiance and design many people crave in their homes. Because of the amount of heat gas fireplaces produce, many who have them in their homes can typically pay less money overall on their heating bill. Whether ventless or vented, gas fireplaces are a great way to keep your home warm without having to crank up your heat throughout the day. This makes gas fireplaces a huge draw for many people.

If you are interested in getting a gas fireplace in your home and are looking for an HVAC company to assist you, look no further than UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We can help you figure out the best placement for a gas fireplace and what system will benefit you the most. We have an expansive list of other home services that may benefit you as well! Contact us today to see how we can help you!