Wood vs. Gas Fireplaces: What Newmarket Homeowners Should Know
A lot of older homes in Newmarket still have a wood-burning fireplace that hardly gets used, because it’s messy and most of the heat goes up the chimney. Converting to gas is one of the more common questions we get in the fall.
How they compare
- Heat: an open wood fireplace often pulls more warm air out of the room than it gives back. A sealed, direct-vent gas fireplace or insert puts most of its heat into the room.
- Convenience: gas starts with a switch or remote, no wood to store, no ashes.
- Upkeep: wood-burning chimneys need regular sweeping for creosote. Gas units need an annual service, which is simpler.
- Atmosphere: some people just love a real wood fire, and that’s a fair reason to keep it.
Insert or new fireplace?
If you have a masonry fireplace in good shape, a gas insert slides into the existing opening and vents through new flexible liners run up the old chimney. If there’s no fireplace at all, a built-in direct-vent unit can go on an outside wall and vent straight out, no chimney needed.
What the job involves
A licensed gas technician runs a gas line with a shut-off valve, installs the unit and venting to the manufacturer’s instructions, and tests it. The chimney should be inspected and swept first if it’s been used for wood. Building permits may apply depending on the work, so ask your installer.
Safety, either way
Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm near the living area and bedrooms. With wood, have the chimney inspected yearly. With gas, have the unit serviced yearly so the burner, pilot and venting stay in good shape.
We install and service gas fireplaces and inserts; for wood chimney sweeping you’ll want a WETT-certified sweep. For gas fireplace work in Newmarket, see our heating services or contact us at 647-657-2977. Our post on getting a gas fireplace ready for the season covers yearly upkeep.
