The presence of fireplaces in new houses in the US has steadily decreased over the last 20 years. In 2018, only 41% of new houses built had a fireplace.
Many homeowners moving into these houses miss the coziness that a fireplace can bring to a home. That’s why so many people are adding fireplaces to their homes.
But traditional wood-burning fireplaces are much harder (and more expensive) to install. That’s why electric and gas fireplaces are becoming increasingly popular.
Interested in adding a fireplace to your home? Keep reading to learn more about the difference between an electric vs gas fireplace!
What Is an Electric Fireplace?
An electric fireplace looks like a traditional fireplace, but it doesn’t require any ventilation. These fireplaces are usually made up of a combination of heating coils and fans. The fans draw air into the fireplace, heat it with the burning electrical coil, and fan the air back up away from the fire.
These fireplaces are easy to install. You also have some aesthetic control around what the “flame” of the fireplace will look like, meaning you can choose a style that suits the feel of the room.
These fireplaces are cheaper to buy and need very little maintenance. There is only a small safety risk with these fireplaces.
The main disadvantage of this type of fireplace is that it doesn’t get as warm as traditional or gas fireplaces, since it doesn’t produce real flames. But, if you’re more interested in the aesthetic of a fireplace than actually producing heat, this is perfect for you!
If this sounds good to you, you can buy an electric fireplace at https://www.qbicheating.co.uk/blog/enjoy-the-warmth-of-a-modern-fireplace.html.
What Is a Gas Fireplace?
Unlike an electric fireplace, gas fireplaces produce a real flame. Instead of burning wood, the fire uses gas as fuel.
The benefit of this type of fireplace is that it produces more heat than electric fireplaces, and it heats faster than both electric and wood-burning fireplaces. They are also easy to maintain.
These fireplaces are also more environmentally friendly. If you’re heating your home well with your gas fire, you can reduce the amount that you use your furnace. This reduces your overall electricity usage.
And while this type of fireplace might have a few more benefits, it’s also got a few more disadvantages. It costs more to install and run these types of fireplaces, so it’s a much bigger financial commitment.
A gas fireplace also poses a bigger safety risk, since gas leaks are incredibly dangerous. And since the fireplace has real flames and much more heat, it also means there’s a much higher chance of getting a burn with this type of fireplace.
Choosing Between an Electric vs Gas Fireplace
Both types of fireplaces have their benefits. When it comes to choosing between an electric vs gas fireplace, think about what will work best for your finances, and what you value more for your home.
Warm up your house with a new fireplace today!
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