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Gas Vs Wood Vs Electric

Wood, gas, or electric? This is one of the most hotly debated questions in the fireplace world – with very strong opinions on allgas wood electric sides!

One of the most commonly asked questions we get from homeowners is, “What is the best fuel source?” The truth of the matter is that there is no one right answer; the best fuel source for your home depends on a number factors including the size of your home, how often the fireplace will be used, how much maintenance you want to do, the amount of heat that is needed, and more.

There are pros and cons for wood, gas, and electric fireplaces. The following information covers a variety of topics that can help homeowners make a more informed choice when selecting a fuel source for their fireplace.

Operation costs and sustainability

  • Gas: Although it is clean-burning with little smoke and other byproducts of combustion, gas is still a non-renewable resource. Operating a gas fireplace costs an average of seventeen cents per hour in utilities; keep in mind that because the pilot lit is constantly lit, a gas fireplace is always using small amounts of gas 24/7/365.
  • Wood: Firewood is a renewable resource that can be purchased everywhere from grocery stores to big box and hardware stores. However, the greatest discounts can be found by buying wood in bulk from a firewood dealer. While cost varies by time of year, place where you are buying wood, and type of wood being bought, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $100-$200 for a cord of wood. Looking to save even more? Start cutting and seasoning your own firewood.
  • Electric: Electric fireplaces are similar to gas fireplaces in terms of cost to operate. Homeowners can expect to pay about 3 cents per hour when the fireplace is turned on for decoration only and not producing heat; when being used as a heating source, electric fireplaces cost an average of 9 cents per hour in electricity.

Maintenance costs

  • Gas: Like any fuel-burning appliance, gas fireplaces need an annual service check in order to ensure they continue to burn safely and efficiently. This includes a chimney inspection to check for signs of damage, deterioration, or acidic corrosion to the flue, as well checking gas lines for any signs of leaks.
  • Wood: Wood fireplace need annual chimney sweepings and inspections to remove soot, ash, and highly flammable creosote that may have built up in the flue. During a chimney sweeping and inspection, the chimney sweep will check all accessible areas of fireplace and chimney for signs of damage such as cracks in the masonry or signs of a chimney leak.
  • Electric: Because no ventilation or gas lines are needed to operate an electric fireplace, very little maintenance is needed. Homeowners can perform maintenance to their electric fireplaces by checking electrical components for signs of wear or damage, cleaning heating elements, and dusting the interior and exterior of the fireplace.

Ease of use

  • Gas: Gas provides heat at the push of a button; there is no need to go outside in the cold to get more logs for the fire or shovel out ashes when the fire is done burning. Because the heat can be turned on and off instantly – and a burning temperature can be set – gas fireplaces can be enjoyed even in warm weather.
  • Wood: There is nothing quite like sitting in front of a crackling wood fire. However, that fire also requires storing lots of firewood on hand and creating time to start, stoke, maintain, and put out the fire.
  • Electric: Electric fireplaces are similar to gas in that they can provide heat at the push of a button. However, because they rely on electricity to operate they are of no use when the power goes out; this makes them less than ideal for areas that experience serious winter storms.

Safety

  • Gas: Because gas fireplaces do not have open flames, there is little chance of getting burned – or having stray sparks start an accidental fire. The main risk, however, comes from damage to the gas lines or venting system; this can cause dangerous gas leaks in the home or release carbon monoxide into the home. Regular upkeep and maintenance can prevent this from occurring.
  • Wood: The most common safety concerns with wood burning fireplaces are burns and accidental fires. Pets and small children in particular are at risk of accidental burns; the use of fireplace doors, screens, and gates can help reduce this risk. Accidental fires can be prevented by keeping furnishings, décor, and rugs at least three feet away from the fireplace while in use, as well as having the chimney swept each year.
  • Electric: Because electric fireplaces have no real flames – and come with cool-touch glass – there is little risk for burns occurring. Likewise, most models come with automatic shut-off features that prevent the fireplace from overheating. Like any appliance, however, there is a small risk from the electrical system shorting out.

Ultimately, there is no right answer to “Which fuel source is right for me?” By taking these factors into consideration, homeowners can help decide whether a gas, wood, or electric fireplace is right for their home. for more information on installing a new fireplace system, contact the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Check Out Our Fireplace Store

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we are known for our quality, affordable chimney, fireplace, and dryer vent services. But did you know we sell fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and chimney accessories too?

Whether you visit us online or in person, the Clean Sweeps of Michigan fireplace store has a variety of fireplace and chimney products to meet all your heating needs. As fireplace professionals, we know the best brands and best products; our expert staff can help you find the perfect heating appliance for your home!

fireplaceThe benefits of investing in a new fireplace

Year after year, fireplaces are one of the most requested home features. Because of this, investing in a new fireplace can add value to your home for years to come.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders, fireplaces are the second most requested home feature by potential buyers. Likewise, buyers are willing to spend as much as $1,400 more on a house with a fireplace than a similar property without one.

Investing in a new fireplace will not only more efficiently heat your home, but will provide a high return on investment should you decide to sell your home in the future.

Why shop at Clean Sweeps of Michigan

Winter is in full swing, but it isn’t too late to invest in a new heating appliance. Whether you want something more efficient, want to switch fuel sources, or simply need some new fireplace accessories, our staff can help you find what you are looking for.

When buying for your fireplace, don’t head straight to the big box store thinking they have the best prices. In addition to a limited selection of products, buyers can spend hours aimlessly wandering the store looking for an employee who can accurately answer their questions.

The friendly staff at Clean Sweeps of Michigan are fireplace professionals; we work with fireplaces and chimneys every day and know all the ins and outs of our products! Whether you want an opinion on the best log rack or what size insert will best heat your home, our expert staff can answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect fireplace product.

Our staff takes the time to sit down with our customers to discuss their heating wants and needs home style and current heating appliances. This helps us make recommendations for quality products that meet your specific needs. In addition to helping you find the perfect fireplace product, our fireplace store allows you to see – and feel! – a heating appliance before you buy it, rather than just looking at the picture on a box.

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, our fireplace store is a one-stop-shop for all your heating needs! From shopping to installation and future maintenance, our team of fireplace experts can help you every step of the way!

We do installation, too!

Because Clean Sweeps of Michigan in a full-service fireplace and chimney company, once you have found your new fireplace we can install it, too! Our professional technicians can help homeowners learn the ins and outs of their new heating appliance, as well as ensure it is installed correctly and operating safely.

While we recommend professional installation for all fireplace products, it is especially important to have gas fireplaces, stoves and inserts professionally installed. A difference of as little as a few millimeters can result in gas leaks; professional installation ensures gas-burning heating appliances can operate safely without potential gas leaks.

Shop from home with our online store!

Our online fireplace store allows customers to browse our wide selection of fireplaces and accessories from the comfort of their own homes! The entire selection of fireplaces, stoves, inserts, outdoor fire pits, and accessories can be viewed from both computer and mobile devices. Whether you are just browsing or seriously interested in purchasing a new heating appliance, our online store is an easy access to resources for our customers.

Have you tried the Firebuilder app?

One of the most difficult aspects of shopping for a new heating appliance is visualizing how it will look in your home. The Firebuilder app puts the new fireplace into your home, helping customers see exactly how each choice will look!

Get started by selecting a fireplace make and model; you can even select different fuel sources including wood, gas, pellets, or electric! You can then act as the designer, choosing doors, customizing fire back brick patterns, adding andirons, and more. When finished, upload a picture of the room the new fireplace will be in; the app allows you to see how your choices will fit in with the rest of the home! Even if you don’t want a completely custom fireplace, the Firebuilder app can help make it easier when narrowing down choices when shopping for a new heating appliance.

Visit us online – or in-person – today!

Winter may have arrived, but it is not too late to enjoy a new heating appliance! Trust the experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan to help you find the perfect fireplace, stove, insert, or accessory for your home. Whether you visit us online or in person, check out the wide selection of quality products at our fireplace store today!

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