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Now Is The Time To Get A Gas Fireplace!

Fireplaces are one of the most desirable features your home can have. In fact, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, fireplaces are the second most requested home feature for both buyers and builders. Having a functional, modern fireplace in your home can add value – as well as enjoyment for your family!

Whether you have a wood fireplace that is underutilized, want to add a heating feature to your home, or have an existing out-of-date gas fireplace, now is the perfect time to get a new gas fireplace.

Why choose gas?

While many homeowners associate fireplaces with burning wood, gas is an increasingly popular choice.

The following are five reasons to switch to a gas fireplace this summer:

  1. Increased efficiency.
    Gas fireplaces and inserts are the most efficient heating appliances on the market today. Most gas fireplaces burn with as much as 90% efficiency. This ensures that the gas being used is heating your home, not being lost up the chimney.
  2. Save time and space.
    Wood and pellet heating appliances require more upkeep than their gas counterparts. Switching to gas can reduce the amount of time spent cutting, stacking, and storing fuel and the space used to store wood and pellets.
  3. Decreased air pollution.
    Burning gas produces little to no smoke and emissions. Because of this, gas fireplaces are ideal for families with respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma, that wood smoke may aggravate.
  4. Ease of use.
    Gas fireplaces are extremely easy to and can literally provide heat at the push of a button! This makes them ideal for busy families who want to enjoy their fireplace whenever possible, even if for just a few minutes at a time.
  5. Choices in styles.
    There is no one size or style for gas fireplaces. Instead, homeowners can pick from styles ranging from the traditional to the ultra-modern. It is even possible to customize the “wood” of the gas logs in the fireplace!

Types of gas fireplaces.

There are three main types of gas fireplaces. The type of gas fireplace you choose often depends on factors such as heating needs or the presence of any existing fireplaces. The following is a brief explanation of the pros and cons of the three types of gas fireplaces.

  • Vented.
    Vented gas fireplaces use existing chimneys to vent and draw in outside air. These fireplaces are often used when a fireplace is converted from wood to gas. However, the chimney may need to be relined if the fuel source is changed.
  • Direct vent.
    Direct vent gas fireplaces use a small, two way pipe to vent directly to the outside of your home. Since the chance for carbon monoxide or gas buildup is virtually eliminated, they are extremely safe. Many direct vent fireplaces need to be installed directly on an exterior wall.
  • Vent free.
    Vent free gas fireplaces do not require any outside venting. This allows them to be installed and used virtually anywhere in your home. Manufacturer’s instructions for use should be carefully followed to prevent a negative impact on air quality.

Don’t wait until fall to start thinking about a new gas fireplace. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today for more information on installing a new gas fireplace in your home!

Choosing the Right Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces have come a long way; instead of fake flames and only a handful of choices, homeowners now have a wide variety of realistic gas heating appliances to choose from. As the National Association of Homebuilders has found that fireplaces are the second most popular home feature, installing one in your home can add significant value.  Choosing the Right Gas Fireplace IMG- Ann Arbor MI- Clean Sweeps of Michigan-w800-h597

With so many kinds of gas fireplaces on the market today, however, it can be difficult to find the right fit for your family. By working with true fireplace experts instead of employees at a big box store, you can rest assured that your new fireplace will fit your home’s style and heating needs.

The kind of fireplace you choose will be determined by any existing fireplaces in your home, your heating needs, as well as personal preference. There are three main categories of gas fireplaces: vented, direct vent, and vent free.

Vented

Vented gas fireplaces use a traditional chimney or venting system for exhaust. Gasses and other byproducts of combustion [http://homebuying.about.com/cs/gaslogs/a/vented_gas_logs.htm] from the fire travel up the chimney and vent safely to the outside of your home; this makes them the ideal choice for homes with existing hearths. Vented gas fireplaces are often the best choice for homeowners who have a wood burning fireplace but want to switch to the efficiency and ease of use that gas provides. Because the byproducts of combustion for a gas fire are much different than those for wood burning fires, your existing chimney may need to be relined in order to vent efficiently.

Direct Vent

Direct vent fireplaces also vent the byproducts of combustion from your gas fire to the outside of your home; in these fireplaces, as two-layer pipe goes directly from the exterior of your home to the fireplace without drawing any air from inside your home. This unique venting system [http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/mechanical-systems/advantages-of-a-direct-vent-fireplace] virtually eliminates any chance of gas or carbon monoxide backing up into the home. Direct vent gas fireplaces are typically installed on exterior walls for easy venting.

 Vent Free

Vent free gas fireplaces are unique in that they are not permanently installed in one place; because they do not require venting systems, these fireplaces can be moved around as needed and installed anywhere in the home. This allows homeowners to heat specific rooms or areas as needed without committing to installing a permanent gas fireplace.

As with many heating appliances, there are recommended usage rules for vent free gas fireplaces. Because the oxygen for the fire is drawn from your home, most manufacturers recommend keeping a nearby window open when the vent free fireplace is in use. Likewise, these fireplaces should not be used for long periods of time and should be serviced regularly to reduce the risk of gas or carbon monoxide leaks.

Picking the right gas fireplace can help keep you and your family warm and cozy this winter. For more information on what fireplace is right for you, visit the fireplace store at Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

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