Why Go With Gas Fireplace Logs?

There's no question that a fireplace adds a certain charm to the room it's in. The look of the flames jutting up through the logs, and the crackling sounds the fire makes as it burns create a "homey," comfortable feeling.

Unfortunately, not everyone has time to chop wood or even start a fire. This is one of the major benefits of gas logs -- logs that resemble normal wood logs, but are actually fed with a gas line. This means you don't have to lug a bunch of logs into your home, mess around with kindling as you try to get a fire going, and shove a bunch of wood into your fireplace.

Instead, you have a fire that can instantly turn on when you want it, and off when you don't. And, with gas logs, you still get the same look, feel and sound of a conventional fireplace, but without the mess and required clean-up.

Gas Logs Growing in Popularity

Fans of gas logs are increasingly finding themselves surrounded by new converts daily.

Today's Sacramento Bee features an article titled, "Modern gas fireplaces offer increased efficiency, more options." The gist of the piece is this: more home builders and home owners are switching over to gas fireplaces, opting to bypass using wood in the fireplace for better efficiency and more choice in terms of placement and design.

Gas logs in particular are mentioned in the article:

"Gas logs give the look of a full fire for a lot less – $300 to $600. These logs are a popular option for otherwise unused fireplaces."

If you have a fireplace you wood in and you want to step it up in the areas of efficiency and mess (come on -- you know you're sick of cleaning up those wood chips), gas logs are definitely the way to go.

Fireplace FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about fireplaces:

Can a fireplace that burns wood be converted over to gas?

Yes, and this is becoming more popular as natural gas is cheap and burns cleaner. Just make sure a professional handles the work.

Will a fire place increase the value of my home?

Exactly how much depends on your location, but in general, fire places could produce a 130% return on your investment should you decide to sell.

What is the cost of heating a gas fireplace?

It depends on how much you will use your fireplace, but using natural gas can save you up to 75%.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace pros. Find out more about how we can help you at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Preparing Your Fireplace for Winter

Soon enough, it will be time yet again to pack away the shorts and flip flops for the sweaters and snow boots. Yes, old man winter is coming back to town, and your fireplace should be ready for his arrival.

So, what should you do? You should have had in the spring or fall called for chimney cleaning services, to avoid damage your chimney during the season. Old soot and creosote needs to be cleaned annually.

Other things you should to prepare:

• Install a chimney cap to keep out birds and rodents from taking refuge in your chimney
• Begin to gather firewood and store it in a dry place. Or save money by purchasing a gas fireplace log
• Have the fireplace damper inspected to ensure it properly opens and closes
• Have the mortar and tuckpointing examined.

New Jersey fireplace experts Guardian Chimney can make sure you’re set for winter. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com. 

Measuring Fireplace Logs

If you want to install a gas fireplace log, you’ll need to know the size of your fireplace. Measure only the usable fire place space.

• Masonry Fireplaces: Measure the back width, depth and front width
• Prefab/Metal Fireplace: Measure the back width, depth and front width, but do not measure the edge as it cannot be used.

Guardian Chimney is New York fireplace logs experts. Learn more about what we can do at www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com. 

Fireplace Logs FAQs

Here are some of the more commonly asked questions we get about fireplace logs:

What’s the difference between a vented gas log and a vent free gas log?

Vented gas logs are the most popular gas log type, but they must be installed with a chimney limiting heating efficiency. Vented logs resemble a real wood fire more than their vent-free counterparts.

Vent free gas logs don’t require you to have a chimney, and are an efficient source of primary heat. They are equipped with sensors that detect when oxygen is depleted, and may require special permits to be obtained. They are unable to be positioned, unlike vented logs.

Can I install gas logs in my fireplace?

With few exceptions, most gas logs are not safe to place in gas fireplaces, as they were designed for wood burning fireplaces. Vented logs can be installed in any wood-burning fireplace. Ventless ones can be installed in any wood-burning fireplace, must be burned with the tamper closed.

How does a gas log safety pilot work?

It’s basically the same premise as a safety pilot for other appliances. The pilot has a valve body attached directly to the burner, with two separate, gas-controlling valves. When lit, the thermocouple is used to power an electromagnet to hold the pilot valve open.

New Jersey fireplace logs installer Guardian Chimney can make sure your home is prepped for the cold months. Contact us today at www.GuardianChimney.com. 

Use the Summer to Prep Your Chimney for the Fall

Summer is the best time for chimney repairs and other maintenance. This will have your system prepared for the fall and winter, when you use it most. Here are services to ask your chimney sweep about: 

• Chimney Cleaning
  You should have your chimney cleaned once a year, at bare minimum. Doing so will help prevent fires and other hazards.
• Chimney Relining
  A chimney liner protects the masonry walls from heat, potential damage and corrosion. Stainless steel and aluminum liners help best protect your chimney.  
• Mason Repairs
  Be sure to have your sweep take a look at the pointing, chimney crown and smoke chamber. All these materials can over time deteriorate because of moisture.
• Gas Logs
  Gas logs turn on and off when you want. Once installed, they are permanent, saving you the expense of wood.

Guardian Chimney serves New York and New Jersey with all these services and more. See what we can do for you by visiting www.GuardianChimney.com.