If you are planning to install a fireplace in your home, you may feel overwhelmed with all the different types of fireplaces and woodstoves on the market today.  To help narrow your choices, first you have to decide if you prefer to cut wood and build a fire, or if you would prefer to simply enjoy the fire with a simple flip of a switch.  The following article was written to help you weigh the options between gas and wood burning fireplaces or stoves and to give you some information to consider when purchasing your fireplace or woodstove. 

Fireplaces and woodstoves are one of the biggest trends in home construction and renovation, with the proper fireplace.  Fireplaces can help reduce your energy bills and the also add to a room’s décor.  Fireplaces have other benefits including providing warmth and comfort to a room. 

Wood burning stoves and fireplaces are very popular, however, many homeowners prefer the ease and convenience of gas burning units.  Gas fireplaces have several benefits over wood-burning fireplaces.  To begin with, they are less expensive to operate, and much simpler to light as well as maintain.  In addition, gas fireplaces do not produce smoke and do not throw out onto your carpet or flooring.  Another benefit, which many seem to over look, is the fact that you do not have to worry about chopping firewood, staking firewood, carrying in firewood, or even purchasing firewood.  This, however, is important to those with physical limitations as well as for the elderly who enjoy the pleasures of a fireplace but do not have the ability to cut, stack, and carry firewood. 

As wonderful as gas fireplaces and stoves sound, classic wood-burning fireplaces and stoves cannot be entirely dismissed.  There is something magical about the sound of popping firewood and the smell of the wood, especially on cool crisp autumn evenings.  However, having a wood-burning fireplace or stove, does require routine maintenance, as well as a bit of work.  If you don’t mind this extra work, then perhaps a wood burning fireplace or stove is the best choice for you. 

Another big difference between gas and wood-burning fireplaces is the cost associated with operating each.  Even with rising gas prices, the average cost of operating a gas fireplace is approximately $0.50 per hour.  However, the price of operating a wood-burning stove burning quality hardwood is approximately $1.00 per hour.  Even though there are several alternatives to burning wood, including synthetic logs and pellets, these are also more expensive than to operate a gas fireplace.