Everyone loves the comfort and warmth of a wood fire. But after the flame goes out, you'll be left with a pile of ash that will eventually need to be removed. Plus, you have to keep up with the storage and stacking of firewood! Gas logs offer the beauty of a wood fire without the hassle and mess. They are a handy option when you want to add some warmth to a room.
What are gas logs?
Gas logs are designed to resemble real wood burning in fireplaces or other decorative objects such as stones. Most are made from ceramic or refractory cement (cement made from bricks). They are fire resistant and designed to last for years. They can also be installed in traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
Types of Gas Logs
There are two main types: ventilated and unvented.
Ventilated logs look more realistic. They let the flame actually touch the log, wrap and flicker around it, and provide a more natural flame pattern - just like a wood fire. Ventilated logs generate less heat than unvented logs and should be installed in fireplaces with functional chimneys to allow exhaust air to exit the home.
Unvented logs are designed to produce virtually no exhaust gas. Because they are designed to operate in enclosed spaces, they do not require a chimney. Unvented logs generate more heat and are more energy efficient than vented logs. This option is available for propane or natural gas. Non-porous logs are usually pre-placed and don't allow you to rearrange them once set.
Gas logs can provide:
Instant, efficient heat
Safely turn off the fire when you leave the house or go to bed
No irritants for people sensitive to smoking
No more chopping wood or buying firewood
Don't store firewood - keep pesky insects out of the house
Longer shelf life, lasting years (not just hours)
Still, you might miss some things in a wood-burning fire, like the soothing crackling sound that solid wood makes when it burns and the lack of that wood-fire smell.
