Reasons to upgrade from Wood Fireplace to Gas Fireplace

Fireplaces have been used for centuries in houses in colder regions all over the world where
people needed to keep their homes warm during chilly winters. They were even one of the most
striking features of the traditional homes as they were placed in the living rooms or major rooms
of the house and were easily visible and accessible whenever needed. However, with the passage
of time, the conventional wood-burning fireplaces have become less adaptable as it causes
dangers like smoke-filled rooms, complaints from the neighbourhood, health issues, pollution etc.
These issues can be overcome by replacing the wood fireplace with Gas. Therefore the
popularity of Gas fireplaces has increased over the past years.
Here are some of the reasons which will throw a light upon the significance of converting Wood
Fireplace into a Gas fireplace.


Clean Burning: Less Pollution

Gas Fireplaces are significant for their clean burning factor because as compared to wood
fireplaces, natural gas and propane fireplaces produce less carbon monoxide and harmful
emissions. Hence both natural gas and propane are clean-burning fuels. But it should also be kept
in mind that no energy source is completely environmentally friendly. Natural gas and propane
also release some pollutants when burnt but they are relatively less as compared to the pollutants
emitted from wood smoke. Wood smoke, however, is considered as the source of wintertime air
pollution. While it could be said that having a wood fireplace can be pleasant to watch, it is
also polluting, so, Gas is a better alternative to avoid such pollution.

Wood smoke causes serious health issues

Some people like the smell of wood smoke; however, they do not realize that this smell is
dangerous for their health. It is especially harmful to children, elderly and people with lungs and
heart disease. As discussed before, wood smoke contains particles which can cause serious health
issues. When people use wood stoves and fireplaces, chemicals are released into the air and these
chemicals are poisonous which can cause damage to the respiratory tract. When people breathe
air with wood smoke in it, they inhale these chemicals which can go deeply into lungs; these toxic substances may also remain in lungs for months and cause diseases like cancer, asthma,
emphysema, pneumonia, headache etc.

Wood fireplace: Troublesome for neighbours

One more thing that should be kept in mind is that not only the homeowners of wood fireplace
get affected but also the neighbours; because the smoke from one family’s fireplace can
seep into neighbour's house through doors or windows and they can also get affected by this
smoke. Wood smoke is more of a problem in the winter when cold, stagnant air prevents it from
rising and dispersing.

No Chimney is required

If a gas fireplace is installed, then no chimney is needed in homes because gas fireplace burns
cleanly. Instead of having a chimney one can simply vent the exhaust to an external wall. The extra
task of cleaning the chimney is also eliminated. On the other hand, for a wood fireplace chimney is an essential element to be installed at home because it can be troublesome otherwise.

Simple On/Off Operation

Last but not least, it is easy to install a gas fireplace and the usage is as equally easy. With the flip of a switch or the push of a button, one can have a wonderfully comforting, heat emanating fireplace.

Hence from the above-mentioned reasons, it is safe to say that gas fireplace is a better option to install in homes to avoid the dangers and pollution that is caused by wood fireplaces.

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