Oct 14, 2020

Have you loved your wood-burning fireplace for many years? Or maybe ignored it for many years but really wish you had a working fireplace that you could easily enjoy?

You’re not alone. Every year we help hundreds of homeowners convert their old wood-burning fireplaces into gas-burning fireplaces through either a gas insert or a set of gas logs.

gas insert versus gas log sets - cleveland tennessee

Both are great choices for converting a wood-burning fireplace to gas, but gas inserts have some distinct advantages over gas logs. Here are the top 3 distinguishing differences:

1. Gas Inserts Are Fuel-Efficient

Both gas inserts and gas logs burn natural gas or liquid propane (depending on which source is available in your home) but gas inserts are installed using a sealed system with a glass door on the front of the fireplace, sealing out cold air from drafting into your home and allowing the fireplace to burn more efficiently.

Because of the sealed system and direct venting through your existing chimney (new venting is fed through the chimney during installation), your gas insert will burn its fuel at around 70% fuel efficiency, compared to only 10-20% with wood. This could save you up to $200 per year on your heating bills and is noticeably better for the environment. Monessen vent-free gas log sets are also fairly efficient, but do not offer the direct vent benefits listed below.

2. Gas Inserts Provide Zone Heating

Gas inserts are a furnace-rated appliance, which means you’ll be able to warm your room by setting the temperature to your desired setting and enjoying the temperature you choose. Our most popular gas insert, the Escape by Heat & Glo, even allows you to control the thermostat via your smart phone through an app or voice commands. Gas logs also come with wall switches or remote controls for temperature setting but are not as heat capable due to their open installation.

Gas inserts come in a variety of sizes and BTUs, which means they can heat smaller rooms or larger rooms like open concept family rooms and basements up to approximately 3000 square feet. When you shop for a gas insert, please come prepared with room size measurements and pictures of your existing masonry or prefabricated wood fireplace to help us match you with the right size gas insert to fit your space.

3. Gas Inserts Use Direct Venting

Direct venting is a technology that allows a gas insert to pull in fresh air from outside your home to operate, and to expel exhausts, fumes and moisture generated from burning your gas insert outside of your home.

During installation, a new vent system is fed through your existing chimney, allowing two-way air flow. This sealed system makes gas inserts the safer choice for in-home air quality and helps your fireplace burn fuel more efficiently. It also means no more cold air drafts coming into your room or warm air escaping out the chimney.

WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE BEFORE

gas insert before and after images

AFTER, WITH HEAT & GLO ESCAPE GAS INSERT INSTALLED

gas insert before and after images

Are There Price Differences?

Gas inserts are more of an investment than gas log sets, coming in at about $3000-$6500 fully installed and with options mentioned above, whereas gas logs run between $1200-$2000.

If you’re on the fence about what choice to make, consider more than price when making your decision. A fireplace is the gathering hub of your home, and with careful consideration, you’ll be able to choose the best option for your needs.

Here to Help You Choose

Our hearth experts are available to answer any questions you have about gas inserts and gas logs. Please visit one of our showrooms in Cleveland, TN or Hixson, TN to see working Heat & Glo gas inserts and Quadra-Fire gas inserts and Monessen gas log sets. These beautiful units feature advanced technology, multiple design options, and come standard with everything you need to enjoy your fireplace again.

Want to learn more about gas inserts? Click to view our Free Guide to Gas Inserts.