A Guide to the Different Types of Gas Fireplaces
When the weather is cold, you need a fireplace to warm a home and we offer a guide to the different types of gas fireplaces.
02/06/2022
A good gas fireplace can be a centre point
for your home and can provide comfort and warmth
on a cold winter’s night. It can transform a
room of your home into a central hub for the
family unit to gather for hot chocolate or soup
on a winter’s night.
Or it may simply be
a simple peaceful respite room for being alone
in your abode in quiet serenity to read a book
or gaze into the flames and reflect with your
inner most thoughts.
Going for
a more boutique and contemporary look over the
traditional air conditioner, or a safer option
than having a plug-in heater can change the
whole look of the home.
In times gone by,
the traditional wooden fireplace was popular.
This can be a potentially dangerous situation
and quite cumbersome, as it required constant
monitoring. Fires essentially needing putting
out before bed or leaving the home.
These were also quite dirty as they constantly
emitted, soot and dust, as well as smoke and
ash.
With this, also comes the
additional cost of wood to burn in the
fireplace, which may be expensive or difficult
to resource at times.
Factors to take into consideration before you get a gas fireplace:
As with all installations, it is best to
leave it to the experts. Gas is potentially
quite dangerous and it’s important to ensure
that all the fittings and equipment is fitted
safely.
Gas fireplaces come in a variety
of sizes. Be sure to pick one that suits your
home. Not just aesthetically, but with heating
requirements as well.
As much as you
want maximum benefits for your home and family,
too big a system can be unsatisfactory and give
you a headache when your gas bill comes in.
With the older style wooden places, there
were chimneys. With gas fireplaces, you’ll also
need a ventilation system for the fumes and
toxins go escape. Without ventilation your
family may experience dizziness or carbon
dioxide poisoning.
The first gas hot
fireplace is thought to have been in 1895 when a
vast iron vessel was used to heat an area.
The gas fire place didn’t really become a
regular seller until the 1920’s and growth was
slow until the 1950’s although they were mainly
seen as an ornamental element.
It wasn’t
until the 1990’s when the imitation flame came
into fruition that they started to become more
popular. This made it safer and ventilation
systems evolved and energy efficiency started
making a turning point.
Styles have come
a long way since then, with a large variety of
designs and units being available to suit most
tastes, budgets, and venues.
Different styles of gas fireplaces
There are several different types of gas fireplaces:
Natural vent fireplaces
These are excellent if you have an old existing fireplace with a metal chimney that you wish to utilise. They work similar to the older style wooden fireplaces, in the manner they draw air from inside the home to keep the flames going, then vent the gases up out of the house via the chimney.
Fire log sets
This keeps the aesthetic look of the older
traditional fireplace alive. Again, they can be
used if you have an empty cavity from the
traditional wood burning fireplace. A synthetic
log set is placed in a masonry firebox to keep
with the look of a fireplace without the actual
real flames. Gas is used instead, and the flames
sway over the logs.
With both of these
style fireplaces, you’ll need to ensure your
chimney is safe and up to code before you hook
up your gas and use the fireplace.
Direct gas fireplace
If you don’t have an empty fireplace, waiting to be used, this might be an option for you. This style of fireplace works with a single exterior opening to push out gas and draw in clean air. These can be vented both vertically and horizontally, which is perfect if you don’t have a chimney or fireplace already in position.
See through gas fireplace
This unit would be ideal in a newly built home. As the name suggested, you are able to see the flames through more than one side. You can see the flames from up to three sides of this item. This can be very gratifying if you install this in a wall or partition.
Ventless fireplaces
Prior to installing one of these units, it is
vital to check your local building regulations,
as these are not permitted everywhere. Some
local and state government ruling are stricter
than others. There may be harsh guidelines for
the sizing of rooms and facilities they are
erected in, or they may be totally prohibited.
This style is said to burn very cleanly,
decreasing the dangerous gases to a level low
enough for a vent not to be necessary.
Gas fireplace inserts
This particular model goes into an existing frame or wood framed opening. This is basically a unit, sliding straight into an existing cavity.
Stand Alone gas place
As the name suggests, these fireplaces do not
need to be placed inside a cavity. They usually
reside on a platform or feet and have an
ornamental surround.
They can be ventless
or vented. But, if they are vented, they require
being positioned against a wall to permit vent
access.
Outdoor gas fireplace.
Everyone loves the good old outdoor gas
fireplace. A scene where you can enjoy the
natural air, good company, and a nice warm
fireplace.
As with their indoor
counterparts, there are models available which
imitate the wood burning firepits and logs.
Remember, with all gas fireplaces and gas installations, it is vital to get the work completed only by a trained professional. This will ensure the task is completed safely, keeping your family and the general public safe. It will also ensure all workmanship is up to code and complies with current Australian Regulations and local and state government requirements and bylaws.
Author: Therese Vickers