Aside from keeping your house warm during cold spells, a fireplace also adds warmth and coziness to any home. It is a focal point to any living space that invites gatherings around a fire to enjoy conversation, a glass of wine or a romantic evening. However, some may be turned off by natural wood fires due to the maintenance that goes along with them. Thankfully, gas logs make a more than suitable alternative.
When it comes to choosing gas logs for your fireplace, there are a few things to consider. The first is whether to use vented or vent free gas logs. Vented gas logs are made for fireplaces that are rated to burn wood and have a gas supply as well. There are also fireplaces that have no chimney, therefore require a vent-free setup. “Vented sets will not be as restricted on the amount of gas used; hence they produce a larger, more realistic flame,” says Travis Ponder, Operations Manager at Cozy Outdoor Escapes. “The majority of the heat from vented sets goes up the chimney, whereas vent-free log sets burn efficiently enough that the damper can be closed and all of the heat can be captured into the room.” This is certainly a consideration if the fireplace is to function as a heating source rather than just a decorative accent. Certain vented gas logs are made to radiate more heat into the room, but the damper must still remain open in order to vent out the smoke. Cozy Outdoor Escapes carries two recognized brands of gas burning logs: Hargrove and Real Fyre.
“There are more vented setup options to choose from, and the logs can be rearranged to the customers liking,” adds Ponder. Vented gas logs can also be the less expensive option. However, size and features like remote control, variable flame or electronic pilot ignition can add to the pricing. Installation is similar between vented and vent-free setups, so the main consideration is functionality. Vented gas logs will produce a higher, yellow flame that actually curls around the logs, while vent-free gas logs produce more heat, but the flame is mostly blue and doesn’t touch the logs since these sets need to burn as cleanly as possible. So, if you are going for effect, vented gas logs may be the best choice. If you’re seeking an extra source of heat for your room, choose vent-free. Visit Cozy Outdoor Escapes for more information and a look at their complete catalogue.