You may not be thinking of gas logs just yet. The temperature outside is still hot and some of us don’t want to accept the reality that fall will be here soon. However, we know that when choosing gas logs, many people are confused on where to even begin. Many of them look the same so it is hard to decide which one is best for your home. We are going to go straight to the basics so that when the time comes, you know right where to start.
First, you will want to think about your fuel source. Some homeowners already have this in mind when shopping but in case you don’t, let’s look at the differences between natural gas and liquid propane.
Natural Gas: Advantages
- Lower purchase price
- Lighter than air, dissipates into the atmosphere after combustion
- If you have other natural gas appliances, your home is already set up
Natural Gas: Disadvantages
- Must be hard piped to an appliance from buried gas service lines
- Natural gas service is not available in some areas
Liquid Propane: Advantages
- More carbon dioxide, allowing it to burn three times hotter
- Operated independently of natural gas lines or appliances
Liquid Propane: Disadvantages
- More expensive
- Requires a tank outside of your home and generally a contract with a propane dealer
After determining which fuel source makes the most sense for your home, you will need to decide which type of gas logs will benefit you, vented or ventless. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Vented: Advantages
- Less expensive
- Ideal for ambiance over heat
- Creates a more realistic looking flame
- Does not require a carbon monoxide detector
- Smells will travel up the chimney
Vented: Disadvantages
- Significantly less heat
- Uses more fuel
- Requires a venting system such as a chimney
Ventless: Advantages
- More suitable for heating a room or house
- Produces less pollution
- Less fuel consumption
- No requirements for venting
Ventless: Disadvantages
- Can introduce moisture into the home’s atmosphere
- Depletes the oxygen in the air, so burning for an extended period of time requires cracking a window
- Requires an oxygen depletion system and carbon monoxide detector
- Smaller, less realistic blue flame
- Can produce a slight odor
There are positive and negative aspects to each type of gas log. We recommend working with your plumber to determine which options are going to be best for your home. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding gas logs, contact your NPI plumbers in the bright yellow trucks at 757-466-0644.