Gas fireplace worth the money?

Question

Getting a new house built, cost is $3500 for a gas logs direct vent fireplace to be built into the house.

Is this worth the money?

Cost includes the gas line
Construction of fire place with direct vent to outside.
Slate or marble surround.
Mantle
Gas logs fire box.

Living in North Carolina figure it would be used 4 months out of 12.

Answer 1

YES, YES, I have a gas log fireplace and it can heat my entire downstairs! Even tho you will use it you say 4 mos. I say 5 it ADDS VALUE TO YOUR HOME. Like the slate, upgraded appliances, ceiling to floor shower, there are so many little things that adds value. Feel confident, your doing the right thing. (I live in Virginia and that's why I say 5, you have a lot more storms than we do also) Congrat on new house.

Answer 2

When you think about it, most of the construction will be the same regardless of Gas or Wood. Gas is in my opinion better. I live in North Georgia Mountains and built a year ago. I have 2 gas fireplaces - LR and MBR - and together they cost me about that much which includes purchasing a tank and having it buried. I did use the imitation rock which was cheaper and not as heavy so I did not have to re-enforce my floors. I also did not vent my fireplaces. Gas does not require venting. In fact, I do not have any chimnies. Gas is cleaner and not as aggravating as wood. Wood may smell good burning, but it leaves soot and ashes which has to be cleaned. Wood has to be purchased and delivered or you have to cut it yourself. You also have to bring it in the house each time you need more. If you purchase a gas tank (will cost more), you are then able to shop around for the best propane prices. If you rent a tank, you get what ever the tank owner charges. Also, fill you tank in the summer. It is cheaper then.

Answer 3

you wouldnt even think of asking this question if you ever had a real fire place. with a gas direct vent theres no chimney to clean, no wood to cut or split, no ashes to carry out, no dust from the ashes, no trying to light wet wood....no nothing.

insurance companies really dont like fire places of any type, but gas direct vent are basically harmless.

it sounds like you are getting a pretty good deal too.

most of the ones i install are even remote control.....just press a button, and bang, pretty, romantic fire.

direct vent fire places are better for actually heating the room, the ventless ones look pretty but dont give off as much heat........at any rate, you dont really want to try to heat the house with it.

if you live where power loss is a concern (here in possum holler) and you want to have something that will give off some heat when the power is out, the go with a ventless.....direct vented units have to have power to make the exhaust fan run.

hope this helps,
Possum

Answer 4

i'm not sure if i'm talking about the same thing but...if you mean like a wood burning stove or something, its a great idea. We have a 5,500 sq ft house... I live with my step father and mother (I'm only 19)... and my step father is always trying to find new ways to save money. So far this winter, we have not had to use the heat...which is saving bit on oil. The little wood burning stove downstairs(attached to the fire place) heats the whole house! .... The thermostat is set at 50degreese and the actual temp in the room generally does not go below 65degreese. ....

Answer 5

This is a fair price, particularly considering that gas fireplaces are more expensive. Not to mention a slate/marble surround. Go for it if you have the $$.

Answer 6

GET THE REAL F/P - NO LOGS... - FIRE PROOF HEARTH

GO TO HOME DEPOT BUY VENT FREE LOGS, CLOSE YOUR FLUE AND ( ASSUMING A METAL F/P MAKE SURE YOU TAKE OFF THE LITTLE GISMO THEY PUT ON THE DAMPER THAT KEEPS IT PARTIALLY OPEN ) BURN YOUR VENT FREE LOGS & ACTUALLY HEAT YOUR HOUSE, INSTEAD OF ALL THE HEAT GOING UP THE FLUE! IF YOU WANT JUST SHOW, OPEN THE FLUE & THE HEAT LEAVES THE BLDG. NOTHING MORE THAT AN AN EXPENSIVE SPACE HEATER!

Answer 7

1

Answer 8

You don't need to vent it outside, Get a vent less they work as Good or better than the vent type . And you don't need a chimney

Answer 9

Yes, it is worth it. Your resale value for a fireplace of that amount in your home will remain the same. Meaning, you put in $3,500 you'll get out about $3,500 out of it when you sell your home.

And on top of that, you'll get good use out of it.

Answer 10

Before you consider an unvented gas log system you need to go to this site:

http://homebuying.about.com/cs/gaslogs/a/ventfree_logs.htm