2007-01-15 06:26:12 · 9 answers · asked by melissa h 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
gas is simply an option in a wood burning fireplace. Many folks now don't want the mess of wood but want the ambiance of a fire. The gas will do that.
My answer is the gas.
2007-01-15 06:31:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fireplace now adays has lost the charm and must haves of the 70's and 80's so it has very little impact on house appreciation. If your fireplace is not piped for gas, it is not worth the cost of installing the gas line and the fake log burner. You will probably not recover the expense when you sell the house. Gas fireplace is easy to use, no wood required and maintenance free. However if you live in a very cold region and use the fireplace as a supplement to your heater, wood burning fireplace is much more desirable since it provides many times the heat compared with gas. Gas fireplaces are more visual than actually using it for heating.
Fireplaces are now becoming more of an architectural element. Some people install non-functioning fireplaces just as part of interior decoration.
Best home improvement that brings you the best ROI is the new kitchen, followed by bathrooms then master suite.
2007-01-15 07:03:22 · answer #2 · answered by lightpulse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's kind of a toss-up, and depends on the prospective homeowner's tastes. Gas "direct vent" fireplaces have a glass front on them, which is good if you keep in mind that there is no chance for a draft, but bad if you prefer not to see the glass in front of your "burning logs."
Gas "B-vent" does NOT have a glass front, which is good if you don't want the glass, but that means that you do have an opening to the outside of the house through the vent. B-vents are also very inefficient burners, so you use more gas to get the same amount of heat as a direct vent.
Vent-free fireplaces are a good option, as they offer the best of both worlds: you get a gas logset that burns 99.994% pure, so it doesn't need a vent (or a glass front.) They do produce a small amount of humidity, which I think is a good thing, but that's my opinion.
Woodburners are nice if you want to have a "real" fire, but can be messy for the more urban type; you CAN close the dapmer, though, to keep the outside air... outside. Also, you can convert a woodburning fireplace to use a gas logset, either "vented" or "vent-free." With a vented logset, you must keep the damper locked in the "open" position, which is fine if you don't have a drafty chimney. With the vent-free, you can keep the damper closed, and all the heat stays inside.
Any fireplace will add value to your home, but as you can see, the choices are myriad.
2007-01-15 06:46:47 · answer #3 · answered by yesod7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably gas. I have noticed that people are gradually switching to gas because of the ease of using it. It burns cleanly, no chopping wood, or on need to buy, no cleaning out fireplace, chimney etc.
The health authorities here NW Can. prefer us to use gas because it reduces smoke in the air.
For home value I believe gas is preferred as the installation is completed by whomever owned the house previously at their cost. Also, can be used in the city or country.
I prefer wood. Like the scent and the whole woodsy thing. But, I live in the country.
2007-01-15 06:40:14 · answer #4 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I asked my friend who is a Realtor. He says gas fireplaces because they portray the beauty of indoor fire and glow with out the mess and hazards associated with wood.
It depends on the home. I've seen wonderful wood fireplaces but it's alot of work and maintenance of having chimney sweeper clean and care for your fireplace. Then u either have to chop or buy wood to burn. Proper screen to avoid the popping of embers. etc...
Gas ones u can have on timer. A friend just put one in master bedroom /bath. It's amazing the difference. Each person is different, you should do what you like and if your going to sell. Find out what your housing market wants.
2007-01-15 08:52:58 · answer #5 · answered by Staci 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definately the gas. It is using the resourses already designed to heat/appliance/water tanks etc., rather than having to stock up on the wood to use the fireplace.
2007-01-15 06:41:38 · answer #6 · answered by ladyharryman2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that most prospective purchasers would prefer a gas fireplace, because they are cleaner, and you just turn a switch to light them
2007-01-15 06:45:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, a gas fireplace. They are easier to use, MUCH cleaner and have less chance of a chimney fire from creosote build up.
2007-01-15 06:31:05 · answer #8 · answered by Gnometomes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wood.... because you can allways put in gas logs, & better yet vent free gas logs & actually heat the house!
2007-01-15 08:00:34 · answer #9 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋