Does your wood-burning fireplace often sit unused because of the time investment of building and maintaining a fire? Are you considering an upgrade to boost energy efficiency or to redesign the look and feel of the room? Or maybe you’re in the market for a new heating appliance, and are wondering which type of fuel will serve you best.

While the craving for warmth is as old as humanity itself, fireplace technology continues to change with the times. For instance, the push toward electrification for its economic and environmental impact has opened the market for impressive electric models that put the heat output and stylistic options of older models to shame.

If you’ve been weighing the benefits of gas and electric heating, be assured that both are compelling options that can add beauty, ease, and comfort to your home – and sustainability, too. With their distinct advantages, you’re free to explore which would fit best into your lifestyle and situation knowing that both are strong choices.

What Is Electrification?

As homeowners increasingly prioritize sustainability, many are considering a move away from fossil fuels towards electric solutions. This trend is called electrification, and it’s motivated by a desire to reduce carbon footprints and explore renewable energy sources.

Since electric fireplaces align with the wave of electrification, manufacturers are increasingly designing models with eco-conscious features. Another cool change in heating? Fireplaces are becoming more integrated into automated home systems, allowing homeowners to control their fireplace’s operation more efficiently – and conveniently.

It’s a good time to be a fireplace lover!

Gas vs. Electric…Which Is Better?

Let’s consider the pros and cons:

Electric Fireplaces

Pros:

• Ease of use. This is basically unmatched in electric fireplaces. Plug your into an electrical outlet, push a button, and you’re in business. No venting, instant ambiance. This also makes electric fireplaces a prime option for renters.
• Low maintenance. With electric, you aren’t scooping ash or maintaining a chimney – in fact, there’s very little maintenance involved.
• Safety. With no gases to vent and no live flame, electric fireplaces and inserts pose little hazard. They also operate at lower temperatures.
• Energy efficiency. All electricity used to operate an electric fireplace is converted directly into heat. Plus, adjustable settings give you control over heat output.
• Environmental friendliness. Electric fireplaces don’t burn fossil fuels, and no emissions are generated within your home.

Cons:

• Heat output. Electrical is a nice heat source, but an electric fireplace usually isn’t the best option for heating large spaces. They are great for smaller rooms or as a supplemental heat source, however.
• Energy dependence. Electric fireplaces are firmly situated on the grid, so if you have concerns about interruptions to electrical service, an electric fireplace won’t be able to help you out there.
• Flames. You aren’t getting the real thing here. But it’s worth checking out how far the effects have come – LEDs can’t entirely mimic a fire, but they can give you a nice, enticing glow.

Gas Fireplaces

Pros:

• Flame appearance. Gas fireplaces feature natural flames that more closely resemble a wood-fueled fire – and the flames are often adjustable and anchored in realistic-looking decorative logs to model the ambiance of a wood fire (without the hassle).
• Heat output and efficiency. You’re going to get substantial heat output from a gas fireplace. This grants the ability to heat larger spaces and rely more heavily on your fireplace as a primary heat source. Plus, it’s much more efficient than a traditional, open fireplace.
• Heat control. Adjust the temp and flame height from the comfort of the couch? Yes, please. Gas can make that happen.
• Independence. Most models will be able to continue to work and provide heat during electrical outages.
• Relative environmental friendliness. Gas fireplaces are cleaner than wood-burning ones, with higher efficiency and fewer emissions produced.

Cons: 

• Installation. Gas fireplaces will be a bit more involved to have installed than electric ones, and therefore (most likely) more costly as well. You need to have a gas line, venting systems, and all safety measures in place.
• Maintenance. Gas will require more maintenance than electric, but far less than wood burning units.
• Carbon emissions. It might sound like a skipping record, but as with maintenance… gas will produce more carbon emissions than electric, but fewer than wood burning units. The environmental impact’s much lower than that of burning wood, but it isn’t entirely carbon-free.

So, Which Is Best: Electric or Gas?

What’s true of the options available decades ago isn’t exactly the same today – and that’s a good thing! The possibilities in terms of efficiency, features, aesthetics, and overall design have expanded. While that’s good for consumers, it also leaves them more to navigate. 

So, what’s best? This decision depends on you! What are your needs and priorities? Are you after a less-involved installation process? Greater heat output? What’s the style and feel you’re trying to achieve? As you can see, gas and electric both have a great deal to offer. It’s just a matter of finding what’s the best fit for you.

Work With Lords Chimney Today

Whatever you choose, now is a great time to upgrade or bring the warmth and ambiance of a fireplace into your home for the first time. And if you still have lingering questions, there’s no pressure to make the decision today. Explore your options, consider your needs, and talk to our friendly pros to learn more about the possibilities for your space.

Call or schedule with us online today.