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Gas Fireplace Inserts – Energy-Efficient Natural Gas Heating

by Bill Ferris Leave a Comment

Close-up of blue gas flame and decorative black glass charcoal

Table of Contents

  • Gas burning fireplace inserts
    • Direct vent vs. vent-free gas inserts
    • Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use
    • Efficient heaters
    • Environmental consideration of gas fireplace inserts
  • When to opt for gas
  • Less common but viable alternatives to gas

Gas burning fireplace inserts

The second fuel type in our in-depth guide is gas. Fireplace inserts that burn natural gas or liquid propane are great, customized alternatives for homeowners who want efficient low-maintenance heating options. They provide the warmth and cozy ambiance of a traditional wood-burning fireplace without the hassle of chopping, storing and hauling firewood. An architect of warmth and comfort, these inserts blend seamlessly with your existing architecture.

Helpful Article

Read our article Fire Pit Fuel Types – Pros & Cons for more information on wood and other fuel types for fireplace inserts.

Direct vent vs. vent-free gas inserts

Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use and require little maintenance. They come in two types: direct vent and vent-free. Direct vent gas fireplace inserts draw air from outside the home for combustion and expel exhaust outside through a small vent pipe. Vent-free gas fireplace inserts utilize a catalytic converter system that burns off any remaining carbon monoxide before it can enter the room. They can be an excellent zero clearance solution due to their flexible installation options. Gas fireplace inserts without these mechanisms must be ventilated to prevent harmful pollutants from filling the indoor air [2001 Dutton, Hannigan & Miller].

Gas fireplace inserts are easy to use

Consider a family living in the Northern part of the United States. The temperature dips to below zero during the winter season and they dread having to spend hours gathering wood, starting fires or cleaning the hearth whenever they need heat. However, with a gas fireplace insert it only takes pressing a button on a remote control or thermostat to enjoy instant warmth.

Close-up of gas-burning fireplace insert with double-sided glass walls and river rocks around the burner

Efficient heaters

Direct vent gas inserts are energy-efficient products that use sealed glass fronts and doors, with co-linear vent systems to bring all combustion air into the fireplace through a combustion air vent. They’re designed with architectural precision and the practicality of a builder for maximum heating efficiency. This setup ensures optimal heat transfer and 65%-75% heat efficiency inside a room. Unlike traditional fireplaces or gas logs, direct vent gas inserts have adjustable thermostats that control room temperature settings and blowers that help circulate warm air throughout large spaces. In contrast to their wood fireplace insert counterparts, they offer controlled heating that doesn’t require dealing with logs or ashes.

Environmental consideration of gas fireplace inserts

Some homeowners may be hesitant to install gas inserts because of the potential environmental impact of natural gas as a fuel. However, some manufacturers offer high-efficiency direct vent gas inserts with green technology features such as cool-to-the-touch surfaces, LED accent lighting options and eco-friendly fans that utilize energy from low-wattage motors. These efficient versions, designed by skilled architects of builder technology, make a solid argument against conventional wood fireplace inserts which lack green tech features.

While they are cleaner-burning than wood-burning inserts, propane and natural gas are still fossil fuels and impact the environment. However, if you live in an area where natural gas is abundant and no other clean energy alternatives are available, a gas insert may be the best choice for you.

Fireplace Insert Buying Guide - Gas

When to opt for gas

Gas fireplace inserts, on the other hand, offer convenience and ease of use. With just the flip of a switch or press of a button on a remote control, you can have instant adjustable heat with no mess or fuss. They also burn cleaner than wood-burning inserts and require less maintenance.

However, while the fuel may seem cost-effective compared to other options, many people forget about added yearly maintenance costs such as annual inspections and possible pilot light issues. If you don’t have a line to natural gas or propane, you’ll incur substantial upfront costs to hire a plumber to install the tanks and make the connections. Gas versions also produce an odor that may be noticeable.

Less common but viable alternatives to gas

Both liquid propane and natural gas fireplace inserts are smokeless heating solutions. But, for an even cleaner burn that requires no venting, read the next section of our guide on bio-ethanol firebox inserts.

Guide Sections

Fireplace Insert Buying Guide

Fireplace Insert Buying Guide

Iron wood-burning fireplace insert set in brick wall near firewood and fire tools

Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts – Cost-Saving But High Maintenance

Close-up of bio-ethanol burning fireplace insert with tempered glass wind guard and stainless steel firebox

Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces โ€“ Pleasing Odorless & Ventless Fire

Close-up of compressed wood pellets with a metal scoop on a wooden table

Pellet Fireplace Inserts – Modern Eco-Friendly Convection Heating

Wide black frames electric fireplace insert with clear decorative glass media on white wall

Electric Fireplaces – Energy-Efficient & Easy to Use Heaters

Black iron fireplace inset being installed in red brick wall with tools and a mobile phone sitting on the hearth

Fireplace Insert Installation – Finding the Right Size & Safety


References

  • Dutton, S. J., Hannigan, M. P., & Miller, S. L. (2001). Indoor pollutant levels from the use of unvented natural gas fireplaces in Boulder, Colorado. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 51(12), 1654-1661.

Filed Under: Fireplaces, Guide - Fireplace Inserts, Outdoor Fireplaces

Avatar for Bill Ferris

About Bill Ferris

Bill Ferris is the president of Decor Outdoor and founded the company in 2007. He's been quoted on patio furniture by Living Cozy and on home improvement by Realtor.com. When not writing posts for the website, he's a frequent guest contributor on the subject of online marketing and an interior design enthusiast.

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Guide Sections

  • Fireplace Insert Buying Guide
  • Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts – Cost-Saving But High Maintenance
  • Bio-Ethanol Fireplaces โ€“ Pleasing Odorless & Ventless Fire
  • Pellet Fireplace Inserts – Modern Eco-Friendly Convection Heating
  • Electric Fireplaces – Energy-Efficient & Easy to Use Heaters
  • Fireplace Insert Installation – Finding the Right Size & Safety

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