Chimney Care Company's Blog
Not All Gas Logs Are the Same
Gas logs have so many benefits that it is hard to know where to start. Installation is simple, and their presence easily adds ambiance to a room. It takes mere seconds to start a fire, and requires much less maintenance than a conventional wood fireplace. The benefits of having gas logs in your fireplace is obvious, but many don’t know all the various options that are available for those looking to change or upgrade from their current situation.
Vented Gas Logs:
When selecting a gas log set, consider where they will be located. Do you have a fireplace that you want to upgrade or do you want a fire that doesn’t require ventilation? This will be the main factor in determining if you need vented or vent-free gas logs. Vented gas logs act like a wood fire, just without the ash, the smoke, and the hassle. It still emits some fumes, so a fireplace that has a functioning, well-maintained chimney attached is a must. Just like a wood-burning fire, the damper of the chimney must remain open while the gas fire is on.
Vent-Free Gas Logs:
When you want to add a heat source and instant coziness to a room, a set of vent-free gas logs in an approved vent-free firebox that channels the heat directly into the room, but still protects you and your home. It doesn’t require a chimney, but keep in mind that gas lines will still need to be run into the firebox.
Other options:
Technology has spoiled us in the last few years, providing us with a variety of options for the logs and the firebox itself. Depending on the decor and feel of the room, the clay, cement, or ceramic logs can be made to resemble a variety of different woods, and can even be shaped to look like both split and whole logs, complete with knots and bark. You also have the option to choose the type and height of flame that is produced, as well as the pattern in which it burns. The flames can be produced by a manual or electronic ignition, and lit with a match or even a remote control. To even further add options, glowing embers can be activated and gravel or sand can be added underneath to complete the look. Gas logs have none of the fuss of building an actual fire, but all of the little details that add to the ambiance.
Gas logs can easily take the place of a wood-burning fireplace with their ease of use and convenience, but it is still important to keep your chimney and fireplace swept and inspected. You may be warm and cozy inside, but your chimney is still out in the elements. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment for a sweeping and to look into your options for changing to a gas log set before the winter months hit us.
How Can Zone Heating Reduce My Energy Bills?
There are many different ways to warm your home this winter and avoid an especially high energy bill. Simple changes like keeping your temperature a few degrees cooler and bundling up with jackets and blankets, as well as lowering the temperature when you and your family are not in the home will save you a lot of money. If that just isn’t lowering your bill enough, it might be time to think about zone heating.
What is zone heating?
Though this can apply to both heating and cooling, cooler temperatures will have us thinking about staying warm, sooner rather than later. At its most simple, zone heating is a system of separating each area of your house into different zones, and allowing each area to be controlled individually. A more involved process of zone heating and cooling requires outfitting an entire house with a series of dampers in the air ducts, as well as have programmable thermostats to control each area. This can be pricey and time intensive. An easier alternative is using another heat source in the rooms that are most frequented. Using a gas or electric log set, a fireplace, or a stove in rooms with a high volume of traffic will allow you to lower your central furnace use and also the costs associated. Rooms that are not used as frequently, such as guest bedrooms and bathrooms, will remain at lower temperatures while the den, kitchen, and bedrooms can be outfitted with a series of aesthetically pleasing heating sources. We have a variety of options to choose from depending on if you want the ambiance and feel of a more traditional fireplace or log set, or if a vented stove is necessary for a larger room.
How is it going to help me save money?
By being able to control the amount of heat in each room of your house, the amount of wasted heat will be lowered, along with the price of your bill each month. The U.S. Department of Energy states that homeowners “can save up to 30 percent on a typical heating and cooling bill” and up to 40 percent of utility bills by switching to zone heating. That adds up to huge savings!
What are the benefits?
- A beautiful addition to your home that perfectly represents your style
- A new focal point for each room
- Lovely new ambiance
- Lowered heating costs this winter
Thinking about switching to zone heating can be a little overwhelming, but will be hugely beneficial in the long-term plan. There are many heating choices to choose from, and we want to help. Stop by the Chimney Care Company showroom and let us show you our collection of hearth products, and we can figure out together the best option for your budget and taste.