Is it worth it to install a gas fireplace? A cost-benefit analysis for homeowners

Gas fireplaces have become increasingly popular in Canadian homes, offering a blend of warmth, ambiance, and convenience. Many homeowners are considering this option for their living spaces, weighing the pros and cons against traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Installing a gas fireplace can be worth the investment, providing efficient heating, easy operation, and a cozy atmosphere without the mess of wood and ashes.

Gas fireplaces and stoves come in various shapes, styles and sizes, allowing for flexibility in design and placement within your home. The most popular are direct vent gas fireplaces recessed into a wall. Freestanding gas stoves or gas inserts installed into an existing wood-burning fireplace are also available, making gas appliances adaptable to different home layouts and aesthetic preferences. With options ranging from simple, functional traditional square units to large, luxury linear designs, there's likely a gas fireplace to suit your needs and budget.

Key Takeaways

• Gas fireplaces offer efficient heating and easy operation without the mess of traditional wood-burning units

• Installation costs vary, but long-term energy savings and increased home value can offset the initial investment

• Adding a gas fireplace to your home has been shown to increase the resale value of your home (second only to kitchen renovations)

• Proper maintenance and safety measures are essential for optimal performance and longevity of gas fireplaces and you should consider having your gas fireplace serviced annually

Understanding Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces offer convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency compared to traditional wood-burning models. They provide warmth and ambiance with the flip of a switch or the tap of a remote, making them an attractive feature for many homeowners.

Types of Gas Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces come in several varieties to suit different needs and spaces. Insert units fit into existing wood-burning fireplaces, converting them from wood to gas. Built-in models are installed during construction or renovation.

Free-standing gas stoves can be placed almost anywhere in a room. 

Each type has its advantages:

• Built-in models: Seamless integration with home design

• Gas Inserts: Ideal for updating old wood-burning fireplaces

• Free-standing stoves: Flexible placement options

  
  

How Gas Fireplaces Work

Gas fireplaces operate by burning natural gas. Every gas fireplace installed these days has what is referred to as an electronic ignition system that allows gas to flow through to the burner when you turn the fireplace on, creating flames that dance around artificial logs or glass beads.

Some models include fans to circulate warm air throughout the room and most gas fireplaces offer the option of purchasing a thermostatic fan kit. Some units have adjustable flame heights and heat output settings. And with the newer technology introduced in the hearth industry in the past 5-10 years, many gas fireplaces offer heat management systems to divert the heat up and away or even to another room.

Safety features are built-in:

• Oxygen depletion sensors

• Automatic shut-off valves

• Tempered glass fronts

These fireplaces can be controlled via wall switch, remote, thermostat, or smartphone apps for added convenience.

Comparing Indoor and Outdoor Gas Fireplaces

Indoor gas fireplaces focus on heating efficiency and aesthetics. They often feature realistic flame patterns and can serve as a focal point in living spaces. Fireplace Efficiency (FE) ratings help consumers compare models, with higher percentages indicating better efficiency.

Outdoor gas fireplaces prioritize ambiance over heating. They're designed to withstand the elements and often have more rustic or modern designs. These units can extend the usability of outdoor living spaces into cooler months.

Both types offer:

• Instant on/off functionality

• No need for wood storage

• Clean burning with no ash or smoke

Lifespan and Maintenance

With proper care, gas fireplaces can last 15-25 years. Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity and safety. Annual inspections by a certified technician are recommended to check the appliance and ensure proper functioning.

Routine maintenance tasks include:

• Cleaning the glass front

• Dusting artificial logs or glass beads and ensuring proper placement of such

• Checking vents for obstructions

Homeowners should replace batteries in remote controls and carbon monoxide detectors annually. It's important to keep the area around the fireplace clear of flammable materials. When replacing the batteries in your remote control, for many gas fireplaces, you also need to replace the batteries in the remote receiver located underneath the fireplace and then pair the receiver and the remote.

While gas fireplaces require less upkeep than wood-burning ones, neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency and potential safety hazards.

Installation and Costs of Gas Fireplaces

Installing a gas fireplace involves several steps and expenses. The total cost depends on factors such as the type of unit, amount of gas line needed, amount of electrical wire needed, labour, how much venting is required and any necessary modifications to your home.

Installation Process

Select Fireplaces Ltd. offers full service from start to finish for installing a new gas fireplace in your home. They can assist you with determining the best location for the fireplace, how the unit will be vented, how much gas line and electrical wire are needed (for both operation of the fireplace and any optional items such as fan kits), installation of the fireplace and final set up. They also work closely with a team that can install tile or stone around your new fireplace.

Cost Factors

The cost of a gas fireplace can vary widely. In Edmonton, gas fireplaces typically range from $3,000 to $15,000, including installation.

Factors affecting the cost include:

• Type of unit (traditional or linear) and make/model selected

• BTU output

• Efficiency rating

• Features (remote control, blower, thermostat)

• Heat management systems

• Venting requirements

• Complexity of installation

Additional expenses may include gas line installation, electrical work, and any necessary modifications to the existing structure.

It's important to factor in ongoing costs such as fuel consumption and annual maintenance when considering the total investment.

Benefits of Choosing a Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for homeowners. They provide warmth, ambiance, and efficiency while requiring minimal maintenance.

Ease of Use and Convenience

Gas fireplaces are incredibly user-friendly. With just the flip of a switch or press of a remote control, you can instantly enjoy a cozy fire. There's no need to chop or store wood, carry logs, or clean up ash.

Most models feature adjustable flames and heat output, allowing you to customize the atmosphere and temperature. Some units even come with programmable thermostats for automatic temperature control.

Gas fireplaces don't require a chimney, making them suitable for various home layouts.

Maintenance is minimal, typically involving an annual inspection and cleaning by a professional. This convenience saves time and effort compared to wood-burning fireplaces.

Heating Efficiency

Gas fireplaces are highly efficient heating sources. They convert a large portion of their fuel into usable heat, with some models achieving efficiency ratings up to 85%.

These appliances can effectively heat a room or supplement your home's central heating system. By using a gas fireplace to heat specific areas, you may be able to lower your overall heating costs.

Many gas fireplaces continue to operate during power outages, providing a reliable heat source during emergencies. This feature can be particularly valuable in areas prone to winter storms. If your gas fireplace is equipped with the battery back-up feature, you simply insert batteries into the receptacle underneath your fireplace and the unit will run on batteries until such time that the power comes back on. It is very important to remove the batteries once the power comes back on so that the electronic components within your fireplace will operate properly.

The consistent heat output of gas fireplaces helps maintain a comfortable temperature, eliminating the fluctuations often associated with wood-burning units.

Environmental Considerations

Gas fireplaces produce fewer emissions compared to wood-burning fireplaces. They burn cleaner, releasing less particulate matter into the air and reducing indoor air pollution.

Natural gas is a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel, producing lower carbon dioxide emissions than coal or oil. This makes gas fireplaces a more environmentally friendly option for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Some gas fireplace models are designed to be highly efficient, further minimizing their environmental impact. Look for units with high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings to maximize energy efficiency.

Gas fireplaces don't contribute to deforestation or require the harvesting of trees for fuel, helping to preserve forests and natural habitats.

Financial Implications

Installing a gas fireplace involves upfront costs but can lead to long-term savings and increased property value. The financial considerations include both immediate expenses and potential future benefits.

Initial Investment vs Long-Term Savings

The cost of a gas fireplace typically ranges from $3,000 to $15,000. This includes the unit, labour, and any necessary venting or gas line work. Gas fireplaces are more energy-efficient than wood-burning ones, potentially reducing heating costs by 20-40%.

Annual maintenance costs are lower for gas fireplaces compared to wood-burning alternatives. They don't require chimney cleaning or wood storage, saving time and money. Gas fireplaces also offer zone heating, allowing users to heat only occupied rooms and further reduce energy bills.

Over time, the energy savings can offset the initial investment. Homeowners may recoup costs within 5-10 years, depending on usage and local energy prices.

Resale Value Impact

Adding a gas fireplace can increase a home's resale value by 3-5%. It's an attractive feature for potential buyers, offering both aesthetics and functionality. Real estate agents often highlight gas fireplaces as a selling point.

Gas fireplaces are particularly appealing in colder climates where efficient heating is crucial. They provide a cozy atmosphere without the hassle of wood storage or ash cleanup. This convenience factor can make a property more desirable in competitive real estate markets.

The modern designs of gas fireplaces can also enhance a home's interior aesthetics, potentially increasing its overall appeal and value. Some high-end models feature realistic flames and customizable options, further boosting their impact on resale value.

Making the Decision

Choosing to install a gas fireplace involves weighing personal preferences against practical considerations. Safety regulations and lifestyle factors play crucial roles in this decision-making process.

Personal Preferences and Lifestyle

Gas fireplaces offer convenience and efficiency. They provide instant warmth at the push of a button, making them ideal for busy households. Many homeowners appreciate the clean-burning nature of gas fireplaces, which eliminates the need for wood storage and ash cleanup.

For those who value ambiance, traditional gas fireplaces can closely mimic the look of wood-burning units. They come in various styles to suit different decor preferences.

Energy efficiency is another factor to consider. Gas fireplaces can be an effective supplementary heat source, potentially lowering overall heating costs.

Safety and Regulations in Canada

Safety is paramount when installing a gas fireplace. In Canada, strict regulations govern the installation and use of these appliances. Homeowners must ensure their chosen model meets national and local safety standards.

Professional installation is typically required to comply with building codes and ensure proper ventilation. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the fireplace operating safely and efficiently.

If you are installing a new gas fireplace in your home, it is important to obtain a gas permit (available through your fireplace supplier) whereby the city/town you reside in will do a gas inspection. It's important to consider the availability of natural gas or propane in your area. Some remote locations may have limited access to these fuel sources.

Canadian homeowners can also contact their energy provider to investigate potential rebates or incentives for installing energy-efficient heating appliances, which may include certain gas fireplace models.

Ready to transform your home with a gas fireplace? Select Fireplaces Ltd. offers a wide range of stylish and efficient options to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover the warmth and ambiance a gas fireplace can bring to your living space.

Frequently Asked Questions