Chicagoland homeowners know there’s nothing quite like snuggling up in front of a crackling fire on a cold winter’s night. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, you might wonder if it’s worth converting to gas or vice versa. There’s no right or wrong answer; the decision is a very personal one. Exploring the pros and cons of each type of unit, so you can determine which is best for your home.

Reasons To Choose A Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are definitely gaining popularity among Chicago area homeowners. For starters, they’re much more energy-efficient than wood-burning fireplaces, since they use less fuel. Compared to wood logs, gas logs offer some additional benefits.

Cleaner & Easier To Maintain
No Ashes To Deal With
Fewer Emissions
Easy To Turn Off & On (Press A Button Or Flip A Switch)

Gas Fireplaces: The Cons

Of course, gas fireplaces also have their downsides. For example, they have sealed-combustion units, so the flames don’t touch the air in your home. These logs don’t provide the same warmth and ambiance as wood. Here are some additional drawbacks of gas units.

Can Be Expensive To Install
Require Special Venting Systems
Require A Gas Line
Produce Artificial-Looking Flames Compared To Wood
Require Electricity & May Not Work During Power Outages
Natural Gas Can Be Costlier Than Wood

Benefits Of Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Cozying up next to a real wood fire is a real treat! Wood-burning fireplaces provide all the ambiance of a gas fireplace with the bonus of a beautiful flickering flame and added warmth. Here are some more pros of wood-burning units.

Easier & Less Expensive To Install
Cheaper To Operate
Produce More Heat than Gas
Create A Cozy Ambiance Via Sound & Scent
Increased Flexibility In Terms Of Design

Disadvantages Of Wood-Burning Units

There are also several drawbacks to using a wood-burning fireplace. For starters, building and maintaining a wood fire takes more work than simply pushing a button.

You’ll also need to stock up on wood, find an appropriate way to store it without it getting damp or rotting, and build and maintain fires consistently. Consider these additional disadvantages.

Wood Produces More Emissions
You Must Clean The Chimney & Ashes Regularly
Annual Sweeping Is Essential

So Which Is Better —Gas or Wood?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer, since it depends on each individual’s needs and preferences. However, this overview of the pros and cons of each type of fireplace will hopefully help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your home.

Chicagoland Gas Fireplace Conversions

If you live in the Chicago area, Capital Chimney Corp can help you convert from one type of fireplace to another. We also offer a full range of installation and maintenance services, including annual inspection, sweep, cleaning, and repairs. Call today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.