Gas fireplaces have grown in popularity over the last few decades. They’re convenient and easy to use. When you want to warm up, you simply have to turn on the gas fireplace. You don’t have to worry about firewood or using matches to light the fire.
Additionally, gas fireplaces are very cost-efficient. Instead of relying on your central heating system, you can turn off the thermostat and enjoy the warmth of your gas fireplace. This can decrease your energy usage and save money on your utility bills.
This may lead you to wonder, what do gas fireplaces and traditional fireplaces have in common? Do they need the same cleaning and maintenance? Do gas fireplaces also need a chimney? How do they work? Keep reading below for the answers to your questions!
Do Gas Fireplaces Require a Chimney?
Gas fireplaces are quite different from traditional wood-burning fireplaces. In fact, gas fireplaces do not even need a chimney. This can be a major benefit for you as the homeowner. Traditional fireplaces with chimneys often need regular maintenance and cleanings. Otherwise, toxins can enter the home when the fireplaces get clogged.
Instead of chimneys, gas fireplaces need a ventilation system to take the smoke, by-products, and pollutants from the home. There are a few different types of ventilation systems for gas fireplaces, such as:
Direct Ventilation for Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces produce smoke, odors, polluted air, and toxic by-products. Direct ventilation for gas fireplaces removes those by-products from the home through a direct opening to the outside. The vent can ventilate through the roof or be a horizontal opening in the walls of the home.
Most direct vent gas fireplaces have a pane of glass on the outside of the fireplace so the homeowners can see the fire burning. Direct ventilation is the most popular ventilation option by far.
Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation gas fireplaces utilize a pipe or brick-and-mortar structure, resembling a chimney, to transfer the smoke, odors, and polluted air out through the roof. Resembling a chimney is often a stylistic choice.
Power Vents
Power vents or electric vents use fans to ventilate the air inside gas fireplaces. There are not very common.
Vent-Free
Vent-free fireplaces are becoming more popular with homebuyers. These homebuyers want the look and feel of a fireplace but do not want to install a gas fireplace or traditional fireplace. In theory, vent-free gas fireplaces allow all the heat from the fireplace to stay in whichever room it’s located in. However, the odors and air pollutants also stay in the room. Those who are sensitive to air quality, have asthma, or other breathing problems should avoid vent-free fireplaces.
Cleaning & Maintenance For Gas Fireplaces
One of the main benefits of choosing a gas fireplace over a traditional fireplace is not having to clean soot and grime out of a chimney. However, there are still some things you should do to clean and maintain your gas fireplace.
Before cleaning your fireplace, always make sure that the gas is turned off and it’s had a chance to “air out.”
Brush Away Dust and Dirt
Keeping your gas fireplace clean occasionally requires brushing the decorative components on the inside and outside of any dust, ash, or dirt.
Clean Out The Cobwebs
As if spiders couldn’t get any worse, they also like to spin cobwebs in the corners of your fireplace. Make sure to clean those out from time to time.
Clean the Glass
If your gas fireplace has a glass pane in the front, make sure to use a gas fireplace cleaner to wipe that down and clean it.
Examine Your Vents
If your gas fireplace has a vent that leads to the exterior of your home, you should check on it a couple of times each season. Make sure that leaves, dirt, debris, and even animals aren’t stuck in the vent.
Get Your Gas Fireplace Serviced By J.A. Bertsch
J.A. Bertsch Heating & Cooling offers complete service options for gas-powered fireplaces. Our licensed professionals have experience in the installation, repair, and maintenance of a variety of different brands and designs. Our experienced technicians are available 24/7 for all your gas fireplace needs.
