Find out which heating source works best for your home, gas or electric. 

If you have a traditional fireplace in your home, then you may have considered upgrading to either an electric or gas-powered system. While each has its own perks and benefits, having the information your need to make a quality decision is the best way to keep your family safe and comfortable, especially during the winter season.

Whichever system you choose, however, you will enjoy convenient heating all through the use of easy to use inserts, which can be installed conveniently in the space you already have for your fireplace.

How do Gas and Electric Fireplaces Work?

A ventless gas fireplace, or electric unit, provides heat without the use of traditional wood burning. An electric unit uses this using a heated coal, and a gas unit provides heat using natural gas. If you’ve ever used a propane barbeque grill, the technology is basically the same.

With electric units, there is a fan within the electric fireplace insert that helps to radiate the heat into a certain area. With a natural gas fireplace, the heating element itself is strong enough to radiate without the use of a fan.

Both these systems take up the same space as a traditional fireplace, but they do not require the same venting that is used to dispel smoke.

By using these alternative fuel sources, homeowners are provided with similar access to heat, without the hassle of having to chop wood, and continuously stoke a flame. Of particular convenience is the fact that lighting and heating are completed almost simultaneously.

Additionally, with a natural gas fireplace, the new system can be connected directly to your existing gas lines.

Gas Powered vs. Electric

While both systems work to provide heat to your home, they each have their own benefits and weaknesses. Some of the perks of each include:

Gas Powered Heating

A natural gas heater works with the gas lines in your home to heat. Because of their gas operation, they have a tendency to radiate more heat, which makes them a better option for larger homes, or homes that are particularly susceptible to the cold. Additionally, because they use natural gas for power, the power can be adjusted simply by increasing the amount of gas.

However, because of their use of gas, they can also be a dangerous choice for homeowners. By burning natural gas, toxic gases are also produced. These include carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxides, which can be fatal if left leaking. Also, the gas used is highly flammable, which can be a serious risk for any homeowner.

Electric Powered Heating

Choosing electric heating for your home may be a safe choice in comparison to gas, but an electric heater is much more limited in its ability to heat. It radiates heat to a limited distance, which makes it a good choice for smaller homes, or area specific heating.

An electric heater is not a good choice for someone looking to heat his or her entire home. This system is energy-efficient so it keeps homeowners safe from fires during heavy usage.

5 Benefits of Gas and Electric Heating

While each system has its own pros and cons, there are various benefits you will enjoy from each. They include:

  • Easy Access to Heating: The biggest downfall to traditional wood burning heaters is the amount of time and care it takes to use them. From sourcing the wood, to lighting it, to then monitoring it to ensure it remains lit, this can be time consuming and takes away from the comfort of your home. With a gas or electric heating element, you can have instant access to heat with the push of a button.
  • Safe Operation: While they can pose some risks for your home, if a propane fireplace insert is installed correctly, it can offer energy efficient heating for the whole home. Also, because you never come in contact with the flame directly, the risk of burning is greatly limited.
  • Easy Temperature Adjustments: When burning wood, there is only one setting, hot. With a gas or electric model, you can easily adjust the temperature the unit produces to create the perfect environment in your home.
  • Convenient Installation: As the name suggests, an electric fireplace insert is an insert that can be installed in place of your traditional fireplace. Also, because they use electricity to heat, they can be installed without the need for venting or ductwork.
  • Stylish Features: Soot, smoke, and smells are a thing of the past when you install a gas fireplace in your home. Not only do they improve the smell of your home, but also they can improve the look with stylish rock finishes and glass styling.

Regardless of the system you choose for your home, you can expect safe and convenient heating the whole family will be able to enjoy.