Written on: December 29, 2022
If you’ve ever had a wood-burning fireplace in your home, you know that there is a lot of work involved before you can enjoy it. First, you have to lug your wood logs to the fireplace and get a fire started. Then you sit around waiting and watching for the flames to start dancing. Then comes perhaps the worst part: you eventually have to deal with disposing of all of the ashes and soot. There is also the worry of making absolutely certain the fire is completely extinguished before you turn off the lights and go to bed.
This kind of hassle is the reason many Georgia residents have decided to keep their home fires burning with propane gas logs instead. There is a wide range of styles and sizes to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect gas log set for your home!
When deciding on options for converting a wood fireplace to a propane gas log fireplace, it’s only natural to have some questions about this transition. One of the most common questions is this: how often should you replace the logs in a gas fireplace?
The short answer is, it depends on the type of gas logs you choose. Ceramic refractory gas logs, which are made from reinforced cement, can last 8-10 years before showing signs of wear.
On the other hand, lightweight ceramic fiber gas logs, which are made from a material similar to hard foam, can typically show signs of wear after about five years of use. However, if not subjected to heavy use, these logs can typically last 10-15 years before they need to be replaced. Read more about how long a gas fireplace and gas logs can last.
If you decide you want to get a propane gas log set, one popular option is the vent-free gas fireplace log set. This is a self-contained system that can be installed in walls or even open areas, with no outlet to the outdoor air. These gas log units can also be installed in place of old and unused wood-burning hearths that connect to a chimney but where the flue has been sealed shut.
A ventless gas fireplace is a great choice if you are looking for the highest heating efficiency possible. As its name implies, this type of fireplace is not vented to the outside. Because of this, all the heat produced is contained in the living space. Ventless fireplaces are more energy efficient than vented fireplaces because no heat escapes up the flue, so you’ll save money on fuel.
Please talk to an expert about this option since there are a few downsides. First, because vent-free gas logs introduce moisture to the air, adequate room ventilation is still necessary to prevent mold and mildew growth.
And because vent-free gas logs do produce a small quantity of exhaust into your indoor environment, they are not appropriate for bedrooms or other small, closed spaces like bathrooms or RVs.
Vent-free gas logs are also prohibited in some local building regulations. Before going ahead with your ventless gas fireplace installation, make sure vent-free gas logs are permissible in your community.
Read more about getting a propane gas fireplace.