Gone are the days of wooden fireplaces. Now people mostly prefer gas fireplaces or electric fireplaces for better convenience.
However, both of these models have some advantages to offer for its users, but these two types of fireplaces are different in some aspects too.
Installation
If you want to install a gas fireplace, you have to make the provision of a gas line, which will work as the fuel for the fireplace. You have to arrange mostly a small vent for installing a gas fireplace as well as you have to find the spot for installing the fireplace insert.
Alternatively, an electric fireplace is an advanced fireplace, and it is a plug and play appliance. You need a 15 amp plug point to run the gadget. In terms of convenience of installation, electric fireplaces are a bit ahead of the curve.
Maintenance
A gas fireplace needs periodical maintenance. You need to clean it, besides you have to check the insulation of the gas line. Valves are the most vulnerable parts of this type of fireplace, and you have to take periodical care of these components to run the gadget.
Servicing a gas fireplace is not that easy task. It is always safe to call a professional serviceman to get the task done.
Alternatively, electric fireplaces are low maintenance appliances. You may clean it yearly to maintain the sheen and shine of the fireplace insert. After consulting the manufacturer's manual, you can do it yourself.
Safety
Gas fireplaces are safe, but the safety status of the fireplace largely depends on the maintenance. Furthermore, gas fireplaces may get hot faster than an electric fireplace. The gas pipes are quite vulnerable, and you have to check them at regular interval.
Most of the advanced electrical fireplaces are built with auto shut-off features. This is an added safety feature, and in case there is a situation of fire hazard, electric fireplaces can get auto shut, which is a relief for the users.
Environmental concern
Gas fireplaces are energy efficient, and it has been estimated that at least 90% of the energy is utilized in these genres of fireplaces. However, the fuel gas is a non-renewable energy source, but the appliance hardly produces carbon footprint.
Instead, an electric fireplace often utilizes a lesser amount of energy in comparison a gas fireplace and hardly emits any harmful particles in the air.
As advanced electric fireplace may run by clean and green energy like solar power, etc. which makes it entirely environment-friendly.
Running cost
Running cost is one of the most deciding factors of selection between the gas-electric fireplace and electric fireplace. According to the users, the gas fireplace is costlier in terms of running cost. In Northern USA, in an average, running cost of a gas fireplace is $350-$400.
In comparison to a gas fireplace, as electric fireplace runs on $50-$80, which is more affordable than a gas variant. However, in terms of turnaround time and efficiency, a gas fireplace is a better option than an average electric fireplace.
Heat generated
Needless to mention that functionality is a premium feature that influences a user’s choice, to a large extent, for buying and installing a fireplace in his/her premise. The functionality is best calculated by the efficiency of heat generated.
In this aspect, a gas fireplace can produce 25,000 – 30,000 BTU’s of heat whereas an electric fireplace of the same size can produce up to 3000 to 9000 BTU’s of heat. It is measured that around 400 sq feet area needs around 5000 BTU heat to keep the air warm and conditioned.
Consequently, a gas fireplace with 25,000 BTUs capacity could warm a space up to 2000 square feet, which can cover your entire apartment amicably. But the flames of an electric fireplace can work with or without the heater turned on.
Electric fireplace models configured with a thermostat control can essentially turn the heater on and off for maintaining a continual temperature, without affecting the flames, and it is a definite advantage of using an electric heater.
Final verdict
Electric fireplace vs. Gas fireplace is indeed a tricky comparison, and in many cases, the final choice depends on the budget, heating need, and personal choice of the users.
But if you want to know an unbiased assessment and evaluation of the model in each other’s perspective, these aforementioned points will help you to find a logical conclusion for sure.
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