The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Gas or Wood Fireplace
Add value to your home and increase your comfort with the addition of a new fireplace! If your new dream home or remodeling project includes a fireplace, you have options. Whether you crave the crackle of a traditional wood fireplace or the convenience of a gas fireplace, Help you decide which is best for your home.
When it comes to choosing between gas and wood-burning fireplaces, the best solution is to review the key features of both. Below we have outlined some pros and cons to both unique designs, to help you determine which is best for your lifestyle.
Buying a Gas Fireplace For Your Home
You can’t beat the convenience of a gas fireplace. If you run a busy, no-nonsense household, a gas-burning fireplace may be ideal for you. Start heating your home with the flip of a switch, and never worry about having to stoke the fire or clean out ashes.
Pros To Gas Fireplaces
A gas fireplace requires very little upkeep, making the required maintenance minimal to none. Your gas fireplace can very easily be ignited with the flip of a switch and the temperature can be adjusted just as easily.
A natural gas burning fireplace has no embers or smoke, which could be a safer option for some households. Most gas-burning fireplace models will still work during power outages as well.
Cons To Gas Fireplaces
If you dream of a sitting by the cozy crackle of a fire, you won’t get this from a gas fireplace. Similarly, the traditional smell of a wood fire will be compromised if you opt for a gas-burning model.
If your home is not already equipped for a gas fireplace, the construction required to install one can be pricey. Relying on your gas fireplace to heat your home may not be cost-effective, as natural gas can come with a high price tag.
Buying a Wood Fireplace For Your Home
If you love the idea of warming up by a crackling fire and enjoy the natural smells of burning lumber, a wood-burning fireplace is perfect for you. Unlike older fireplaces that lose heat through the chimney, Creative Energy’s wood fireplaces are all designed to keep the heat in your home while properly ventilating out excess smoke. This will help you cut your energy costs, lower your dependency on energy companies, and keep your home warm and safe.
Pros To Wood Fireplaces
The relaxing ambiance of warm flames and the comforting smell of a wood-burning fireplace is one of the biggest appeals to homeowners. Your wood fireplace will become a captivating focal point of your favorite space.
One log of wood can heat a room for hours, making it incredibly cost-efficient. In the event of a power outage, your wood-burning fireplace will not be effective, allowing you to heat and light your home.
Cons To Wood Fireplaces
If you have little experience starting a fire by hand, a wood-burning fireplace could be a challenge. To ensure they are burning efficiently and safely, wood fireplaces can require a more knowledgeable user.
The hands-on maintenance of a wood fireplace can deter some homeowners. Your wood fireplace and chimney are going to require regular cleaning and annual inspections by a professional.

Learn how to clean and maintain your charcoal grill so it’ll last for years.
Clean the inside of the lid often.
Many store-bought grills are lined with a porcelain enamel. With age and wear, grease and smoke collect on the inside of the lid, and if it isn’t cleaned regularly, the lid may begin to look like chipping paint. Even though it is just debris and not toxic, you can still manage this build-up by cleaning the inside of the lid with a mild, soap-and-water solution after every grilling session when the grill is still warm (but not hot!). It should wipe right off.
Clean the grate before cooking.
Much like with a gas grill, as the charcoal heats up the grilling grate, you can scrape loose debris left over from your last cooking session using a stainless steel bristled brush. While warm, the residue will scrape away easily and leave you with a surface that your food is less likely to stick to. (Bonus tip about food sticking: This easy grill maintenance article on DIY Network also suggests that you use a little cooking spray, or rub the hot grill with an onion to prevent food from sticking while it cooks, but still be sure to clean the grate well before application.)
The inside bowl of your grill will need to be cleaned periodically too.
Clear it of all charcoal ash and use a a steel wool pad with soap and water to loosen any debris and bring it back to a shiny state.
Steam cleaners make all of this easy, too.
From cleaning the lid, to the bowl, to the debris-ridden grate, a good steam cleaning will help to keep your grill very clean. The hand steamer model I own has a steel head attachment, and it actually gets a lot of use on our oven. Since it’s useful at removing the heavy grease and grime that goes along with cooking, I’ve found that it’s nice to use on the grill too.With these easy maintenance tips, your grill will remain in good condition and provide you with many great meals.