What to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Gas Fireplace

Classic gas fireplace in slate-gray metallic surround with TV overhead in living room with pillowed L-shaped seating.

If you’re dreaming about adding a gas fireplace to your home, you’re in good company. Gas fireplaces create ambiance and warmth with the flip of a wall switch or tap of an app, offering convenience and beauty all at once. But purchasing a gas fireplace is not something we do every day, so it’s normal to have questions about where to start. Whether you are adding a fireplace as part of a remodel or having one installed in a newly constructed space, consider these important questions first.

1. What style of fireplace do you want?

Whether you prefer traditional decor or sleek modern designs, there’s a fireplace that will perfectly complement your home’s interior design. For help finding the right style of fireplace for your home, check out this article on Traditional and Modern Fireplace Inspiration.

2. Which room would you like a fireplace in?

Once relegated only to the basement or living room, fireplaces are now adding comfort and eye-catching ambiance to bedrooms, media rooms, ensuite bathrooms, home offices and even outdoor patios and decks.

3. Where would you like your fireplace?

With flat-screen TVs taking up more wall real estate, fireplace placement is also being reimagined. With the right heat management system in place, gas fireplaces can be stacked underneath a TV without any risk of damage, so you no longer have to choose between having a TV and a fireplace. Another popular option is to place a linear fireplace at a higher level on the wall, similar to that of a piece of art.

4. Is a battery backup important to you?

If you live in an area prone to storms or inclement weather, selecting a fireplace model with a battery backup system can offer you peace of mind. Allowing you to ignite your gas fireplace even when the power is out, Heat & Glo’s backup systems (a standard option on most of our fireplaces!) are powered by batteries and easy to use.

5. What are your heating requirements?

Did you know a gas fireplace or fireplace insert can help reduce your heating costs? Similar to the premise of a hybrid car, you can turn down your home’s thermostat and zone heat the rooms you use most with an efficient gas fireplace. It cuts down on the fuel consumed by your furnace and can help to reduce home heating bills by 20 to 40 percent, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. On the flip side, a fireplace like the Phoenix TrueView indoor gas fireplace puts out only a mild amount of heat, making it a great option for warmer climates or smaller rooms.

6. What is your budget?

Like any appliance, there’s a wide range of price points for gas fireplaces, from basic units to premium models with all the bells and whistles. To find the best model for your home, that fits your style and budget requirements, we recommend having a local fireplace pro visit your space and consult on the project. Request a no-obligation consultation today!

Most people agree that a fireplace makes a house feel more like a home. Ask yourself these questions and then visit your local fireplace dealer to learn more.

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