10Nov
Your Questions Answered
We get it, Ottawa’s winters are bitterly cold. It’s no wonder so many people are considering installing a gas fireplace in their homes. Gas fireplaces offer far more benefits than providing heat you control completely all year round.
A gas fireplace can add a valuable focal point to your home, creating a cosy place for friends and family to gather. Gas fireplaces are convenient and easy to operate. Best of all, they aren’t affected by power outages.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know before installing a gas fireplace.
Gas Fireplace Types
A natural gas fireplace in Ottawa is a great way to control the heat in your home. Any fireplace buying guide will tell you it’s a good idea to become familiar with the different types of gas fireplaces.
When most people think of a modern fireplace, what they picture is a gas fireplace. These fireplaces are typically built into the wall of a home. They come in a variety of styles and varieties.
Natural Vent
Natural vent gas fireplaces are also known as B-Vent fireplaces. To achieve combustion, these fireplaces draw air from inside the home. Then they release the air via vents to the outdoors.
A natural vent fireplace is not a sealed system as a direct vent fireplace is. However, natural vent fireplaces are safe to use without electricity.
Direct Vent
As mentioned, a direct vent fireplace is a sealed system. It pulls outside air into the fireplace for combustion. It also releases its emissions outside of the home.
Direct vents are efficient heating systems that maintain the quality of the air inside the home. They provide some of the best performance and comfort levels. In addition, direct vent fireplaces are safe to use without electricity.
Ventless
A ventless fireplace does require electricity to operate safely. This is because ventless fireplaces have sensors and automatic shutoff valves that rely on electricity.
IMPORTANT: Ventless gas fireplaces are illegal in Canada!
Another main difference is that a ventless system draws air for combustion from inside the home and releases emissions inside the home. This can result in poor air quality and possible health problems.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
A great way to upgrade a traditional masonry fireplace into a gas fireplace is to add a gas insert. The gas insert goes right inside the existing fireplace. Its emissions escape out the original chimney.
The benefits of installing a gas fireplace insert into your existing fireplace are many. It saves money, modernizes your home, and creates high-efficiency heat.
Standalone Gas Fireplaces
A standalone gas fireplace is the gas alternative to a freestanding wood stove. They are low-maintenance and convenient to install. With the proper venting, you can install a standalone gas fireplace anywhere in your home.
Enjoy the aesthetic of a wood-burning stove without the mess and effort of wood or a chimney.
See-Through Gas Fireplaces
A see-through gas fireplace is an elegant and efficient way to heat two rooms simultaneously. See-through fireplaces also elevate the design of your home by creating a unified interior.
It’s even possible to install a see-through gas fireplace that connects to an outdoor patio space.
Fireplace Log Sets
A gas log set is a decorative gas fireplace that can enhance the modern design of your living space. These log sets look like natural logs, without the inconvenience of smoke or ash.
A gas log is made of ceramic material and pumps gas through interior piping. When the gas logs ignite, they produce a beautiful flame and steady heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
When considering installing a gas fireplace in your home, there are many questions you need to ask yourself. Here are the answers to homeowners’ most pressing questions concerning gas fireplace installation.
Do You Need a Permit to Install a Gas Fireplace in Ontario?
Ontario Building Code does allow the installation of gas fireplaces in homes. A building permit is required to install remanufactured fireplaces, masonry fireplaces, woodstoves, pellet stoves, and fireplace inserts.
Does a Gas Fireplace Increase Home Value?
Generally speaking, the vast majority of well-designed home improvements will add some value to your home. A gas fireplace upgrade that suits the style and size of your home is no exception.
Some experts argue that a wood-burning fireplace is a more desirable upgrade, however, others maintain that a gas fireplace has the most potential to increase home value.
Can I Put Drywall Around a Gas Fireplace?
It is possible to install drywall around a gas fireplace, but it is not ideal. This is because drywall is highly flammable. The best option would be to use type X drywall, which is gypsum-based.
Standard building code dictates a minimum clearance of six inches between a fireplace and any combustible material. Your fireplace must be surrounded by a noncombustible material.
Do You Need Tiles Around a Gas Fireplace?
As previously mentioned, it is very important to surround your fireplace with noncombustible materials. Tiles are one excellent option, however, steel, stone, and brick also work well.
The great thing about gas fireplaces is that they won’t damage your flooring. For this reason, you do not necessarily need to add a noncombustible apron directly in front of your gas fireplace.
Looking for more design ideas for your fireplace? Try these tips.
Can You Put a TV Above a Gas Fireplace?
When the fireplace is the focal point of your living area, it’s a natural inclination to want to hang a television over it. However, every manufacturer has different measurements of where a mantel can be.
In addition to hanging a TV, check out these great ideas for how to design your fireplace.
Is Installing a Gas Fireplace Expensive?
The average cost of installing a gas fireplace is $4,500. Costs can range between $2,500 and $10,000. Installing a gas fireplace insert is significantly less expensive.
Can I Install It by Myself?
Installing a gas fireplace requires working with electricity, gas, and vent piping. It is best to leave this work to a professional. In order to certify your gas fireplace, you will need a registered gas fitter and an electrician.
Here’s what you need to know about planning the best time to install your new gas fireplace.
Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Gas Fireplace
Before installing a gas fireplace in Ottawa, make sure you consider your options. When executed well, a gas fireplace can add value to your home in addition to reliable heat all winter long.
For all your gas fireplace needs, contact The Burning Log today. We’ll have you sitting cosy in front of the ideal fireplace for your home in no time.