Years ago, you could look at a fireplace and in a matter of seconds
know it was gas, based solely on the logs. They had a plastic-like
appearance, fake looking glow, and gave themselves away by the
symmetrical formation. With today's designs, unless you study the
logs up close, you cannot tell they are gas.
Gas logs are extremely realistic and come in a variety of artificial
woods such as birch, pine, fruitwood, driftwood, and oak, which
continues to be the most popular choice. In addition, you will also
find log designs in whole or split-log. Even in the summertime when
not in use, gas logs look real due to the unique method of creation,
which includes using real wood as a mold, allowing every curve, knot,
and axe mark to be captured. Additionally, below the burn system of
your gas logs are what appear to be beautiful glowing embers, often
created by using a blanket of wool spread out over a layer of sand or
vermiculite.
While the appearance of gas logs are important and a determining
factor when it comes to buying, there is also the aspect of
convenience and efficiency. While many people love the smell of
real wood, they are less than excited when it comes to cleaning
ashes, hauling in wood, and worrying about embers spilling onto
the carpet. With gas logs, all of that is replaced with a clean
way of creating a cozy fire.
Gas logs also burn much cleaner than wood, which helps with pollution
as well as the potential of smoke filtering back into your home. Some
states such as California have restrictions on wood burning fireplaces
and stoves for this very reason. With gas logs, you can enjoy a fire
any day of the year without the worry of smoke. Most gas logs are
created from ceramic, which helps hold the heat from the flame, thus
heating your home in a more efficient manner. When weighing the
benefit of gas logs over that of wood, you will find gas logs cost a
fraction of what it costs to operate your fireplace with wood.
When it comes time to choose your gas logs, talk to a professional
that can help you decide what type works best for your specific
needs. For example, some gas logs allow you to adjust the size of
the flame, some provide an on/off switch while others have remote
control, and because of the various sizes, you want the appropriate
size for your fireplace. You also want to look at the efficiency
rating that comes with all gas log sets. Now you can enjoy a
beautiful, roaring fire using gas logs and no one will know the
difference!
|
