For most of us, the sound of a crackling fire and the view of flickering flames is a sign that we’re home safe and sound. That’s the magic of a fireplace. A fireplace adds automatic coziness to any room.
If you’re reading this because you’re looking for a fireplace, you’ve come to the right place! We can guarantee that getting a fireplace is a decision you’ll appreciate for years to come. But now, the big question remains: what kind of fireplace should I get? Your neighbour tells you to get a gas fireplace, and your sister-in-law swears by her electric fireplace.
But what’s the best option for you?
We’ll walk you through a few of the differences between gas and electric fireplaces, and hopefully, by the time you’re finished reading this, you’ll have a better idea of what’s the best fireplace for you.
Right off the bat, we should point out that you can’t go wrong with either option.
Nowadays, both gas and electric units have modern technology like adjustable settings and an option to change the flames’ look based on your preferences. Both are also easier to manage and clean compared to a wood-burning fireplace.
Also, depending on your house’s setup, both gas and electric fireplaces are easily customizable to fit your desired style.
Still, there are some differences between a gas and electric fireplace, so let’s get started!
Image: Amantii Stylus Wallmount Electric Fireplace
Both gas and electric fireplaces can be customized to some extent, but electric fireplaces often give you the option of choosing different coloured flames. If you’ve ever wanted to see what an awesome purple-flame fire would look like, an electric fireplace is perfect for you.
On the other hand, gas fireplaces give you the option of choosing which kind of material you want beneath the flame. These options include wood of different shades, sand and even glass or stones.
Gas fireplaces also tend to have more realistic looking flames, although with emerging new technology, electric fireplaces are quickly catching up in that area!
Gas fireplaces are popular because they’re capable of warming a larger area much faster. Electric fireplaces are also very efficient, but they take a little longer to warm up an entire room and might not provide as much heat in a large space.
So if you’re mainly getting a fireplace for heat and not aesthetics, a gas fireplace may be the best choice.
Image: Napoleon Allure Phantom Series Electric fireplace
One advantage that electric fireplaces have over gas fireplaces is the diverse areas they can be installed in. Most electric fireplaces can be plugged into a standard outlet and don’t require any special circuits. This means you can install them in any space you want (if there’s an outlet, of course).
Whether you want your fireplace high up on a wall, in the middle of the room or even mounted from the ceiling, you can usually achieve that with an electric fireplace.
Gas fireplaces can also be installed in unconventional places but require a gas line, so that might limit your options.
As gas fireplaces don’t require electricity, they can act as a backup heat source in case of a power failure. Electric fireplaces won’t provide this option unless you have another source of electricity.
If you live in a place with occasional power failures due to storms and heavy snow, this is an important point to consider.
Gas fireplaces usually require higher upfront costs. You’ll need to install a direct vent or chimney since it generates carbon monoxide. However, if you’re using it as a primary source of heat as gas or propane heating is rather affordable, it costs less over time.
Electric fireplaces are much cheaper to install. However, unless you’re using a renewable energy source like solar, it might cost more to run your fireplace as a primary source of heat.
Regardless of which fireplace you choose, there’s no doubt that it will add more value to your home.
Thankfully, the Fireplace Center has a wide range of both gas and electric fireplaces. In fact, we have one of the largest fireplace and patio furniture showrooms in Canada! Whatever style, colour or upgrades you want, we’ve got them.
Our fireplaces feature the latest technology, such as the Valor heat management system, which redirects heat around the room from your gas fireplace and thermostats for your electric fireplace.
Give us a call, and let’s discuss how we can upgrade your home with an awesome new fireplace.
Skip to content
