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Black Goose

Chimney Sweep | Williamsburg, Yorktown, Newport News, & Hampton

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How Upgrading to Gas Adds Value and Efficiency to Your Home

 

November 21, 2022 by primm

Gas fireplaces are a popular upgrade for many homes. They reduce the work needed to use your fireplace, burn cleaner and without as much buildup in your chimney, and have more customization options to complete the perfect look in your living room. Installation today is also much less expensive and complicated than it used to be, and gas fireplaces are becoming a popular upgrade for many homeowners.

However, there are some important things to take into consideration when you are looking at upgrading to gas logs. Black Goose Chimney is a leading expert in the Hampton Roads and Tidewater areas for gas log installation and maintenance. In this article we will discuss the important facts you need to know about gas fireplaces so that you can make an informed decision about whether one is right for your home.

First, let’s explore some of the conveniences and advantages to a gas fireplace. They are easy to start, some needing just a match and others turning on with the push of a button. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, gas units do not require the constant adding and adjusting of wood logs as a source of fuel. The temperature is much more adjustable as you can turn the gas up or down with the simple turn of a knob or even with a remote control. Once turned on, gas fireplaces begin to heat the room immediately; with traditional fireplaces, you have to wait for the logs to really catch and start burning for several minutes before they begin to emit much heat.

Gas-burning fireplaces are more fuel-efficient and do not produce as much waste as wood, meaning that your chimney will have much less buildup of soot and creosote. And finally, gas fireplaces are considered by many to be a safer option than wood-burning units. They do not throw sparks the way logs can, and release fewer harmful emissions than wood does when it burns.

However, that does not mean that gas fireplaces are perfect! Different units will perform better or worse in certain homes, and some types of gas fireplaces are considered to be safer than others. It is important to consider why and how often you will be using your fireplace, your overall budget for installation, and safety factors to ensure you choose the right model for your home. At Black Goose Chimney we carry a variety of gas fireplaces to fit the exact needs of your house and your lifestyle. Continue reading to learn about the different types of gas fireplace and which one may work best for you!

Different types of gas fireplaces require different installation, safety precautions, and venting. This venting – how air comes in and goes out of the fireplace – is how gas fireplaces are categorized, and they are referred to as natural vent, direct vent, power vent, or ventless systems. There are also gas log inserts that vent up your existing chimney. Depending on what you want from your fireplace, your existing masonry, and the structure of your home, one venting option may be more suitable than another.

Often the most inexpensive option for those considering adding a gas fireplace is a gas log insert or a “log set”. This is a gas log grate that is placed into your existing firebox, where you once burned wood. Air comes into the fireplace from the room in the home, and exits up the chimney and out of the structure. Open-hearth gas log inserts are not very efficient as they lose significant amounts of heat up the chimney. However, you can retain that open-fireplace feel and enjoy an experience more similar to a wood-burning fireplace with this option. Gas log inserts typically do not need electricity to run, but due to how inefficiently they heat a space, this may not be much help in the event of a snowstorm and power outage!

A more efficient gas fireplace can also be installed using the existing chimney and firebox. These are called “natural vent” or “B vent” fireplaces and can be open front or sealed behind glass, but must vent vertically. This type of fireplace has a more sophisticated venting system that still draws air from inside the home, but vents up the chimney through a hose or pipe that runs through your existing masonry. They are more efficient and can produce more heat than a gas log insert, and can be safely used without electricity.

“Direct vent” gas fireplaces are a type of fireplace in which both the cool air coming into the firebox for combustion and the hot air carrying the emissions are piped to and from the outside of the home. Since none of the air from the fireplace will come from or exit into the inside of your home, this is a “sealed” system. These fireplaces always have a glass front and emit heat into the room very efficiently, as the inside can reach high temperatures without drafts from the outside.

Sealed systems are better for the air quality in your home as well as the efficiency of the heat produced and retained by the fireplace. These can also be used if the power is out, and are often great for “zone heating” certain rooms of your home without having to turn on the heat to the entire house. Because a direct vent fireplace does not depend on the existing chimney for its exhaust, it can be vented horizontally as well as vertically. That means that you can install this type of fireplace in many different areas of your home.

If your fireplace has to vent a long distance through your home to the exterior, some direct vent systems have a power assist in the form of an electric fan or “power vent” that drives air from outside into the fireplace and out the vent instead of relying on a natural draft. These systems allow gas fireplaces to be installed virtually anywhere in a building, but do require electricity to be run safely. However, you can reduce your overall power burden by turning off your central HVAC system and using your gas fireplace to efficiently heat just the area of your house that you are spending time in.

Some gas fireplaces are advertised as being ventless or vent-free, using technology and filtering to clean the hot air exiting the combustion area instead of venting it outside the home. However, there are increased health risks including exposure to carbon monoxide and an increased moisture buildup in the area around the fireplace. We do not recommend or install ventless fireplaces due to the risks, but do have many options for a closed system or natural venting fireplace to suit your home and your budget!

Category iconGas Fireplaces

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Google Rating
4.3
Based on 115 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.3
Donna Fish
Black Goose Chimney Sweep, under the leadership of Sergey Gardner, did our chimney sweep/inspection and dryer cleanup with the utmost professionalism and expertise! Sergey and his team were incredibly knowledgeable, and we look forward to working with them again in the future! Thanks so much!!
kathy newcomb
Professional, courteous and honest. Highly recommend and will call them for future service.
Michael Stanton
Customer-oriented and technically proficient company. Highly recommended.
K E Conner
The guys from Black Goose were professional and friendly. Checked out what we needed and answered our questions. Really appreciate their time and expertise. Thanks.
Eugene Schied
Sergey was fantastic. He explained everything about our fireplaces very clearly. He made recommendations for what needed to be replaced and repaired. He took great care to keep everything plan and put back in place.
Rosa Rainey
The young lady on the phone Elizabeth was so sweet and helpful. She helped me make my payment over the phone with no problem! It’s such a joy to still have good customer service around. I haven’t heard that hospitality since the 70s! Mike and Brandon were a delight to have! Thank you Black Goose!
Terry Moore
Great service. Fixed problem and thoroughly cleaned fireplace. Also made us aware of a potential problem in future and provided quote. We’ve used a couple different gas fireplace repair services in the past with less than satisfactory results, but Black Goose Chimney is the best by far. Thank you!
Chris Gibson
Very detail oriented and professional. Experience shows in the care they take to insure the client is happy.
Tim Fary
On time. Didn't try to upset or sell unnecessary service..explained exactly what the problem was and how he repaired it..The are on my first call listSergio was my tech and that's who I will request.
jason scribe
Outstanding professional work with a friendly efficient touch! I would enthusiastically recommend Black Goose hands down…
Leslie Stacks
We had a great first maintenance session with Black Goose Chimney for our gas log fireplace. Scheduling was easy, and on the morning of the maintenance, we were given a courtesy call to update us on the arrival time. Once at our house, the two workers were careful and respectful of our home and proceeded to inspect our fireplace and gas logs. They asked good questions and provided helpful information about our equipment, the safest and best way to use it, and possible improvements. Black Goose Chimney is now on our list of trusted professionals.
Andrew Nelson
Expert and prompt service. I am very happy with the installation and routine maintenance a year later.
Louise Moore
Extremely happy with the cleaning and door repairs John and his helper completed on their service call. I can’t wait for the first cool day to enjoy my fireplace. Both gentlemen were respectful in keeping area clean especially with fireplace soot . They went up on the roof to check for any defects. I will feel safe using my fireplace this fall and winter. I have a dog who is nosey so I had him contained but they made sure i knew when they had to open my backyard gate. I highly recommend Black Goose for anyone need fireplace concerns. They installed my first fireplace insert years ago and it is still working warmly with yearly inspections.
Rob Smith
Mike and Chris from Black Goose Chimney Sweep did an excellent job. I have used Black Goose for a few years now and have always had an excellent experience. They do not try to add on expenses saying well you need this or this has to be done now if it really isn't necessary for the safe operation of your fireplace and dryer. If anyone ever asks me who i recommend for fireplace and/or dryer vent needs i tell them Black Goose
Derek Shaffer
Laz Schaffer
Bobby was personal, professional, experienced & remediated my issues…currently waiting for parts to complete the job
Michael Brown
Great to work with. Mike and Brandon were very knowledgeable and helpful. Hope to have them back to do the remainder of work.
Jerri Michael
Black Goose has a great team from the phones to the inspection teams that do a great job inspection of chimneys and I have them do my dryer too. They provide the required reports I need for my HOA. They pricing is reasonable.
C.R. Brew
Nathaniel
They did a great job all except for Cris so on top of the fire box, I guess the trainee forgot to look up their this is what I pulled down
Milton Foster
Betty Downs
wonderful
Steven DeFonzo
I’ve been a customer for many years now and John and his team are always professional. They do a great job!
Diana Burris
John Wandling
Expert work reasonable price. Definitely recommend.
Brian Canfield
Lyles Forbes
Lori Bean
I would recommend Black Goose Chimney! Great customer service and work was completed from start to finish in a timely matter. I was kept informed every step of the way! I would definitely use this company again in the future!Thank you!Lori Bean
Sherri Schenkelberg
Mike and Chris came to do an inspection and sweep for us, and both were so friendly and professional. They did the cleaning from the inside with a vacuum, and did a great job of keeping everything clean. Great experience.
Jim Livengood
Heldur Liivak
Sergey Gardner, the owner of Black Goose Chimney, recently arranged followup work on a chimney cap job that was done over 2 years ago. No issues and no arguments "We will make it right."Super customer support and in this day and age not always the norm. I have used the company since the early 2000'a and will continue to do so as my first choice.
Betsy Rawles
i couldn't be more pleased with the service that I received from Black Goose Chimney. Experienced workmanship. Great communicators. Honest. Always on time for appointments. Can't say enough good things about this company and the people that I dealt with.
Jay Colley
Great efficient job by Bobby and his team. Very knowledgeable!
Miriam Harris
We had an outstanding experience with Black Goose. Glad, Arthur, and Sergey assessed the inoperable condition of our old, plain fireplace that was damaged by wildlife, and replaced it with a beautiful fireplace that we designed to our tastes. Price was fair, and the craftsmanship in the install was outstanding. We highly recommend the Black Goose team. Thanks so much from Pat and Miriam.
carolyn walker
Very honest. Very pleasant to work with. Even helped me get a fawn out of my yard at no charge. Letting me know exactly what I needed replaced and gave me an estimate
Xanthe Calzadilla
We hade Black Goose Chimney replace our old gas fireplace with an electric one back in early September '24. They were very professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Sergey and company finished the job in a timely manner, it's works great and looks fantastic.Move forward to April '25 and without going into great detail, the remote was lost. I reached out and with the help of Karen and Juanita, they were able to reach out and get us a replacement. I would definitely recommend them them, over and over.
denise chamblee
Incredible service. From the person answering the phone and scheduling an appointment to the service itself. Mike Wardley and Chris called prior to their arrival, were extremely professional, got the job done even though it was just supposed to be an evaluation. They went above and beyond to schedule an additional service. They were nice and clean and efficient. I can't say enough good things about my experience with the company and these 2 men.
CT Arrington
Absolutely horrible customer service. We called them to remove a dead bird from our dryer vent pipe. The tech claimed that they could not do any work because the external vent is too close to a power line. Refused to even try to fix the problem from inside our home. Another company came out and fixed the issue from inside our home!Worst part is they pressured our daughter into paying the full $159 service call fee then lied about the owner’s availability to speak with us and lied again saying they would refund half our fee.
Nick Will
Bobby and Brandon did a great job today, punctual, professional, clean and very thorough. Even very willing to answer any questions I had about my chimney.
Sunshine Hardison
Bobby is great to work with. Fast response and high quality work.
Michael Levenson
I have an outside gas fire pit that needed help. Sergery came out and had it back to working great after 2 visits. I thanked him the first visit and he told me not to thank him until job was complete and I am satisfied. When completed he followed up to make sure I was satisfied since I was out of town when job completed.To me that says a lot to have pride in your work and to really want the follow up on satisfaction confirmation. That customer service and pride has been lost lately with a lot of companies and it is good to see it again. Thanks!
Jen Test
Customer service is extremely poor
Lydia Clark
My glass doors, outside of my fireplace, had gotten broken..Black Goose had to measure, and special order the doors.They replaced them and did an excellent job.
Steve Thompson
We called Black Goose Newport News to install an electric fireplace & shiplap in our family room. The space was previously used for an old fashion tv & stereo system built into the wall. They did an exceptional job filling in the space and making the room look modernized. Top quality workmanship!!!
Robin Boling
Black Goose recently came out to sweep my chimney. They ended up charging me over $300 and did an inspection saying that my chimney need all sorts of repairs. I have had other chimney sweeps out over the past 15 years and never had an issue like this. They quoted 20K for the so called repairs. I will never call them again.
Sheila J
They said I neeeded a new vent system. Did it. Did it wrong and then came back and didn’t even know they had done it
Karen Lewis
"Sergey" and his crew replaced our wood burning fireplace with a gas direct vent Valor fireplace. It was a major project with reframing and additional issues but they did an outstanding job. "Juanita" was outstanding with customer service and also Karen with the scheduling. Thank you for everything. Go Navy!
Rob Gregory
Paid for them to come out and look at my house and take measurements for a free standing Woodstove and chimney. Ghosted after that. I reached out again to ask about looking at pellet stoves to be installed and they haven’t replied back in a couple of weeks. Glad I gave them money for no reason. It’s ok because I found a better company to do the job and they didn’t charge for an estimate. I would leave a lower star review if possible.
Melissa Novak
The technicians performed a very thorough inspection of the fireplace in a home we are purchasing. They took their time, checked every inch of the fireplace, including the roof and attic. We’ll be contacting them for a gas insert!
Devin Haslam
These guys are pretty average. They gave me incorrect info, they overcharge, and their work is average quality
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