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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!

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Google Rating
4.0
Based on 76 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.0
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
John Mason
Professional and efficient. Chimney and wood stove inspection, cleaning.
RWM
Admittedly this was several years ago but I scheduled them to come to Smithfield and sweep my woodstove chimney. Took a day off from work and they never showed and didn't call. When I called them they didn't apologize or care whatsoever and said I could reschedule. Of course I said no and did it myself.
Caroline Martin
so we moved into our home about a year ago, I just wanted the chimneys swept so we could start using our fire places. The lady on the phone (who was very kind) said there was a travel fee (totally understand), the inspection fee and then sweeping of two chimneys would be around $900. Ok, great. The guys come out, (who are extremely professional and kind), they do the inspection and then write up almost $33,000 in proposals of work that needs to be done to both chimneys. This is a 40 year old home and there is some mortar missing on the inside of the chimney apparently. They wanted to charge $1,400 a day for a lift when lifts we have rented in the past have been at most $500 a day. They wanted to charge $2,290 to pressure wash the chimney (do you know how small a chimney is??, I could get my whole house pressure washed for $1,500). The prices they proposed were absolutely insane. But in the end the never swept the chimneys (they confirmed they could be swept from the inside), so they charged us for the travel fee and inspection fee $500+ for nothing done. I feel so dumb.
Kirsten Shaffer
I called to get an estimate for some repairs required for our home sale, as requested by the buyers following inspection. I told the person who answered the phone our closing date and when repairs would need to be completed. A technician came over the next day. He was very polite and professional. I also told him my closing date. He indicated that I would get an email estimate and could proceed with scheduling service following that. A week after he came out, I called the office to follow up and was told that the techs were extremely busy and were a month behind on estimates. When I expressed dismay, the staff member (same person I spoke to the first time was rude and dismissive. I told them I would not be using their services and not to bother with an estimate. Two days later, I got an email from someone else indicating that the file was behind because the accountant had been out of the office, but that they’d get back to me asap. It’s now been 10 days and I’ve still heard nothing. I paid $149 for the inspection. If they were so behind, they should’ve mentioned that at the time I scheduled the inspection. The office staff was rude, and apparently they have no idea how to run a business. Do not use them.
Jose Garcia
Definitely recommend! I was informed by the home insurance that I needed a certification. I called Black Goose Chimney and expressed my needs. They ensured me that I had nothing to worry about and that they would make it happen regardless the time crunch. They squeezed me in their schedule and explained the process without hesitation. Once again Thank you!!!
John Puckropp
Technician Sergey Gardner did an outstanding job explaining and fixing my fireplace. Highly recommend!LtCol John PuckroppUSMC Retired
Victoria Terrill
I highly recommend Black Goose Chimney! Juanita picked up my phone call and was so helpful and sweet from the get-go. Joe and John C. inspected and conducted a chimney sweep on my place. Both were very professional, on-time, and great to speak with. The chimney was well beyond needing a cleaning and the did a great job. They pretty much made the chimney go from black to a light grey color (which I didn’t know was possible) and they also cleaned up after themselves. Joe and John C. were so nice and even tolerated my terrible (and overused) Mary Poppins references. I would absolutely recommend Black Goose Chimney and Joe/John C. They did a great job!
E H
My homeowner’s insurance on my new house said I needed to have my wood stove removed or they’d cancel my policy. Black Goose Chimney was able to come out and do the job within a few days, sealed off the chimney, and provided me pictures to send the insurance company. The crews who came out were on time, professional, knowledgeable, and laid down blankets to protect my floors. Karen in the office was so helpful with getting me the pictures for my insurance company.
Next Home Coastal Luxury Realty
Work for a Keller Williams agency. Needed a chimney repair on a house closing the following day. Black Goose was able to check it out the day I called and are able to make repairs the following day! Mike the tech, MORE then helpful as was Lois in the office. I highly recommend them for your chimney and fireplace needs!!
Sovonia Golden
Miriam Kotsonis
Super helpful and knowledgeable staff!
Levi Collins
Mrs. Karen was wonderful and got us scheduled right away, the service team was excellent and professional. Mr. Jim ordered our part and it came the next week, nice lady called me and they scheduled it for the very next day. I HIGHLY recommend this company for there excellent attention to detail, customer service that makes you feel like family, and quick response time.
robandpathy S
Excellent Service
William Mace
If I could give negative stars I would! These guys jerked my 80 year old mother around during Christmas when it was freezing. Someone told Mom to call these guys because the furnace was venting into the basement. A dude looking like Bob Marley shows up and says he can't fix it or even look at it because we have slate roof and they need special equipment to get up there. Ok. I get it. When can you come back? Someone will call you. No. No one called me. I called the next week. By this time mom had to sleep downstairs in front of fireplace to stay warm. I called. Dude on phone said he didn't know anything about it but would get back to me day after New Years. He didn't. I called again on Wednesday. No one answered. I left a message. Nothing.
Al Budaszewski
I had my fireplace serviced recently. They were able to restore full function to my gas fireplace and remote control without replaccing any components. They are honest, thorough, and I would do business with them again.
Skip Savell
Dorethea Johnson
They attempted to charge me an absorbent amount for money a fireplace chain cover. They qouted a me the price for it. They didn't have it in stock. When It came in. They had changed the price by more than double.
Kyle Russell
I seen a employee hit another vehicle on 64 and keep driving. Wouldn't want that integrity working at my house.
William Chandler
Very professional and thorough.
Jory Morrison
Frances McCoy-Brown
From the person answering the phone and scheduling my appointment. To the two men who came out and did a chimney check were very courteous and professional. I was provided with information that would help me make an informed decision. There was no hard sell ! I would recommend them.
Yvonne Richardson
Had my chimney and firebox repaired. they did the work in very reasonable time and did a very good job. Were on time and were respectful, courteous and professional. Cleaned up nicely also. The lady in the office was very friendly and helpful.
Bridget Sims
Brian Lucas
I paid them to perform a diagnostic on my gas logs that were not lighting. The Tech determined I have a faulty valve and told me the office would look up the part and send me a quote to replace it. That was nearly three months ago. I called the office twice during that time to remind them and got the run-around. Don’t waste your time on this company.
Amanda Wroten
Ken Nelson
Pauretta Banks
Love my fire place! They did a great job and made sure I was satisfied before they left.
Tom Jowers
High prices but as the old saying goes "you get what you pay for." In this case, quality service.
John Sims
This company helped fix our chimney after a very scary fire we had. Great quality work and very professional crew
Pamela Mason
Black Goose Chimney did a superb job for us. Their technician Joe is a pleasure to work with and is not only professional and polite, but does fantastic work! On time, great workmanship and a pleasure to work with - what more can you ask for. I would recommend BlacK Goose Chimney to anyone.
Deborah Hill
Michael Chase
What a great team. Highly professional, knowledgable and no nonsense tell it like it is workers. Sergey is a master brick layer and technician. I will not use anyone else when it comes to brick and chimney work.The owner, Jim and Kathy, front office, are absolutely great to work with. I highly reccommend this company.
William Marx
The terracota liner to the oil boiler had broken after 50 years. Jim came out and gave an estimate and managed to promptly get a crew here on a Saturday to replace it with a steel liner. The crew, Sergei and Michael, arrived on time and were quite polite, efficient and neat. The left the house in better shape than when they arrived. They took care that the 5 month old puppy was kept away from the repair materials. Michael went so far as to clear the entire roof of pine needles, not just the area he was working. Greatly appreciated. They truly went the extra mile!
Selina Tyler
James Simone
Wanted to charge a $99.00 service call for an estimate. Other companies came for free
Sean B
Don Lovis
They came out to do a dryer vent sweep. They quoted me 800.00 labor for 2 hours to fix one dryer pipe 10 ft long. Hired another company and charged 75.00. I will never use them again
Anthony Cronin Jr
Very ProfessionalShared Concern To Apply Money To Return Maximum Value With Highest Quality!
Wayne Booth
Called today to schedule cleaning two chimneys. The price they quoted was more than double other places I called. And they were booked out three weeks. The company I scheduled with was six weeks out. It was worth the wait.
Peter Henrie
Very disappointed with my experience with this company. I called to get a quote for a gas stove installed. They sent their employee who charged me $100 to quote me, this wasn't told to me on the initial call, only at the end of the onsite visit to quote. I was told it would be removed from cost of the installation however they were unresponsive to calls and emails multiple times afterwards that I gave up moving forward with them. Would sadly not recommend.
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