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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
4.4
Based on 143 reviews
Black Goose Chimney
Black Goose Chimney
4.4
Lora Pride
We can't say enough good things about Black Goose and Sergey. Sergey is courteous, professional and knowledgeable. He texted me to let me know when they'd be out to do an annual maintenance on our fireplace and arrived on time. They respected our property by laying cloth down in their walking path and work area. They finished quickly and efficiently and cleaned up after themselves before they left. Thank you Sergey; you have customers for life with us!
Dennis White
Friendly and knowledgeable, looking forward to working with you!
Eva Wolf
This was the first time Black Goose Chimney service team has come to my house. The service techs were on time, friendly, and graceciously answered all of this novice to gas fireplaces questions. They checked out the gas logs and replaced them so they would function correctly. The exterior of the chimney was also checked for any concerns, which there were none. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing repair or just maintenance of a brick or gas fireplace.
Joe DelCorso
Great work and support
Pam Watson
We could not be happier with the service we received from Black Goose. Both gentlemen were very professional and knowledgeable. I highly recommend for your fireplace and chimney needs.
Tremayne Holloway
Very knowledgeable and personable. Made me feel like I truly understood everything Mike showed me.
Mike Edwards
Mike and his assistant are very professional and polite. They did a great job cleaning the chimney and left no mess. I highly recommend Black Goose.
Patricia Williams
I was so happy with the technician he answered a million questions and helped me to understand the gas fireplace the technician was so knowledgeable, we had another company tell me that we had incorrect logs in and he wanted to redo the whole fire place. So happy I got a second opinion they are honest and knew what to do get our fireplace looking the best it ever has.
John McLaughlin
The team was focused, well organized and well prepared. Very friendly and knowledgeable, explaining everything they were prepared to perform. I’d recommend them to anyone!
Colleen Flick
I was very happy that they were willing to come out to Southampton County to inspect and clean our wood burning stove and chimney. It was costly, but it’s worth it to keep our family and home safe from fire. Thank you Black Goose Chimney.
Scott Davis
They arrived on time and did a great job. I would definitely recommend Black Goose for all your chimney and fireplace maintenance.
Roman Shafranskyi
I highly recommend them! Professional, fast, and top-quality work. I also loved how they cleaned up afterward.
Рома Шафранський
I highly recommend them! Professional, fast, and top-quality work. I also loved how they cleaned up afterward.
Brian Reinhardt
Did an outstanding job of resolving our dryer vent issue -would highly recommend
Annie Fell
We were very happy with the fireplace inspection.
Aнастасия
A year ago, I worked with this company and was very satisfied. Now that it’s time to turn my fireplace back on, I remembered them again and decided to write a thank-you note. They’ve done work not only for me but also for my friends, who have been happy with their service for five years now. Highly recommend!
Steve Rust
I asked Black Goose to come inspect my gas fireplace. Great work and great advice by the two gentlemen who came out. They didn’t swindle or upsell, they were straight forward with the solutions and prices. The drone they use to inspect and take pictures/videos is very useful.
Andy Marshall
Allison Brandon
I appreciate the professional, thorough and friendly service. I trust the quality work that Black Goose chimney has always done on our propane fueled fireplace insert. Thank you.
Mike Lewellen
Laurel Weaver
I’ve used Black Goose Chimney service for years. Always reliable and do a great job. I called them the M and M team due to their initials and they were kind, respectful with a great work ethic!
Michael
Excellent work and excellent technicians
James Slack
Judy Turman
Very good service. Very knowledgable. Will use again if there is a need.
Louis Lee
Very courteous and knowledgeable.
Alisha Horton
Sergey and his partner were fast, efficient, and professional.
Holly Griffin
Mike and his associate were great!
Michael Murphy
I would highly recommend Black goose chimney I bought an old home that has two fireplaces black goose was recommended to me from my builder and they did not disappoint. They gave me a fair price did not try to oversell me was very competent. Bobby was fantastic.
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
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