Wood Burning vs Gas Fireplace: Which is Best For Your Home?

If you're thinking about upgrading or adding a fireplace to your home, you’ll have to choose between a gas and a wood burning fireplace. It’s a decision that depends on key factors like cost, heat efficiency, and how much maintenance you can handle. Both types of fireplaces bring warmth and character to your home, but each has its own benefits based on your needs and lifestyle.

In this blog, we’ll go over the main differences between gas and wood burning fireplaces. We’ll cover costs, heating efficiency, environmental impact, and maintenance.

Whether you’re considering a gas fireplace for its convenience, a wood-burning fireplace for its traditional feel, or even thinking about a hybrid fireplace for the best features, this guide will help you make the right choice.

If you’re thinking of converting your wood-burning fireplace to gas or want to know about hybrid fireplaces, this guide will give you a clear understanding of the cost, efficiency, environmental impact, and maintenance, so you can choose the best option for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

Is It Better to Have a Gas or Wood Fireplace?

To determine the better option, it all comes down to what features you’re looking for. When choosing between gas and wood burning fireplaces, it really depends on your personal preference.

Gas fireplaces are more convenient. With just the press of a button, you’ll get instant heat, no need to worry about stacking wood, cleaning ash, or getting a fire started. Many models even come with a remote, making it even easier to control.

On the other hand, wood-burning fireplaces offer a more classic and cozy experience. The crackling of real wood and the natural smell of a fire bring a level of authenticity that gas can’t quite match. But they do take more effort—chopping or buying wood, getting the fire going, and cleaning up the ashes afterward.

If you prefer ease and convenience, gas is a solid option. But if you love the process of tending to a fire, wood might be the better choice for you.

Cost Comparison: Wood Burning vs Gas Fireplace

When it comes to deciding between a gas and wood burning fireplace, the cost is often one of the first things people think about. Both options come with their own set of expenses, so it’s important to understand where your money will go.

Installation Costs

Gas fireplaces are generally more expensive to install, especially if you need a gas line. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000.
For a wood-burning fireplace, installation is cheaper if you already have a chimney. However, if you need a new chimney built, it could run you over $10,000.

Fuel Costs:

Running a natural gas fireplace is pretty affordable, usually costing about 30 to 40 cents per hour.
With a wood-burning fireplace, fuel costs depend on where you source your wood. Buying wood can range from $200 to $400 per cord, and you’ll likely need a couple of cords for winter.

Maintenance Costs:

Gas fireplaces require little maintenance, an annual check-up costs around $100 to $200.
Wood fireplaces in contrast, need more upkeep, such as yearly chimney cleanings ($150 to $300) and regular ash removal.

When comparing the wood burning and gas fireplace in terms of cost, gas tends to be more budget-friendly in the long run due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. But if you already have a wood-burning setup and cheap access to wood, the cost difference might not be significant.

Heat Output and Efficiency: Gas or Wood Fireplace?

When comparing gas fireplace vs wood burning fireplace in terms of heat output, gas fireplaces are generally much more efficient. They can convert up to 90% of their fuel into heat, so most of the warmth stays inside your home rather than escaping through the chimney.

Wood-burning fireplaces, on the other hand, aren’t as efficient. Much of the heat is lost through the chimney, with only 15-30% warming your space. However, using gas vs wood burning  fireplace inserts can help improve efficiency for both types, especially for wood fireplaces, boosting heat output.

In Image: Osburn Horizon OB04010 Wood Burning Fireplace

Overall, if you're focused on maximizing both heat output and efficiency, gas fireplaces tend to be the better option.

Environmental Impact: Wood Burning vs Gas Fireplace

When thinking about the wood burning or gas fireplace in terms of environment, it's important to consider the impact of each option.

Gas fireplaces burn natural gas, which produces fewer pollutants than wood. While cleaner, natural gas is still a fossil fuel, so it's not entirely eco-friendly and does contribute to greenhouse gasses.

Wood-burning fireplaces use a renewable resource, but they release more pollutants like particulate matter and carbon monoxide, which can affect air quality. Some areas even restrict wood burning to reduce pollution.

While wood is considered renewable, its carbon neutrality depends on responsible sourcing. If wood is not sustainably sourced, deforestation and increased emissions can be a problem.

Gas fireplaces also tend to be better for indoor air quality, especially for homes with children or people with respiratory issues. Wood-burning fireplaces can release small amounts of ash and smoke into the home.

In terms of the environment, gas fireplaces are generally the cleaner option. However, if you use sustainably sourced wood, a wood-burning fireplace can still be a responsible choice.

Which is right for you: Wood Burning or Gas Fireplace?

Choosing between a gas fireplace vs wood burning fireplace depends on your preferences and needs. Here’s a simple explanation.

Gas fireplaces are convenient, efficient, and low-maintenance. You get instant heat with the flick of a switch and minimal upkeep.

• Easy to Use: No hassle, just turn it on.
• Low Maintenance: Requires only an annual inspection.
• Energy Efficient: Converts up to 90% of fuel into heat.

If convenience is key, gas is the better option.

However, for a traditional, cozy feel, wood-burning fireplaces are great. They create a warm ambience but need more maintenance, like ash cleaning and chimney care.

• Ambience: Classic charm and real fire.
• Fuel: Ideal if you have access to affordable wood.

In Image: Majestic Jade 32-Inch Direct Vent Gas Fireplace

If you love the experience of a real fire, wood is the way to go.

To get flexibility of both the options, you may choose a hybrid gas and wood burning fireplace — gas for convenience and wood for charm.

The value that each type of fireplace will add depends on the look and feel of your home. Gas fireplaces are popular in modern homes, while wood-burning fireplaces appeal to traditional spaces.

The choice depends on your priorities—convenience with gas or the charm of wood.

Maintenance: Wood Burning vs Gas Fireplace Cleaning

Maintenance is a big consideration, especially if you don’t have much free time.

Gas fireplaces are really low-maintenance. Once they’re installed, all you need is an annual inspection to make sure everything’s running smoothly. No need to clean out ashes or worry about fuel.

Wood-burning fireplaces require more effort. You’ll have to clean out the ashes regularly and schedule a chimney cleaning at least once a year. You’ll need to store and handle wood too, which can be a hassle if you don’t have easy access to it.

If you want something that’s easy to maintain, a gas fireplace is the better option.

Is It Worth Converting a Wood Fireplace to Gas?

If you already have a wood-burning fireplace and are thinking about switching to gas, it could be a smart move. The conversion usually costs between $2,000 and $5,000, but once it’s done, you’ll have a more efficient and low-maintenance heat source.

Gas inserts can give your home a modern feel while still keeping that cozy fireplace ambience. It’s a great option if you love having a fireplace but want to avoid the hassle of wood and ash cleanup.

Specifications Comparison: Wood Burning vs Gas Fireplace

Here’s a quick comparison of wood burning vs gas fireplace to help you decide:

Choose the Best One For Your Home

So, what’s the final answer in the wood burning vs gas fireplace debate? It depends on what matters most to you. If you’re looking for something easy to use, efficient, and low-maintenance, a gas fireplace is likely your best option. But if you enjoy tending a real fire and don’t mind the extra work, a wood-burning fireplace can give your home a cozy, traditional feel.

Both options bring warmth and comfort to your space. And if you can’t decide, a hybrid gas and wood burning fireplace offers the best of both!