Gas logs vs. gas insert — which one fits your fireplace?

Homeowners often use the two terms interchangeably, and then get surprised by the quote. They are different pieces of equipment doing different jobs.

It comes down to personal preference. Some people love a real wood fire. Others don't like the smoky smell wood burning leaves in the house. Gas is also a lot more convenient — no hauling wood, no ashes to clean out, and a fire at the turn of a key or the push of a button.

Many homeowners also find gas logs more eye-appealing than they expected. There are several styles to choose from, from traditional-looking logs to something more modern, so you can match the look of your room.

A log set sits inside your existing masonry firebox and burns with the damper open. Vented sets give the most realistic flame — the tall, lazy, yellow flame people picture — but most of the heat goes up the chimney. They are the right choice when you want the look and the occasional fire, with a straightforward install.

An insert is a sealed firebox fitted into your existing fireplace and vented up the chimney through its own liner. Because it is sealed, it actually heats the room — often enough to take the edge off a whole floor — and it stops the year-round draft an open fireplace pulls out of your house.

Either way the chimney gets inspected first. Both need an adequate, correctly sized vent, a working shut-off and clearances that meet code, and an insert needs a liner sized to the appliance. We measure your firebox opening before recommending anything — send photos with your request and we can usually narrow it down before we arrive.