We are approaching that time of the year – it is getting cold outside, and the weather is turning “frightful” – like that lovely old Christmas carol we are all so familiar with. Unfortunately, with this joyful season comes some uncomfortable temperature changes. Thankfully, though, it is something that we can plan for!
There are a lot of different newspaper articles out there that cover how that can work, such as this one, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2018/10/01/use-this-checklist-prepare-your-home-winter/, but there is a bit more to it than that, as well. If you have ever considered getting a fireplace or changing the one that you currently have, you have come to the right place! Today, I will explain how gas logs work and what they are in the first place, as well as some of the reasons to consider one!
What are They?
Honestly, until I started looking for ways to have a fireplace experience without needing to burn real logs, I had never heard of them. They do not sound like what they really are, either – “gas log” implies that they might be made of gas or somehow just a projection. However, the reality is that they are made of ceramic.
Obviously, they are still fashioned to look like real logs. That is a large part of the appeal, really – they bring all the aesthetics without the risks that come from using natural wood. You can have them designed to look like any type that you like, whether that is pine, oak, or even a type of driftwood.
How do they Work?
At first glance, they do appear to just look like a regular, wood-burning fireplace. That is, of course, the goal. What is nice is that they do provide plenty of warmth, as well. How do they do that, then?
Whether you use a Watson’s gas log or some other kind, the mechanisms behind them work the same way (usually). There are typically two choices between the fuel that you use – that being either natural gas or propane. That is where the name really comes from, of course.
Something to note is that the propane ones do require a propane tank to operate correctly. In addition to that, they generally burn much hotter as well, meaning that the ceramic may be hot to the touch. That is why many folks opt for the natural gas option instead, in particular if they already utilize this to heat their home in the first place.
So, that is how they still function as a normal one and offer warmth and comfort in the coldest of winter months. However, you do not have to deal with the ashes and other frustrations that come with the wood-burning type. Let me explain.
Why they are More Popular than Ever
Have you ever had to tend a normal fire in a fireplace? The flames always seem to be particularly finnicky when we want them to burn brightly and warmly. Logs turn to ash, and I swear, the little pieces manage to flutter into the most inconvenient spots.
Cleaning up afterwards is quite the chore as well. It is to the point that there are entire blogs, like this one, dedicated just to directions on how to accomplish it. Obviously, that means that it is not exactly simple.
With a gas log style of fireplace, though, there does tend to be less cleanup involved. Sure, you will probably have to dust them off a few times a year (especially in the warmer months), but getting a duster is nothing compared to trying to scrub ash off of your favorite blanket.
One final reason that they seem to have been bolstered in popularity as of late probably has to do with our growing understanding of fire safety and some of the risks that come with lighting up a flame in our homes. You might be surprised by how many children and/or pets actually manage to injure themselves – especially when they are unsupervised.
In general, I think that a lot of families just find them more convenient. I have had both over the course of my life, and I think that I would agree with that sentiment. If it has not already been clear, me and cleaning up after something like this do not exactly get around. While this is not my sole motivator, it has played a role in my opinion.
Naturally, though, there are still going to be some caveats. You can usually call the retailer or installation service that you are considering and chat with them about some of the pros and cons that come with getting one for your home. Personally, talking to professionals about these matters tends to be something that I trust compared to other resources that we can take a look at.
