Selecting Gas Logs for your Home

High on the list of favorite home features is the fireplace. And for good reason. On a chilly fall or winter evening, it is hard to beat the warm and cozy feeling a fireplace brings. While it would be a big task to add a traditional fireplace to an existing home, new gas log systems have been developed to allow fireplaces to be created relatively easily. Remember to always check with your local building department about codes and fire regulations before installing.

Built-In or Freestanding Gas Logs

The center of older homes was often a fireplace with a solid brick chimney and a brick hearth. This fireplace helped heat the entire house and served as a natural gathering place for families. Unless you are building a new home or an addition to your home, adding an all-brick fireplace and chimney would likely be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, you have other choices. A prefabricated fireplace is an excellent alternative and is more energy efficient than a traditional fireplace.

There are two types of prefab fireplaces: built-in and freestanding. Built-in prefabs look very similar to the traditional fireplaces. Freestanding units have lightweight construction and easy-to-assemble components. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Both freestanding and built-in units vent through insulated metal chimney components that run through walls, ceilings and roofs.

Gas Logs or Wood

For a traditionalist, nothing can replace a wood-burning fireplace, but they do require constant attention. In addition, they can be messy and can pose a potential fire risk. It's also not always convenient to keep a stash of dry firewood handy.

Gas logs have many advantages. They are maintenance-free, come in a variety of styles and are easy to install. They also pose less fire risk and put out twice the heat of wood.

Vented vs. Vent-Free Gas Logs

When shopping for gas logs, you'll be asked to choose whether you want vented or vent-free logs. This decision comes down to several factors including looks vs. efficiency, local building codes and placement of the fireplace.

With vented logs, you'll enjoy a large, realistic-looking flame that operates with an open chimney flue, or damper. These logs, which simulate a wood-burning fire, are more decorative than they are efficient as a heat source because much of the generated heat goes up the chimney.

Vent-free logs, which operate with the chimney flue closed, will not give you that roaring fire effect-the flame is not as realistic or as high as you'll find with vented logs. But, vent-free logs are an efficient heat source because 100% of the heat generated stays in your home. You'll often see vent-free logs referred to as "vent-free heaters" because that is essentially what they are. They consist of U-shaped burners with cement logs stacked on top of the heating element. Most sets have a thermostatic control that helps maintain a consistent room temperature. Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air, so it's important to install them in a room with proper ventilation to avoid formation of mildew.

Before installing any gas log system, check your local and state codes. In some areas, vent-free heaters are not permitted. Vent-free heaters are not permitted in bedrooms, bathrooms or recreational vehicles, and must be installed in an area where curtains, furniture, clothing or other flammable objects are at least 36 inches away from the perimeter of the heater. Vent-free heater installation is also not recommended in high traffic, windy or drafty areas.

Measuring BTUs when Choosing Gas Logs

BTUs (British Thermal Units) are used to measure heating power. Before you can determine the amount of BTUs you'll need to heat an area, you need to know the size of the room and the height of the ceiling. Use this chart to determine the BTUs you'll need to properly heat a room with an 8-foot ceiling.

Use this chart to determine the BTUs you'll need to properly heat a room with a 10-foot ceiling.

Natural Gas and LP Gas Heat

You'll find two types of gas logs: LP and Natural Gas.

• Liquid Propane (LP) gas contains more carbon than natural gas and burns nearly three times hotter. LP gas comes from a tank positioned outside your home.

• Natural gas is a lighter-than-air gas that dissipates when released into the air. It does not burn as hot as other gases, but it costs much less. It must be hard-piped to an appliance from buried gas service lines.

If you have a natural gas water heater, oven, clothes dryer or other gas appliance, you probably would choose to add a natural gas log set since that is what you're already set up for. If you do not have natural gas service, check with your local natural gas company before purchasing a log set. If natural gas service is not available in your area, you'll need LP gas logs.

A check of your local Yellow Pages should yield information about LP gas dealers. If you choose LP gas, a tank will be installed at your home, and you will contract with a dealer to have the gas tank refilled.

General Fireplace Safety

• Keep an approved fire extinguisher within easy reach of your fireplace.

• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Never use gasoline or charcoal lighter fluid to start a fire.

• Keep flammable objects at least 3 feet from the fireplace.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, properly dispose of ashes in a metal container.

Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.