Gas Log Heating Systems

Do you have an old home with a fireplace? Do you love how it looks and don't want to have to tear it down? Do you also want to install a heat system for the winter but don't want to regularly haul in coal and wood? You should consider getting a gas log fire unit.

Types of gas logs:

A gas log fire will give you the warmth of a traditional log fireplace without the headache of having to clean up the ash and lug in wood. The fuel in gas log heating systems may be propane or natural gas. Gas logs may be of two kinds – vented and vent-free.
 
*  Vented gas fires release smoke through the chimney like traditional log fires. If you don't have a working chimney, however, there are other ways of venting the smoke.
*  Vent-free gas logs produce a very hot flame that results in almost complete combustion of air. Compared to a vented gas fire, very little carbon monoxide and soot is created in these fires.

Venting options for your gas log fireplace:

*  If you have a traditional chimney that you have used to burn wood fires, make sure that you clean the fireplace of creosote before you install a gas log heating system. You may need professional help to do this.
*  If you don't have a traditional chimney, you can get a special pipe installed for top-venting.
*  If top venting is not possible, you can ask the professional to install a two-pipe direct-venting system through a hole in the wall behind the system.

Gas log safety tips:

*  Clean your chimney or repair it if it doesn't draw air properly, before you install a vented gas log fire.
*  If you are using a vent-free gas heating system, make sure there is an Oxygen Depletion Sensor attached to it. Also have some carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.
*  Unvented gas logs can produce a lot of heat, so keep combustible substances away from it. They may also be illegal in certain areas. Check with your local building codes before buying one.
*  Leave the fireplace doors open during use.
*  Leave your windows slightly open to let in fresh air when the fire's burning.

If you want a gas log fire to handle your home heating, King of Prussia has a number of businesses that can help you get your heating system installed. Remember that gas log fire running costs aren't low, so you should invest in a good quality system from a reputed firm instead of installing a poor quality heating system that will cost you more than it should in repairs.