Gas fireplace accessories are often featured on ads for home improvement sites. Gas burning fireplaces are also one of the most requested features of those buying a new home.
For many years, gas was considered the poor cousin of wood burning fireplaces. Consumers liked the smell of burning wood, the look of burning wood and were devoted to their well stocked woodpile.
That’s no longer true. The cleanliness of gas burning fireplaces is a factor but the ease of using this home feature is what converts attitudes. The gas fire can be turned on and off on demand. There are no messy ashes to clean or knots in firewood that can pop and send a burning ember onto the carpet.
A wood fire requires buying wood and keeping it dry. It means finding kindling to get a fire started and adding wood to keep it going. Fireplace tools are necessary to poke and prod and rearrange the burning logs. Who hasn’t been nervous about retiring for the night and leaving the fire burning until the wood is consumed?
Gas fireplaces are so much simpler. Some can be lit with a lighter held in the fireplace while the gas is turned on. An often demanded gas fireplace accessory is the fireplace key where turning a “key” inset into the wall next to the fireplace acts as a starter does on a gas stove. Turn the key and the gas starts flowing while a spark is ignited to light the flames of the gas logs.
Gas logs may be vented or unvented and are designed to closely resemble wood logs in appearance. Vented gas logs release some of the heat through vents in the fireplace. They are not as energy efficient but some prefer them as they provide reliable protection against gas poisoning. Unvented gas logs sometimes burn blue flames rather than the traditional yellow of a fire.
Screens for gas fireplaces are mainly for show but are a safety factor in homes with young children or pets. As there are no embers to fall out, the screen can be chosen just for decoration and can be simple and stylish or full of intricate designs.
Perhaps the ultimate gas fireplace accessory is the remote control. This is an upgrade for all but the more expensive models but is an option worth having. Feel a chill in the room? Just reach for the fireplace remote and light a fire in seconds. A fireplace in the bedroom is an ultimate in luxury. With an advanced remote control you can turn the fire on and set the time for it to turn itself off after you’ve drifted off to sleep. Many gas fireplace remotes also have child safety features.
Your fireplace design can be as simple or as luxurious as you want; it can be contemporary or appear as a traditional installation. There are gas fireplaces available for use in every room in the house, from living rooms to kitchens and baths. You can use fanciful andirons or just a simple metal rack holding the gas logs. No matter which fireplace accessories you choose the gas fireplace will quickly become a favorite feature of your home.
