Ethanol vs. Gas Fireplace Comparison 

There are different fireplaces in the market, but we will be considering ethanol fireplaces and gas fireplaces. The differences between the two are many.

The first on the Gas fireplaces vs Ethanol fireplace is that the former is quite cheaper than the latter, but it produces a similar heat level.

The Ethanol fireplaces, when compared with the gas fireplace, is a lot more sustainable and eco-friendly than its counterpart.

As a result of the clean energy, there is no toxic residue left behind. Therefore it can be used in places without vents.

There are a lot more differences between the ethanol and gas Furnace types.

Their Heat Factor

When looking at the gas fireplace vs ethanol fireplace, you will notice that there is a great difference between both. Though both furnaces may produce flames, the heat levels they produce vary. The gas fireplace is known to offer better heat than its counterpart. The gas fireplace is one that requires vents and gas lines, while the ethanol is used to create a more ambient decor in your apartment.

Some spaces may source their primary heat from somewhere else, hence little heat is needed from the furnace and you can opt for the ethanol fireplace.

The fire produced by ethanol fireplace is 100%, not known to leave flues, unlike its counterpart.

Those cases, where you want a heat of 2 to 3 kW, and not more than that, the ethanol fireplace is a great choice. The gas fireplace can still produce that amount but is better for when you need a greater level of heat.

Fireplace Inserts Into Existing Spaces 

You may have a fireplace that screams of the traditional feel, and you are tired of feeding it with wood you chop down, hence you want something modern. What kind of modern fireplace should you turn it into?

The gas and ethanol fireplaces are great as inserts, both can be used. When giving up the wood stove, you give up its limitations too and enjoy the benefits of those as alternative built-in furnaces.

Though both of them may work as inserts, the gas fireplace tends to be more expensive than the ethanol fireplace because its installation is more complex, and there is the need for more details to be considered. One has to consider the right placement for the needed venting, installation, getting the gas pipes properly set, as well as checking that the pressure is right from the main gas supply.

Differences In Installation

Though the gas and ethanol fireplaces may seem similar, their installation processes are different. Installing the gas fireplace is more serious and complex than installing the ethanol fireplace. They may make the wood-burning stoves look traditional, but their styles of installation are far different.

While installing the gas fireplace, you have to consider doing the following to ensure that it functions well. Gas leaks are things that you should try to avoid. It is of great importance that you get a professional to install the gas fireplace.

The gas fireplace installation usually follows the steps below:

• Placing it, and getting it hooked to a base,
• Balancing the flue or the venting.
• Setting up the pipes that will transport the gas to the fireplace,
• Go ahead to crosscheck the leaks,
• Check to test that gas supply's pressure,
• There are different gas fireplaces on the market, and you can have one customized to meet your taste. You can do the same for your ethanol fireplace.

The ethanol fireplace is different, as its demands are not as great as its counterpart. Installing it is not as complex, either. You don't have to test the fuel supply's pressure or leaks in the pipe. You don't even need to get an expert to install it for you. All you need do is head to the store, procure a unit, get it installed by yourself, and then operate it easily. There are some models of the ethanol fireplace that can easily be installed in the walls in a recessed position, while there are others that are created to be freestanding units, meaning they do not need installation.

Though the bioethanol fireplace may need to be placed to the base, while being hooked, similar to the gas, there is no need for installing venting or flue.

You don't have to go about checking for leaks or pressure like the former.  The freestanding one doesn't need installing, except minor assembling.

What Room Size Are You Looking For? 

When looking at gas fireplace vs ethanol fireplace, there is a great difference in the operation of the ethanol and the gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are known to produce a better hearing than its counterpart, hence can be used as the primary source of heating. The gas fireplace is not great for small rooms. Since fire consumes oxygen, placing the gas fireplace in a small room with little oxygen can put your family, and yourself at risk of suffocating.

If you want a fireplace in a smaller space, then opt for the ethanol fireplace. The ethanol fireplace is great for heating room of a 215 square feet size without encountering any problem (about the average size of a bedroom).

You can ignite gas and ethanol fireplaces by using a remote control system through the ethanol fireplace can still be lit manually. You can still decide to manually fill its reservoir, before igniting it with the lighter.

The gas and ethanol fireplaces both produce flames. While the gas fireplace has constant flames, its counterpart has dancing flames that are more lively. The latter gives one a nice visual treat.