How Does A Gas Fireplace Work?

And gas fireplaces are no exception. These days they are stylish and add the classic flickering flame that the whole family, or dog, wants to gather around for that picture-perfect moment. 

But apart from their aesthetics, what do we know about gas fireplaces? How many of us actually know how they work? Not many, we bet. And that can be off-putting for some consumers. Who wants to put an object that runs on gas in their homes without understanding its inner workings?

We get it; we do. However, it’s important to understand how it works to ensure you use it correctly and prevent accidents. It's why we are here today to explain to you how a gas fireplace works! 

Keep reading to find out all you need to know about how gas fireplaces work! 

What is a gas fireplace?

Before we get into it, let’s have a quick refresh for those in the room that need it. A gas fireplace is a fireplace that runs on gas. Compared to traditional fireplaces, a gas fireplace is installed into your open fireplace. It won’t emit smoke and usually features logs at the front of the design. 

They come in a range of colors and sizes, so there is sure to be one that fits in with your interior! The logs or coals at the front will hide the gas element that provides the heat and flame effect. There tends to be a glass door covering the flames too.

You can expect a fair amount of heat from a gas fireplace, certainly enough to warm up most sized rooms during the colder months! You should expect results similar to open fire, leaving you lovely and warm!

The flames tend to be realistic, and these days you can even get ones that give a smoke-like effect! As technology has advanced so, have gas fireplaces, and now they look fairly realistic. 

Now that we have covered what a gas fireplace is, let's dive a little deeper and find out how these babies work! 

How does a gas fireplace work?

How gas fireplaces work varies slightly depending on the make and model of the fireplace. Still, generally, modern gas fireplaces emit no smoke and instead vent the waste gases outside your property through a tube in a wall, compared to a chimney. 

The lack of a chimney means you don’t need to worry about any external work, although if you live in rented accommodation, it’s always best to check with your landlord before installing a new fireplace. 

Gas fireplaces are connected to either bottled gas, natural gas, or city gas, with the combustion of the gas taking place in a fully closed system. This system is aided by a concentric flute which is a double-pipe system. One side feeds in the air from the outside, while the other pipe sends the gas out. The pipe system ensures that your indoor climate is not impacted at all. 

You can choose which connection you want, with city gas and natural gas being delivered through your pipes into your home. Bottled gas is similar to that used on outdoor grills and BBQs and needs to be replaced when the bottle is empty. It’s worth weighing up the cost of these and choosing the type of gas that suits your budget and needs.

The gas will be kept in the fireplace itself, meaning you won’t notice a change in your indoor climate, gas levels, or smells. However, if you do notice any of these, you should contact the fireplace company and a gas engineer from your supplier immediately, as you could have a potential gas leak. 

The design of gas fireplaces does vary, but typically you will have fake logs or coals at the bottom, which will hide the gas vents. The fire will burn between these when the gas is on, giving those flickering flames that we know and love. This is all done behind glass doors for your safety and to prevent any gas from entering your home. 

Instead of seeing smoke emitted, the waste is deposited through a pipe and removed from your property, as we mentioned earlier. Typically this is an incredibly safe process and provides you with the same effect as normal fire, with much fewer risks! 

As the gas combusts, it will emit water and CO2. While you might be concerned about the environmental impact, it’s roughly the same as electrical energy. Therefore, you should pay attention to the ratings on the fireplace that you purchase to ensure it is CO2 neutral. 

Depending on the fireplace you purchase, you will control it with a remote control, dials on the fireplace, or an app on your phone. Through either option, you will be able to turn the fireplace on, adjust the heat, the flames, and turn the fireplace off. 

Some gas fireplaces also feature thermostats now, making them even easier to use. Simply set the thermostat to the desired temperature you want; the fireplace will warm the room to that level and then turn itself off, saving you money on its usage! When the temperature starts to drop, the fireplace will turn on and warm the room again. 

Final Thoughts  

And there you have it! That’s how a gas fireplace works! It takes the gas from your supply and combusts it to create a safe fire that will heat your room easily.

Modern gas fireplaces are relatively safe and stylish, making them a favorite in homes across the country. In addition, you will be able to control it either on the fire or remotely for complete flexibility and a warm room, whenever you want one.