Efficient Heating with Gas Logs

Cost Concerns
With the prices of both natural gas and electricity on the rise, keeping the home heated through the cold and dark of winter is now more costly than ever before. In light of these heightened concerns, people are seeking new and more cost-effective ways to heat their homes and to make their homes more heat-efficient. Gas logs, particularly ventless gas logs, may be just the answer many people are looking for.

Ventless Gas Log Innovations
Recent improvements in the design of ventless gas logs have significantly contributed to their recent surge in popularity. Ventless gas logs function much in the same way as a gas stove or gas water heater. They burn natural gas so cleanly that ventilation is not necessary.

Just a few years ago, the best flames that gas logs could produce were similar to the blue flames seen on gas stoves. With breakthroughs in gas burner technology, however, ventless gas logs can now produce flickering golden flames that bear a much closer resemblance to the appealing, dynamic flames of real wood fires.

Gas Log Efficiency
As far as heating efficiency goes, nothing beats the over 99.9% heat retention rate of ventless gas logs. Ventless gas logs can be operated without an open flue or damper, which keeps the heat in your home. These gas logs generate substantial heat, so you can keep your living space warm and cozy for a fraction of the cost of other heat sources. Ventless gas logs are also valuable during power outages, as they can keep the home warm even without electricity.

With vented gas logs and real wood fires, most of the heat (usually between 70% and 90%) escapes through the chimney, making them low-efficiency heat sources. Vented gas logs do produce a strikingly realistic flame, however, so they are used primarily to create a charming ambiance.

Tips to Heat Your Home More Efficiently

• Keep curtains and shades open during the day to let the sunlight warm your home.
• Draw the shades at night to help keep warm air in.
• Add insulation to your attic to help keep warm air inside, and cold air outside.
• Clean furnace filters monthly and replace as needed.
• Clean all warm air registers and be sure they are not obstructed by furniture or other items.
• Lower your thermostat at night or when you will be away for extended periods.
• Replacing older furnaces with more efficient models can lower costs by up to 30%.
• Have your gas log, chimney, and furnace inspected annually by a professional.
• Use storm windows and storm doors.
• Add caulk around windows and doors.