| |
Wood
(vented)
|
Gas (vented) |
Gas (ventless) |
Electric
(ventless)
|
Ventless
Gel |
| Cost |
$3,000-
$10,000
Installed |
$3,500 -
$7,500
Installed |
$3,000 -
$6,000
Installed |
$500 -
$1,500 and
up |
$300 - $700
Complete |
| Burn Time |
2-3 hours
using 3-4
logs.
Requires
frequent
tending |
Forever
(unless
your gas
company
shuts off
your supply) |
Forever
(unless supply
is shut off or
you die from
inhaling fumes) |
No Burn |
2-3 Hours
No fire
tending
required |
| Maintenance |
High
Carrying
logs, tending
fire, ash
removal,
chimney
cleaning. |
Moderate
Requires
professional
installation
and yearly
maintenance
Chimney
cleaning.
|
Moderate
Requires
professional
installation
and yearly
maintenance.
|
Low
Can require
professional
installation
and
maintenance
|
No
Maintenance
No
installation.
No chimney
cleaning
|
| Effect |
Good
Nice flame,
natural
crackle
|
Fair
Nice flame,
no crackle |
Fair
Nice flame,
no crackle |
PoorNo real
flame, no
crackle |
Good
Nice flame,
natural
crackle |
| Risk |
Moderate -
High
Hot embers,
tending hot
fire, clogged
chimney |
Moderate
Potential
clogged gas
jets,
clogged
chimney |
Extremely
High
Toxic fumes,
oxygen
depletion,
excessive
moisture,
clogged gas
jets |
Low |
LowMore safe in
your home
than a
burning
candle |
| Heat |
High
Good heat as
long as you
tend the fire,
but chimney
reduces
effeciency |
High
Good heat,
but chimney
reduces
effeciency |
High
Good heat,
but not worth
the risk |
Low
Poor heat,
low
effeciency |
ModerateDecent heat,
enough to
take the chill
from the
room. 100%
effecient. |
