You cannot burn real wood in a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are designed to only use gas as fuel. A wood fire reaches much higher temperature levels, which poses a fire hazard and could even lead to combustion and explosion within your gas pipes.
A gas fireplace is an excellent option for those who want the look and feel of a traditional fireplace but don’t want to deal with the hassle of maintaining one.
They are also a great option for those who live in an area where it is not safe or allowed to have a real wood fireplace.
Can You Burn Real Wood In A Gas Fireplace?
Wood-burning units are designed to burn wood, while gas-fueled devices are built to burn gas. It’s possible that mixing fuels will cause safety concerns, smoke back-up, and potential property damage. In addition, using incorrect fuel can void your warranty.
Wood-burning fireplaces are undoubtedly the most atmospheric fireplaces on the market. However, not every house has one, and installing a traditional wood-burning fireplace can cost a lot of money. Not to mention that it may not even be possible at all.
Gas fireplaces are much easier to install, but they don’t come with the traditional look of a wood-burning fireplace. Despite a gas fireplace not having the same look and feel as a wood-burning fireplace, it’s important to know why you shouldn’t burn natural wood in a gas fireplace.
The main reasons why gas fireplaces can’t burn wood are that:
- Gas fireplaces aren’t built to handle the heat that comes from burning wood.
- Any ceramic logs and/or coals’ placement and orientation can be disrupted, posing a safety issue.
- The accumulation of ash is impossible to deal with in a gas fireplace.
- Due to the incorrect ventilation system for that sort of fuel, smoke might enter your home instead of exiting out the chimney or flue.
- There’s a chance that clearance distances for wood and gas aren’t the same, posing a fire hazard.
What Happens if You Burn Wood in A Gas Fireplace?
Soot and creosote build up when you burn real wood in a gas fireplace. The next time you light your gas fireplace, the build-up can ignite, posing a serious fire hazard. Additionally, cleaning up the ashes from a gas fireplace, which is usually sealed with a glass wall, is extremely difficult and tedious.
When you burn wood in a gas fireplace, it can create soot and creosote buildup on the inside of the fireplace, which can be a fire hazard. Creosote is extremely flammable and can ignite easily, so you don’t want a substance like that building up within your home.
If you want to use your gas fireplace during the winter, it is best to burn artificial logs. Artificial logs are made from materials that produce very little pollution, so they are a safe and healthy alternative to burning wood. Or maybe consider using an electric fireplace.
A wood fire is essentially an uncontrolled chemical reaction. It creates heat as the wood burns and also produces dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO). And if there’s one thing you don’t want building up in your home, it’s carbon monoxide.
A modern gas fireplace has an electronic spark ignition, and it is designed to mix the wood gases with air and burn them completely before sending out warm air into your room. If the fireplace doesn’t mix the gas properly, it will send poisonous fumes into your room instead of warming it.
If you choose to burn wood in your gas fireplace, then all that will happen is that your electronic ignition system or the glass window of your gas fireplace will eventually fail.
You Risk Smoke and Poison Gas Emissions
It’s not worth the risk. Don’t burn wood in your fireplace unless you have a vented gas log set with a realistic flame presentation.
A vented gas log set is essentially an empty metal enclosure that has no fire inside it. When you turn on the gas, the logs light up, but there is actually nothing burning inside them.
You Risk Starting a House Fire
Wood won’t turn into gas as it burns, so all the creosote and soot will build up in your chimney, and that poses a serious fire hazard. Entirely likely even without trying to burn wood in a gas fireplace — but definitely not worth the risk!
You Could Destroy the Fireplace
When you burn wood in a fireplace, the temperatures are far greater than when you burn propane or natural gas.
Because their internal components and elements are susceptible to being damaged by so much heat, these gas fireplaces aren’t built to endure it.
You Face the Risk of Explosion
Because your gas fireplace is linked to a gas source or even a gas pipe, there’s a good chance you’ll have an explosion if the increased heat levels result in combustion. It’s similar to attempting to light a match or lighter at a gasoline station.
If you want to ensure you’re not putting yourself at risk, purchase a fireplace that is equipped with an electric or automated system that will feed your flames, without the necessity of real firewood.
With this option, there’s no need for concern about combustion and the resulting dangers it holds should any occur.
Difference Between Gas Fireplace Logs And Real Firewood Logs
The main difference between gas fireplace logs and real firewood logs is that gas fireplace logs are fake. They are made of synthetic materials like ceramic fiber or refractory cement mixture, whereas real firewood logs are made of natural materials like wood.
Another difference is that gas fireplace logs emit no smoke, while real firewood logs do. This means that if you have a gas fireplace, you don’t need to worry about having an exhaust hood installed above it.
Finally, gas fireplace logs are much easier to use than real firewood logs. You don’t have to chop them up or stack them in a certain way; you just put them in the fireplace and turn on the gas.
With real firewood logs, you have to chop them up, stack them in a certain way, and then light them on fire.
So which is better: gas fireplace logs or real firewood logs? That depends on your needs and preferences. Gas fireplace logs are the best option if you want an easy-to-use fireplace that doesn’t produce any smoke.
If you want a real firewood fireplace that emits lots of heat, then real firewood logs are better.
What Kind of Logs Goes in A Gas Fireplace?
Refractory cement, ceramic fiber, and refractory ceramic are the three most common forms of gas log materials.
Each is meant to resemble a natural stone as much as feasible, but there are several factors to consider when selecting a gas log set for your fireplace.
The first factor to consider is the size of your fireplace. The logs should be sized to fit comfortably in the fireplace opening with a bit of room to spare on either side.
You don’t want them to be too large or too small, or they may not look right in the fireplace and could pose a safety hazard.
The next factor to consider is the type of gas your fireplace uses. Not all gas logs are created equal, and not all will work for every kind of fireplace. Be sure to select a set that is designed for the type of gas you have.
Once you’ve determined the size and type of gas log set you need, the next step is to select the material.
Refractory Cement Logs
Refractory cement logs are the most popular type of gas log. They are made from a mix of Portland cement, sand, and other additives that give them their distinctive reddish-orange color.
They are very durable and can withstand high temperatures without crumbling or burning away.
However, they are also the heaviest type of gas log and can be difficult to move around.
They are best suited for fireplaces with a sturdy, built-in grate.
Ceramic Fiber Logs
Ceramic fiber logs are made from spun ceramic fibers that are treated with a special coating to make them resistant to high temperatures.
They are lightweight and easy to move around, making them a good choice for fireplaces with limited space or no grate.
However, they are not as durable as refractory cement logs and may not last as long.
Refractory Ceramic Logs
Refractory ceramic logs are made from a blend of ceramic fibers and Portland cement. They are the most expensive type of gas log, but they are also the most durable.
They can withstand temperatures up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit without burning or crumbling.
Refractory ceramic logs are a good choice for fireplaces with limited space or no grate.
They are also the lightest weight of the three types of gas logs and are easy to move around.
Once you’ve selected the material for your gas logs, you need to decide on the style. There are several different styles to choose from, each with its own unique look. Be sure to select a style that will complement your home’s decor.
Once you’ve made all these decisions, it’s time to choose the perfect set of gas logs for your fireplace. With so many options available, there is sure to be a set that fits your needs and aesthetic perfectly.
Does a Gas Fireplace Need Fake Wood?
Gas fireplaces are designed to function on either natural gas or propane. The addition of fake logs is purely decorative.
However, many people like the look of fake logs in their gas fireplace and choose to use them for aesthetic reasons. If you have a gas fireplace with a log set, it’s important to use the correct type of logs.
The two types of logs are vented and unvented. Vented logs must be used in a fireplace with a flue, while unvented logs can be used in any type of fireplace.
Contact the manufacturer or your local fire department for advice if you’re unsure which type of logs to use in your gas fireplace.
What Are the Fake Logs in A Gas Fireplace Made Of?
Fake logs in a gas fireplace are made of a variety of materials, but the most common is ceramic. Other materials can include:
- Refractory cement
- Pumice
- Volcanic cinder
- Clay and shale
The type of material used depends on the manufacturer and the desired appearance of the fake log.
For example, a company might use ceramic to create the appearance of a real log with bark and wood grain.
Can I Replace the Logs in My Gas Fireplace?
If you have a gas fireplace, then you may be wondering if you can replace the logs. The answer is yes – you can replace the logs in your gas fireplace. However, you should be careful when doing so.
When replacing the logs in a gas fireplace, you should make sure that you use the correct type of logs. If you use the wrong type of logs, it could cause problems with your fireplace. It could damage your fireplace or smoke could build up.
It is also important to make sure that the logs are properly installed. If they are not installed correctly, it could pose a fire risk.
If you are unsure how to replace the logs in your gas fireplace, you should consult a professional. They will be able to help you with the installation and ensure that it is done safely.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “Can you burn real wood in a gas fireplace?” is no.
Gas fireplaces are made for burning only one type of fuel, which means that if you try to use them as an alternative heat source, they’ll be less efficient and could even cause damage. A gas fireplace can provide all of the warmth and ambiance without any mess or worry.
