Gas Fireplaces vs. Real Fireplaces: Which One is Healthier?
Ah, a crackling fireplace. Nothing quite replicates its sense of coziness on a cold winter day. However, one must also consider the health impacts of a fireplace in residential and commercial spaces.
Unfortunately, both gas and real (AKA wood-burning) fireplaces produce emissions. However, a gas fireplace is a healthier solution. It creates almost no particulate emissions and produces fewer safety risks.
The Dangers of a Real Fireplace
A wood-burning fireplace presents a risk to human respiratory health. Throughout the year, households can produce more than 300,000 tons of delicate particulate matter, which contains soot, fumes, dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and ash. The smoke also contains carbon monoxide and fine particles.
When inhaled, these particles and toxins enter your lungs and respiratory systems. They can contribute to lung disease, lung cancer, and respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
And if you think only your household is impacted by your wood-burning fireplace, think again. Most of your fireplace's heat goes out through the chimney into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental pollution. The fact that so much heat escapes through the chimney also makes wood-burning fireplaces wildly inefficient, wasting valuable natural resources.
Real fireplaces also pose a safety risk. Flying embers and improper ash disposal and creosote cleanup could start a fire.
The Dangers of a Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces burn cleaner and are safer than wood fireplaces. They produce almost no particulate emissions. However, they produce pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide can build up in the home if the fireplace isn't vented correctly. This colorless and odorless gas can be difficult to detect until you begin experiencing symptoms. According to the CDC, 430 Americans die of carbon monoxide poisoning each year.
Nitrogen dioxide is another common gas fireplace emission. This air pollutant can cause various respiratory issues and may shorten life expectancy in cancer patients.
The energy source can also pose broader environmental issues. Natural gas in the United States is often sourced through fracking, which may lead to water contamination and air pollution. A fireplace leak can also release greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.
Gas fireplaces can also pose safety risks if they break or are poorly maintained.
Safety Tips for Gas and Wood Fireplaces
Best safety practices will help prevent the dangers of gas and wood fireplaces. Here are some to consider.
Gas Fireplaces
Ensure the fireplace is maintained correctly and inspected annually
Keep the fireplace well-ventilated
Look out for issues like gas smells, hissing, and debris
Wood Fireplaces
Burn wood that has been split, covered, and stored for at least six months; avoid using wood that is pressure-treated or any non-wood-based materials
Start fires with newspaper and small pieces of dry wood
Ensure the room is well-ventilated
Have your fireplace and chimney inspected each year
Install a tight-fitting door in front of your fireplace to prevent embers from escaping
Gas fireplaces are safer than real fireplaces. However, both offer their share of risks. Utilize best safety practices to ensure safety and reduce environmental impacts.
Here's to a safe and cozy winter!
