Crisp Skagit County evenings practically beg for a cozy fire. If you’re considering a new fireplace in Burlington, the big question is wood or gas? Both can add warmth and ambiance, but they differ in cost, convenience, upkeep, and impact on indoor and outdoor air. Here’s a practical breakdown to help you choose what fits your home and lifestyle this fall.
The Case for Wood
Nothing quite matches the crackle, aroma, and rustic charm of a real wood fire. Modern EPA-certified wood stoves and inserts are far more efficient than older units, delivering steady heat during extended power outages—a real plus during storm season. Wood can be economical if you have access to seasoned local firewood, and many homeowners love the ritual of building and tending a fire.
What to consider: Wood requires storage space for dry, seasoned fuel and regular ash removal. You’ll also need annual chimney inspections and sweeps to prevent creosote buildup. On poor-air-quality days, burn bans can restrict wood burning, and improper wood (wet or painted) creates smoke that’s tough on lungs and the environment. If you go wood, invest in an EPA-certified unit, burn only seasoned hardwood, and try using a moisture meter to keep logs under 20 percent moisture.
The Case for Gas
Gas fireplaces deliver instant, push-button warmth with consistent output and precise temperature control. They’re low-maintenance, don’t produce ash, and venting options are flexible—direct-vent models pull combustion air from outdoors and exhaust outside, helping maintain indoor air quality. Many gas units operate with battery backup for ignition, so some models can still provide heat during outages.
What to consider: Gas lacks the classic wood-burning experience, and installation requires gas line work and proper venting by a licensed professional. Ongoing fuel costs vary with natural gas or propane prices. You’ll still want an annual safety check to verify proper combustion and ventilation.
Efficiency, Emissions, and Comfort
In general, sealed, direct-vent gas units are highly efficient and clean-burning, offering steady, controllable heat with minimal emissions. EPA-certified wood stoves can also be efficient when operated correctly, but performance depends on the quality of the wood and user habits. If anyone in the household has asthma or allergies, gas typically provides a cleaner indoor environment. For open-hearth nostalgia without heat loss, consider converting to a wood or gas insert that seals to the fireplace and uses a dedicated liner.
Installation and Code Basics
In older Burlington homes, a professional assessment of the chimney, clearances, and makeup air is essential. Wood appliances need proper hearth protection and chimney liners; gas units require correct venting and gas sizing. Permits and inspections help ensure safety and performance. Always check for local burn bans and follow manufacturer guidelines for operation and maintenance.
So…which is best?
Choose wood if you value the authentic fire experience, want outage resilience, and don’t mind the work of storing wood and cleaning. Choose gas if you prioritize convenience, clean operation, precise control, and lower day-to-day maintenance. Not sure? A high-efficiency insert—wood or gas—can transform an existing fireplace into a reliable, comfortable heat source just in time for fall in the Pacific Northwest.
Our team of Home Performance Experts has served the I-5 corridor from Blaine to Marysville, Oak Harbor to Concrete, and the San Juan Islands since 1972 with a mission of Improving Lives™. We look forward to serving you too! Contact Firelight by Barron today for a wood or gas stove installation.