The Difference Between Gas Fireplace and Gas Fireplace Insert

Like many homeowners, if you are assuming that a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert are the same, then you are wrong. While they share a lot of similarities, they are very different from each other. This article will help you understand the key differences between both products. In addition to this, we will briefly explain a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert. Plus, we will highlight the benefits of each product.

Let’s begin!

What is a Gas Fireplace?

If your property is not equipped with an existing chimney or doesn't have a pre-existing fireplace structure, a gas fireplace perfectly fits this description. A gas fireplace is made with a box-within-box setup installed into a wall or into a timber-framed structure. It relies on natural gas or LPG (Liquified petroleum gas) to generate heat.

A gas fireplace is simple to operate. You can operate the unit with a remote control or by flipping a switch and enjoy the warmth of the fire.

A gas fireplace uses venting technology where the exhaust air goes directly outside your home through an external opening fitted into the wall.

At Illusion Gas Log Fires, we have a variety of gas fireplaces available in a range of colour combinations with logs or pebbles. They come with a standard flue, a speed fan, remote control functionality, and a 10-year warranty on the firebox.

What is a Gas Fireplace Insert?

If you have an existing open brick chimney or an existing fireplace structure, a gas fireplace insert perfectly fits this description. A gas fireplace insert is also made with a box-within-box setup, but inserts are installed into an existing fireplace structure. Just like a gas fireplace, the inserts also rely on natural gas to generate heat.

A gas fireplace insert operates the same way as a gas fireplace does. You can operate the insert using a remote control or flipping a switch.

A gas fireplace insert also uses venting technology, which is natural venting. Here, the setup blows exhaust air directly outside the home through the existing chimney structure.

At Illusion Gas Log Fires, we have a wide range of gas fireplace insert options to choose from. For example, our Luminar gas log fireplace inserts perfectly fit into an existing fireplace or an existing large chimney.  

Until now, you have seen a lot of similarities between the two. Let us now look at the differences between both products in detail.

Key Differences Between a Gas Fireplace and a Gas Fireplace Insert

Here are some key differences we have listed that highlight the uniqueness of each product.

Installation Process

As mentioned earlier, you can install a gas fireplace insert only when you have an existing fireplace structure or a chimney. On the other hand, to install a gas fireplace, you don’t require an existing fireplace structure or a chimney. The gas fireplace will be installed into a wall.

Venting

The other significant difference between both products is the venting technology. A gas fireplace uses direct venting technology, which blows the exhaust air via an external opening and not the chimney, while gas inserts blow the exhaust air through the chimney.

Heat

Gas heating will be the first choice for many Australians over wood or electricity because of its quality and the reach of the heat.

Cost of Installation

Gas inserts are generally less expensive to install than gas fireplaces. The installation is inexpensive because a gas insert already has all the foundation laid.

On the other hand, installing a new gas fireplace into the wall can be expensive because everything is done from scratch.

Time

Installation of the gas insert can take less time. This is because the insert is fitted into an existing fireplace whose foundation is already laid. Your house doesn't require amendments to be made to the house structure. Therefore, the installation takes less time to complete.

On the other hand, the installation of a gas fireplace takes more time. This is because the new gas fireplace is built from scratch, thereby significantly extending the process of installation. In this case, your house requires some amendments to be made to the house structure, and all these will take more time to complete.

Design Flexibility

One of the bigger benefits of a gas fireplace is that it gives you the freedom to design your living room or bedroom according to your wishes. You can decide exactly how everything looks. With a gas insert, you don't get this flexibility. Since the decor is centered around the place, the gas insert is an enhancement to the place. You'll just enhance the beauty of the living room or bedroom by adding a gas insert, but you won't be able to create something that is all yours.

Benefits of Using Gas Fireplace Inserts

Below we have listed a few benefits of installing gas fireplace inserts.

Gas Fireplace Inserts Are Easy to Use

A gas fireplace insert is easy to operate. You can turn it on or off with a flip of a switch or a press of a button. We have a range of gas insert products with remote control.

Gas Fireplace Inserts Transform the Visual Look of a Room

If you have a pre-existing fireplace structure, adding a gas insert into the structure enhances the visual appeal of the room without a major renovation. By adding a gas insert, you can experience the warmth of the fire, and at the same time, it adds a visually pleasing feature to your room.

Our collection of gas inserts is beautifully designed, adding a modern appearance and a touch of class to any home.

Gas Fireplace Inserts Are Easy to Install

If you have a pre-existing fireplace structure, installing a gas insert is easy. Since your fireplace has standard dimensions, it is easy to find a gas insert that fits the gap. You have already got a ready-built area; you only need to fix it into the gap.

Gas Fireplace Inserts Require Minimum Maintenance

Gas fireplace inserts don’t require much maintenance except an annual checkup. They are generally clean and easy to maintain.

Better Fireplace Efficiency

The designs of a gas fireplace insert can give you an efficiency range from 65% to 85%. A gas insert is designed to make the most of the heat produced. Plus, it allows the fuel source to heat your room faster and consistently.

Gas Fireplace Inserts Are Budget-Friendly

They cost less than a gas fireplace. Since you only need to fit the gas insert into an existing fireplace structure, the overall cost of installing it becomes affordable.

Gas Fireplace Inserts Saves Money

Purchasing a gas fireplace insert can result in saving on energy bills. Gas fireplace inserts are zone heaters. This means gas inserts have the capability to heat specific areas of your home. You can heat a specific place of your choice rather than heating the entire house. As a result, you can save money on your energy bills.

Benefits of Using Gas Fireplaces

Below we have highlighted some benefits of installing a gas fireplace:

You Can Install Gas Fireplaces Anywhere

You don't require an old fireplace structure to install a gas fireplace. You can install a gas fireplace anywhere according to your needs and requirements.

Easy to Use

Just like a gas insert, the gas fireplace turns on and off with a flip of a switch or a press of a button.

Easy to Maintain

A gas fireplace doesn't leave any mess behind. You can use your gas fireplace for months at a stretch without the need to clean it between uses.

Saves Cost on Your Energy Bills

A gas fireplace is also great for zone heating. This means you can heat areas of your choice, therefore saving you money on your energy bills.

Requires No Fuel Storage

Gas fireplaces run on natural gas. You don’t need to store the natural gas at your home as you would do with firewood. You can get gas from a local gas company whenever you want.

Positioning Flexibility

 

With gas fireplaces, you have more choices for positioning your fireplace according to your room's needs. On the other hand, gas inserts don’t give you this flexibility. You can only fix them in a place where an old fireplace structure exists.

Consistent Supply of Heat

With gas fireplaces, you will enjoy a consistent supply of heat without worrying about running out of fuel.

Gas Fireplaces Are Aesthetically Pleasing

If you have a brand-new home, a gas fireplace brings modernness to your house with its ultra-modern appearance.

At Illusion Gas Fire Logs, we have a variety of gas fireplaces that are modern, sleek, and stylish.

Let us have a glance at the installation process of each product.

Gas Fireplace Insert Installation Process

If you are upgrading your old wood-burning fireplace with a convenient gas fireplace insert, we have listed the standard steps to install a gas insert.

• Remove the existing cap from the chimney.
• Set up the exhaust liner through the chimney and then seal it.
• Set the electricals. Mount an electrical outlet inside the existing fireplace.
• Set up the gas line and connect the gas line to the gas fireplace insert.
• Install the gas fireplace insert into the existing fireplace structure.
• Plug the unit into the electrical outlet.
• Connect the exhaust liner to the gas insert.
• Turn on the gas, click the button, and enjoy the warmth of the fire.

Here is a piece of advice from us - Take the help of a professional company like us to install your gas insert rather than doing it by yourself.

Gas Fireplace Installation Process

If you are installing a new gas fireplace in your brand new home, we have highlighted the standard steps to install a new gas fireplace. The steps for installing a new gas fireplace are similar to that of a gas insert, but there are a few differences here and there.

• Locate the place to install the gas fireplace.
• After determining the location, you can then choose the gas fireplace that suits your needs.
• Next, build out the cavity to fit the gas fireplace.
• Install the vent and connect it to the gas fireplace.
• Set up the electrical. Mount an electrical outlet inside the fake wall.
• Install gas line. You need to organize a gas supplier to pump gas to your fireplace. You can either choose natural gas or LPG.
• After establishing a gas line and connecting it to the gas fireplace, you need to place the logs into the fireplace. Place the logs evenly in the fireplace.
• Once you got the logs in place, now you need to install the glass. Fix the glass in front of the fireplace.
• After fixing the glass, connect the gas fireplace to the electrical outlet. Next, turn on the gas and click the button to start the fire.

Again, the same piece of advice - Take the help of professionals like us to install your gas fireplace. Avoid installing your fireplace by yourself.

In Conclusion

Gas fireplaces and gas fireplace inserts have many similarities, from benefits to the installation process. However, there are several key differences between the both. In this article, we have highlighted some key differences between a gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert. By going through these differences, we expect that you will be able to pick the right fireplace for your home.

If you are planning to purchase either a gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert for your home, Illusion Gas Log Fires is your store. We offer a wide range of gas log fireplaces at affordable prices, with designs that can suit any home. Call us today and talk to our design consultants and make your gas fireplace a reality.