Comparing Electric Fireplaces and Ventless Gas Fireplaces

Answering this question is quite possibly one of the most valuable investMents of your time that you can make. If the label 'thrifty homeowner' applies to you, then you are probably well aware that the efficiency of your electric heater, ventless gas Fireplace, or whatever heating device you have contributes directly to how much you pay in utility bills every month.

So what is the most efficient heating device? I go into more detail on this question at home blog, but the quick answer is... that it's the wrong question to ask! Let me explain why as well as give you the questions (and answers!) you should be asking.

There are actually two completely different technologies that come close to 100% efficiency at heating your home. Electric Fireplaces achieve near 100% efficiency and use electrical energy. Ventless Fireplaces are also nearly 100% efficient and can use a range of fuels such as ethanol, gel fuel, propane, and natural gas. Since these two technologies are 'compleMentary goods', the questions you need to ask are:

• Which one is more environMentally friendly?
• Which one is cheaper to operate?
• Which one is easier to install?

Which one is more environmentally friendly?
While electric heaters are zero emission devices, its debatably as to weather they are more environmentally friendly than ventless gas fireplaces. The reason for this is because there is a very good chance that the power plant the generates your electricity produces a more negative environmental impact than the emissions of a ventless fireplace. Ventless fireplaces produce carbon dioxide and water as their emissions, which are very low-impact emissions (despite all the media attention on anti-carbon emissions).

Which one is cheaper to operate?
This is also a debatable question as it will depend on your geographic location. In many parts of the country, however, the Dollars per BTU for natural gas is cheaper than the Dollars per BTU cost of electric heating. There are several reasons for this. I am also assuming that your ventless gas fireplace consumes natural gas and not a more exotic fuel such as ethanol or gel fuel.

Which one is easier to install?
It's pretty hard to beat the electric fireplace in terms of ease of installation. In the rare case that you have a large, home-heater, then you might have to hire an electrician to wire in 220 volts. In most cases however, installation consists of Plugging it into the nearest receptacle. Ventless gas places can be just as easy if they run off of portable fuels - like gel canisters. But if you plan to burn natural gas, you'll need to have a gas pipeline installed into your home - which may be easy or difficult.

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