Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a fireplace on a chilly night. There’s something nostalgic about staring in to the flames and hearing the embers pop as you curl up with your favorite book or movie. But did you know that old wood-burning fireplace is wasting energy, putting dust in your home and polluting the air in your neighborhood? Luckily, gas fireplaces offer a way to experience the thrill of a burning fire, while keeping your family and the environment safe from hazardous smoke. Here are a few reasons to choose a gas fireplace over a wood-burning one.

1. No Wood Is Needed.

Because a gas fireplace doesn’t burn any wood, you’re saved the effort of splitting, stacking and hauling logs. If you’re in a more urban area, you’ll be free from running to the store to purchase a pre-seasoned log every time the mood for a fire strikes. No wood also means no ashes, no smoky smells in your home and no chimney to clean.

2. It’s More Convenient.

Not only can a gas fire start with the flip of a switch or the push of a button, there are thermostats to control the flame size. The temperature of the fire can be adjusted in seconds and there’s no worry that the flames will die out. That fire will stay lit until you turn it off.

3. It Wastes Less Energy.

Gas fireplaces are more energy efficient than their wood-burning counterparts. A chimney is unnecessary with a gas fireplace, so no hot air escapes up the flue. In fact, a gas fireplace returns between 75 and 99 percent of its energy back as heat. A wood burning fireplace only returns between 10 and 30 percent.

4. It’s Better For The Environment.

Any wood-burning appliance made after 1990 is required to be EPA-certified. However, these fireplaces still emit much more pollution than their gas-burning counterparts. A wood-burning fireplace expunges about 28 pounds of particulate emissions per MMBtus of heat output, while a gas fireplace produces only .28 pounds per MMBtus.

Wood burning fireplaces may offer those crackling flames we all love to gaze at, but they’re simply not the most efficient way to heat your home. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fireplace, while keeping your family and the environment safe from harmful pollutants, a gas fireplace could be the perfect fit in your home. Schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our experts to find the right gas fireplace for you.

If you have an outdoor fireplace, there’s a good chance you’ve roasted a marshmallow or two over it. There’s something extremely satisfying about perfectly cooking (or burning) those little puffs of sugar with nothing but a stick and the flames in front of you. So, why not extend that feeling of satisfaction to your entire meal? There are several ways to cook your dinner using your outdoor fireplace; the hard part is choosing what you want to eat.

4 Ways To Cook On Your Fireplace

On A Stick.

Probably the simplest and most foolproof way to cook over a fire is with a stick. The easiest foods to cook with just a stick are marshmallows and hotdogs, but you can get fancy and wrap some refrigerated dough around your hotdog to create an at-home corn dog. The biggest downfall of cooking on a stick is that you’ll probably end up wasting some food, as it can fall off the sticks fairly easily. It also takes patience and a steady hand to ensure your food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.

With A Rotisserie.

While quite a bit larger than a simple stick, fireplace rotisseries are still a fairly simple piece of equipment to use. Rotisseries are perfect if you’re looking to cook a big piece of meat, as they sit in front of the flames and slowly cook your food to perfection. Some rotisseries even come with two separate spits, so you can cook a chicken on one, and veggie kabobs on the other. One con associated with rotisseries is they’re best used for large pieces of meat, so they may not make sense if you’re cooking for one or two. They can also block your view of the flames during cooking time.

Pie Iron Cooking.

A pie iron is two shallow metal bowls (varying in shape), that fit together and are attached to a long handle. To use them, you fill the bowls will food, snap them together, and then cook. Pie irons are most commonly used to make Panini like sandwiches, but really, the sky is the limit with what you can cook in these gadgets. The hardest part about cooking with pie irons is determining when your food is fully cooked. You don’t want to open them too soon or your dinner won’t be done. Also, be sure to properly season your pie irons and cover the inside with butter or oil before cooking, so food doesn’t stick to the inside.

Use A Dutch Oven.

Ideal for soups or stews, to cook with a Dutch oven over your outdoor fireplace, you’ll want to invest in a fireplace crane. This holds the pot above the flames and ensures even cooking. Most Dutch ovens are made of cast iron, which retains and distributes heat incredibly well. Essentially, you can use a Dutch oven the same way you would use a large pot on your stove; make soup, braise meat, even scramble eggs. The biggest issue in cooking with Dutch ovens is they’re heavy and you will need a fireplace crane to properly cook with one.

Try something new this summer and surprise your family with a truly outdoor dining experience. If you’re looking for an outdoor fireplace or have questions about whether one would work on your property, stop by one of our Fireside Home Solutions locations.

As warmer weather approaches, many homeowners wonder how to turn off a gas fireplace to save energy and reduce unnecessary gas consumption. If your gas fireplace is equipped with a standing pilot light, turning it off during the summer months can help you lower utility costs and prevent unnecessary wear on fireplace components. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to turn off the pilot light in a gas fireplace, explain why it’s beneficial, and highlight key considerations before making the switch.

Why Should You Turn Off the Pilot Light in Summer?

While it may seem convenient to leave your pilot light on year-round, there are several reasons why it’s a good idea to turn it off when your fireplace isn’t in use:

• Energy Savings: Even though the pilot light burns a small amount of gas, keeping it on all summer can add up on your energy bill. Turning it off reduces unnecessary gas usage.
• Reduced Wear and Tear: Constant operation of the pilot light can lead to faster deterioration of key components, such as the thermocouple and thermopile.
• Lower Indoor Temperatures: A continuously burning pilot light generates heat, which can make your home warmer in the summer, increasing air conditioning costs.
• Preventing Soot Buildup: Gas fireplaces with standing pilots may accumulate minor soot buildup over time. Turning the pilot off when not in use can help minimize this issue.

If you experience any issues with your fireplace after shutting off the pilot or when relighting it in the fall, schedule service with Fireside Home Solutions to ensure your system is functioning safely and efficiently.

How to Turn Off the Pilot Light in a Gas Fireplace

Turning off the pilot light in a gas fireplace is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a safe and proper shutdown:

1. Locate the Gas Control Knob: The control knob is usually found near the base of the fireplace, often behind a panel or decorative cover. It will typically have three settings: "On," "Pilot," and "Off."
2. Turn the Knob to “Off” Position: Press down slightly on the knob and rotate it to the "Off" position. This will extinguish the pilot light and stop the flow of gas.
3. Turn Off the Main Gas Supply (Optional): If you want to completely stop gas flow to the fireplace for the season, you can turn off the gas shutoff valve located on the supply line leading to the fireplace.
4. Check for Any Gas Smells: If you smell gas after turning off the pilot light, leave the area immediately and contact a professional.

For those needing assistance with how to turn off gas to a fireplace, our team at Fireside Home Solutions is here to help. Contact us for expert guidance or professional service.

Additional Considerations When Turning Off Your Gas Fireplace

• Know When to Relight It: As colder months return, you’ll need to relight the pilot light. If you’re unsure how, refer to our detailed guide on how to light a gas fireplace.
• Check the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always consult your fireplace’s user manual for specific steps related to your model.
• Annual Maintenance is Key: Whether your fireplace is in use or not, scheduling an annual inspection ensures optimal safety and efficiency.

Need Help? Fireside Home Solutions Has You Covered

If you’re unsure how to turn off a gas fireplace or need assistance with maintenance, Fireside Home Solutions is your trusted partner. Explore our full range of gas fireplaces or schedule a service appointment to keep your fireplace in peak condition year-round.