Can be used to supplement the furnace to heat home, reduce heating bills
Cons:
Doesn't create the same smell and sound as a wood fireplace
Can't tend to the flre
Gas Direct Vent
Pros:
Can be installed virtually anywhere in the house
Air-tight construction eliminates air quality concerns in home
Maintains indoor air quality
Many direct vent products are efficient enough to be listed as furnaces
Eliminates the need for a chimney and chase - less expensive
installation
More flexibility in installation such as under windows or as a room divider
Instant ambiance with the touch of a button
More authentic look due to sealed combustion chamber, allows for flame-out-of-logs
100% of combustion air comes from outside the home and 100%
of the exhaust is expelled outside the home - direct
vents do not interfere with indoor air quality - doesn't
use already heated room air for combustion air
Cons:
No "direct" access to the flames due to sealed combustion fireplace
Gas Log Sets
Pros:
Instant ambience
Utilizes existing masonry fireplace
Ideal for warmer climates where extra heat is unnecessary
Current technology allows better logs and flames than in past
Burns Clean
Easy to use
No ashes to clean
Cons:
Less efficient use of fuel vs. fireplace
Little or no heating capability
Opportunity for products of combustion to enter home in negative pressure situation
Relatively expensive to operate vs. gas fireplace or insert
Wood
Pros:
Aesthetics of the fire - smell, crackling sound, glow
The experience of chopping wood and actually building a fire
Firewood is more readily available in some areas
Can be used to supplement the furnace to heat home, reduce heating
bills
Cons:
Cleaning the fireplace, hauling ashes, sooting
Cost of wood is greater than gas in most areas and is rising
Requires a chimney, chase, footings, etc.
May cause odors and particulates in the air
Requires continuous maintenance to keep fire burning
