If you are like most people these days, you yearn for the warmth and beauty of a traditional fireplace without the hassle that comes along with burning wood inside your home. Although homeowners 20 years ago didn’t mind the look of gas inserts that came with an obvious glass panel between you and a not-so-realistic fire, people today have another option — gas log sets.

Although modern gas log sets operate much in the same way as traditional gas inserts, they don’t have the glass panel, creating a more realistic, homey feel. Cincinnati Gas Lite Co. in Elsmere, KY, has a wide variety of gas log sets perfect for any fireplace, which is why you might have a difficult time choosing the right model for your home. Here are three tips for choosing a gas log set.

Examine Your Fireplace Setup

Gas log sets come in two major varieties — vented and vent-free. Vented gas log sets need to be used in a normal chimney that exhausts to the outside, while vent-free versions can be placed in an enclosed space without causing problems. Before you start shopping for a gas log set, carefully evaluate your fireplace setup to determine if your exhaust system or chimney is functioning properly.

Evaluate Your Heat Generation Needs

Every gas log set is rated to generate a different number of BTUs, which is why you should be familiar with your home heating needs. If you need your gas log set to provide a second source of heating, make sure your new system will be able to generate the heat you’ll need. On the other hand, if you are getting a gas log set mainly for looks, heat generation might not be a top priority.

Look for Realism

To make your new fireplace as beautiful and realistic as possible, look for a gas log set that looks like real wood. Keep in mind that natural burning wood has char marks, flaws, and sections that are completely destroyed. If your logs look too perfect, your new log set might not look natural.

If you want to make your house feel like a home, start by updating that old fireplace and installing a gas log set. With years of experience and a dedication to their clients, the experts at Cincinnati Gas Lite Co. will help make your home a little cozier. For more information about their products and services, visit Cincinnati Gas Lite Co. online or call (859) 727-1331.