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Many winter fantasies revolve around a crackling fireplace. Perhaps you're sipping hot chocolate with the kids and talking about snowflakes. Maybe you're even roasting marshmallows. Or, maybe you're cuddled with your honey by the light of the glowing embers. It's a beautiful scene, isn't it? The reality, however, is a bit less romantic. In reality, wood-burning fireplaces can be a lot of work. First of all, you have buy or chop the wood. Then you have to struggle to get the fire started. When it's all over, you have to clean up the ashes. Not fun.
Luckily, there are less labor-intensive alternatives. Gas fireplaces replicate the look and feel of wood fireplaces without the aggravation. These fireplaces are easy to operate, as they are activated by a wall switch or remote control. Gas fireplaces have health benefits over their wood-burning counterparts, as well. Wood stored inside a home can lead to the growth of mold spores—gas fireplaces completely eliminate this significant health risk. Gas fireplaces also produce cleaner flames, leading to less air pollution.
Today's gas fireplaces have the look of traditional fireplaces. Fireplaces are available in a wide variety of styles, including traditional masonry and more contemporary looks. Most are also equipped with a real or faux wood mantle. These come in cherry, oak, pine, white, and a host of other colors. Some come with a surrounding frame in which tiles can be placed. The tile does not have to be grouted or permanently affixed, so it can be easily changed if your décor changes.
Gas fireplaces are available as inserts or as free-standing units. Prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. They can be portable units that can be moved from room to room, or they can be large units that must be installed. They can be purely decorative or they can provide heat. As you can see, there are many options available in today's gas fireplace market. No matter what your budget is, no matter what your style is—if you desire a gas fireplace, there is probably one available that will suit your needs.