You’ve got yourself a fireplace but you might still be wondering what kind of logs you should get. Several options are present, such as some refreshing pine, or beautiful red oak.
That being so, you might be searching for something with more value for its worth and would last longer. Something like gas logs. The question of ‘do gas logs wear out’ might be on your mind.
There’s no straightforward answer to this question since it depends on a few factors. Depending on their components, material they are made of, as well as your usage – they can last from 3-10 years.
The answer could be the main determinant of whether you’ll purchase them or not. Stick around to get a better understanding of gas logs’ lifespan, types, installation, as well as maintenance.
What Are Gas Logs
These logs might look like any firewood log you’ve seen before, but gas logs are made of ceramic. They’re specifically made from extracted bisque ceramic clay. Some manufacturers also use molded ceramic fibers as well as cement.
Gas logs provide a cleaner fire-producing option, as opposed to conventional firewood. Gas logs don’t give off as much soot and last much longer. Their fire is fed with natural gas and propane, which is more eco-friendly than burning wood.
How Long Can Gas Logs Last
There’s no straightforward answer to this question since it depends on a few factors. Its wear can be influenced by the type of gas log used, its components, as well as your usage.
Let’s first explore the types of gas logs available and how long they may last.
Types of Gas Logs
There are two main types of gas logs in the market. Vented and ventless gas logs. Each has its advantages and disadvantages with regards to how long they will last.
Vented Gas Logs
The vented gas logs option is made for those who would value the aesthetic appeal over its heat efficiency.
Since vented gas logs emit carbon monoxide, they require ventilation, ergo ‘vented.’ This is why these types of gas logs don’t provide much heat, since it easily escapes from the vents.
These logs typically last up to 10 years, which is one of the longest-lasting fire logs out there. This is also subject to how much you use the logs.
Vented gas logs need a chimney to be operated to disperse the heat and smoke. This means that the installation process would be much easier. All you have to do is just replace your firewood logs with the vented gas logs.
That being said, vented gas logs might require more fuel and energy than its counterpart.
Ventless Gas Logs
The ventless gas logs, unlike the vented ones, are more useful when it comes to heat distribution. While they do offer more warmth, they aren’t as design-oriented as the vented gas logs.
Since these logs don’t require any ventilation from a chimney, they ignite smaller fires. Ventless gas logs are perfect for heating your room. All you need is a firebox and a gas line to diffuse its emissions.
Although ventless gas logs don’t require as much energy as vented gas logs, they won’t usually last as long. They’re expected to last up to 3-5 years. But, as aforementioned, it also depends on your usage. If you’re in the winter season, you’ll probably burn through them faster.
Ventless gas logs are also more prone to combustion, which means that you might notice a distinct odor when using these types of gas logs.
To that end, each type of gas log offers its unique benefits. Whether you value appearance over coziness or vice versa, you’ll be sure to find your fit.
Components Of Gas Logs
Gas logs can be made out of three different components. Let’s get a deeper look into each material and its longevity.
Refractory Cement Gas Logs
These gas logs are essentially made of cement. While they do provide more realistic-looking logs, they don’t last as long as other types.
Since they’re made of cement, they’re not as heat-protected as other materials. This is why refractory cement gas logs can last up to 2-3 years.
Ceramic Fiber Gas Logs
The ceramic gas logs provide more benefit and quality than the cement gas log option. It provides the indistinguishable appearance of firewood as well as longevity.
They can last up to 10 years or more. These gas logs are also considerably more budget-friendly.
Refractory Ceramic Gas Logs
The refractory ceramic gas log option offers logs with a mixture of both cement and ceramic. They’re more versatile in their placement in vented or ventless fireplaces. Refractory ceramic gas logs’ endurance is in the middle, where they can last up to 3-5 years.
Why Use Gas Logs
- They’re more cost-effective than firewood logs. When you count the time it takes to chop your firewood and clear the chimney of any soot, you’d want to opt for the breezy maintenance that gas logs provide.
- Gas logs are less prone to fire hazards. They produce a low flame and wouldn’t kindle dangerous flying sparks like firewood logs.
- They’re customizable. If you prefer your logs to look a certain type of way, gas logs would be the best viable option.
How to Maintain Gas Logs
Here are a few easy steps to follow to make sure your gas logs are in tip-top shape.
- Before approaching your fireplace, make sure to turn your pilot light off.
- Wait for the logs to completely cool off. Afterward, carefully take out the gas logs from your fireplace.
- Wipe your gas logs using minimal moisture. Don’t use any chemical cleanser. Instead, opt for liquid gas log cleansers. This is to avoid any hazardous vapors from combusting once the logs are ignited.
- Dust out the fireplace from any soot and debris left from the gas logs.
- Finally, before placing the gas logs back in, make sure to scan the fireplace for any signs of deterioration, which can come in the form of cracks and scratches.
Conclusion
Going back to our main question of ‘do gas logs wear out,’ we can simply answer, yes, they will eventually wear out. Like every product we use in our lives, gas logs will wear out at some point.
The question of ‘how long they take to wear out,’ could provide you with a better answer for which gas log you might find better suited to your needs.
After gaining a clearer picture of the types, materials, and maintenance of gas logs, we’re sure you’ll be able to find the product you’re looking for. Good luck!
