Useful information

 "Which is better, gas or wood?"  
So much depends on personal preference!

  -- Let's address some of the pros and cons of the different types of fireplaces: 

         (then you can make an informed decision)
                            

 Pros:                                                                                    Cons:

•  Cleaner than wood                                              --  Doesn't create the same smell                                                                                                                                         and sound as a wood fireplace
  
•  Easier than wood  - just flip a switch              --  Can't tend to the fire
  
•  More flexibility in installation
  
•  More control over heat output and flame height
•  Can be used to supplement the furnace to heat home
• and reduce heating bills

 Pros:                                                                                       Cons:

• Can be installed virturally anywhere                    --  No "direct" access to the flames due   in the house                                                                                                    to sealed combustion fireplace
  
• Air-tight construction eliminates air quality
  concerns in home
• Maintains indoor air quality
  
• Many direct vent products are efficient enough
  to be listed as furnances
• Eliminates the need for a chimney and chase
  - less expensive installation 
• More flexibility in installation such asunder 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
• 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 

  Pros:                                                                                    Cons:

• Ease and on convenience of gas fireplaces     --  Potential back-draft of combustion                                                                                                                                gases depending on home's indoor air pressure                                                                                                   --  Uses already heated room air as combustion air                                                                                                   --  Less efficient than direct vent units  

  Pros:                                                                                Cons:

• Less involved installation                                      --  Air quality issues/health concerns
  
• Potential to be installed in many                        --  Typical sizing quidelines for an      
• places, BUT must follow room sizing                      average fireplace size (30,000       
•  requirements (typical unvented fireplace              BTU's) require a 96' x 20' room     
•  requires 96' x 20' room)                                             size -or 1,920 sq ft to safely accommodate unvented                                                                                              product
• Very efficient in burning of gas, but                     --  Illegal in many states and               
• uses heated room air for combustion                      municipalities --  A typical (unvented) natural gas                                                                                                      stove or fireplace releases a                                                                                             gallon of water vapor every 2 to                                                                                                                                 3 hours of operation- potentially causing mildew issues                                                                                        --  May require more service to                                                                                                                                             ensure dust, pet hair, and other                                                                                                                                       chemicals are not interfering                                                                                                                                           with the unit                                                                                                                                                                   --  For safety reasons cannot be run                                                                                                                                    for extended periods of time                                                                                                                                      --  Requires permanent fixed                                                                                                                                                opening to the outside for proper                                                                                                                                  room ventilation