Many Florida homeowners opt for gas fireplaces, appreciating their ease of use and aesthetic appeal. If you’ve long wanted to install one in your home, it’s easy to understand why, particularly when considering Jacksonville’s relatively mild winter climate.

We love gas fireplaces, too. However, while a gas fireplace can effectively warm a room, it isn’t designed to replace a central heating system. Gas fireplaces work best for what’s known as zoned heating or heating a specific room or area in the home.

They’re a great choice to complement your heating system, especially on those days when you only want to heat a single place. Still, when the temperatures drop, a comprehensive heating system is essential to keeping the entire house at a comfortable temperature.

Gas Fireplaces vs. Central Heating

Gas fireplaces and whole-home heating systems differ in costs and heat distribution methods.

Gas fireplaces deliver heat to a single room, but you can heat more space if you have a large room and an open floor plan. Central heating systems, including furnaces, dual-fuel systems, and heat pumps, distribute heat evenly and consistently throughout a house via a network of ducts.

While gas fireplaces tend to be less expensive to operate than a furnace, they generally aren’t as energy-efficient as central heating — though newer models are much more efficient than older ones. Electric-powered heating systems offer the ultimate efficiency for Florida homes.

Use Gas Fireplaces for Zoned Heating

Where gas fireplaces really shine is in zoned heating. By focusing on one area, the fireplace creates a comfortable environment on cooler evenings or transitional seasons when it’s not quite cold enough for central heat. This helps you stay cozy and save money in the winter.

How To Safely Use a Gas Fireplace

Understanding how to safely operate your gas fireplace is essential to enjoying its warmth worry-free. Follow these crucial tips to ensure your fireplace’s comfort while prioritizing everyone’s safety:

• Have your gas fireplace inspected and serviced by a professional technician annually.
• Install and regularly test carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• Maintain a safe distance between the fireplace and flammable materials, such as rugs, curtains, and furniture.
• Ensure the fireplace is adequately ventilated to avoid harmful gas buildup.
• Never leave a running fireplace unattended, especially if children or pets are in the house.
• Consider using a protective screen to prevent accidental burns.
• Educate everyone in the household on what to do in case of a gas leak.

United Air Temp provides gas fireplace repair and replacement so that we can ensure your system operates reliably. We can also convert wood-burning fireplaces to gas units so you can get more use out of them.

Use Gas Fireplaces for Heating During a Power Outage

A gas fireplace can provide reliable heat during a power outage, operating independently of electricity, which electric furnaces and heat pumps need to run. To use your fireplace during an outage, ensure the main gas valve is open. If the unit has a battery backup system, it should kick in automatically.

However, it’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific instructions, as operating procedures for different models often vary. Remember that safety always comes first: Keep the area well-ventilated and never leave the fireplace unattended.

Choose UAT for All Your Gas Fireplace Service Needs

Don’t let a faulty gas fireplace or central heating system compromise your Jacksonville home’s warmth or safety. United Air Temp provides heating repairs that ensure your equipment is in good working order. And if it can’t be fixed, we offer heating replacements for quieter operation, improved efficiency, and enhanced reliability.

Call United Air Temp at (904) 980-8769 today to request gas fireplace or central heating services in the Jacksonville area.