Natural Gas for Your Home - CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES

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You have a choice. Natural gas appliances provide you with a broad range of lifestyles choices, ways to save and add value to your home.

Natural gas appliances do cost less to operate about half the cost of operating an electric appliance as a general rule. Did you know you can have Hot water for less, dry clothes with that smell of fresh air, a cozy warm house, and the romance of a fireplace. You really can't go wrong with any of the above choices! So go ahead, it's your choice.

Please note : It's recommended that all natural gas equipment be installed by a qualified licensed professional. It is extremely important that you adhere to the building code in your area and follow the manufacturers instructions for installation and operation.

Gas Fireplaces and Firelogs

Enjoy the warmth and beauty of an efficient gas fireplace for only pennies an hour.

If you have a natural gas fireplace, all you have to do is flick a switch. Forget about the wood: buying it, stacking it, carrying it, lighting it, and cleaning up after it! Face it! With a wood fire, often it's simply too much trouble.

The answer, of course, is natural gas. With gas, you get a roaring fire - instantly. Gas hearth products are convenient, safe, cleaner burning and, above all - authentically beautiful. If you can't relax and enjoy the beauty of flickering flames and glowing embers, what's the point?

Natural gas fireplaces, freestanding stoves and decorative log sets give you all the pleasure of a beautiful wood fire without the hassle.

You never have to leave a fire burning when you go to bed or leave your home. Your carpet will never be marred by popping embers or sparks. There is no creosote buildup or worry of a chimney fire. And you never have to clean up ash.

Natural gas fireplaces and stoves can be installed almost anywhere in a home. You don't have to have a chimney. Free-standing models can be vented directly outside, when placed on an outside wall. Vent-free models give you even more freedom of placement.

Fireplace Inserts

A fireplace insert offers the perfect way to turn an inefficient heat-stealing fireplace into an efficient, supplemental home-heating device. Inserts can be installed in almost any existing masonry fireplace.

Inserts aren't just about heat; they are also about elegance. You can select a mantel or surrounding trim to set off your new fireplace as a focus of your living area. Because they are more efficient than decorative gas logs, gas fireplace inserts can cost about one-third less to operate. They can be turned on with a switch, a remote control, or automatically, with a wall-mounted thermostat.

Decorative Log Sets

Gas logs are the most simple and least expensive of gas hearth products. But, because they are not airtight and the flame is not sealed from the living space, they are classified as decorative, not heating, devices.

A log set fits into an existing fireplace and uses the flue for exhaust. Log sets are realistic-looking ceramic or concrete logs that simulate various types of wood. Some models allow you to adjust the flame. Normally, gas logs turn on and off with a knob. Most gas log sets can be used in the event of an electrical outage.

Log sets are not rated for energy efficiency. However, because you can control the burn rate, less warm air escapes up the chimney. Ask your gas hearth product dealer about the Btu or heat output of different log sets. Finding the most realistic flame with the lowest Btu rating will give you a better-looking fire for the lowest operating cost.

Whether you purchase a natural gas fireplace, fireplace insert, freestanding stove or decorative log, you are treating yourself and your family to the instant beauty of a glowing fire.