YES, YES, I have a gas log fireplace and it can heat my entire downstairs! Even tho you will use it you say 4 mos. I say 5 it ADDS VALUE TO YOUR HOME. Like the slate, upgraded appliances, ceiling to floor shower, there are so many little things that adds value. Feel confident, your doing the right thing. (I live in Virginia and that’s why I say 5, you have a lot more storms than we do also) Congrat on new house.

When you think about it, most of the construction will be the same regardless of Gas or Wood. Gas is in my opinion better. I live in North Georgia Mountains and built a year ago. I have 2 gas fireplaces – LR and MBR – and together they cost me about that much which includes purchasing a tank and having it buried. I did use the imitation rock which was cheaper and not as heavy so I did not have to re-enforce my floors. I also did not vent my fireplaces. Gas does not require venting. In fact, I do not have any chimnies. Gas is cleaner and not as aggravating as wood. Wood may smell good burning, but it leaves soot and ashes which has to be cleaned. Wood has to be purchased and delivered or you have to cut it yourself. You also have to bring it in the house each time you need more. If you purchase a gas tank (will cost more), you are then able to shop around for the best propane prices. If you rent a tank, you get what ever the tank owner charges. Also, fill you tank in the summer. It is cheaper then.

You don’t need to vent it outside, Get a vent less they work as Good or better than the vent type . And you don’t need a chimney

you wouldnt even think of asking this question if you ever had a real fire place. with a gas direct vent theres no chimney to clean, no wood to cut or split, no ashes to carry out, no dust from the ashes, no trying to light wet wood….no nothing.

insurance companies really dont like fire places of any type, but gas direct vent are basically harmless.

it sounds like you are getting a pretty good deal too.

most of the ones i install are even remote control…..just press a button, and bang, pretty, romantic fire.

direct vent fire places are better for actually heating the room, the ventless ones look pretty but dont give off as much heat……..at any rate, you dont really want to try to heat the house with it.

if you live where power loss is a concern (here in possum holler) and you want to have something that will give off some heat when the power is out, the go with a ventless…..direct vented units have to have power to make the exhaust fan run.

hope this helps,
Possum