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Yes, it can be worth installing a gas fireplace, depending on your home heating needs. The cost to install a gas fireplace can be much lower than the cost to install a comparable wood-burning fireplace. The convenience of starting a fire with the flip of a switch and turning it off just as quickly makes a gas fireplace a big time saver over starting and maintaining a wood-fueled fire. A gas fireplace also does not require ash cleanup or frequent chimney cleaning to remove creosote and other buildup that can lead to chimney fires. Gas fireplaces burn and heat much more cleanly than wood fireplaces.

Most homeowners put a layer of compact sand or gravel at the bottom of their firepit, but you can also choose more decorative options like fire-resistant paving stones, bricks, or fire pit glass. Dirt by itself can even work, but other materials do a better job of spreading the heat around.

No, because they burn propane or natural gas, gas fireplaces do not generate ash like wood-burning fireplaces. However, gas fireplaces require maintenance, such as cleaning the glass doors, checking for debris in the burner or vents, and ensuring the logs or glass stones are in place. This maintenance ensures that the fireplace continues to operate efficiently and safely.

Your state, city, or even homeowners insurance company may have requirements on how far the outdoor wood furnace should be from the house, so be sure to abide by those regulations. In general, you should install an outdoor wood furnace or boiler as few as 30 feet or as much as 500 feet from the house or any other building.