Things to Know If You’ve Never Owned a Gas Fireplace

Stepping into the world of gas fireplaces opens up possibilities you simply don’t get with traditional wood fires. Instant flames at the touch of a button, clean minimalist lines architects love, and none of the ash, smoke, or wood-stacking rituals that come with wood fires. However, if you’re new to gas, there are a few key points worth understanding before you light up for the first time.

At a Glance

• Gas fireplaces offer instant on/off control with no ash or smoke to manage.
• Annual professional servicing keeps your unit running safely and efficiently.
• Modern gas fireplaces are a perfect secondary heating source with the added benefit of adding atmosphere to a space.
• Gas fireplaces offer more flexibility when flueing the combustion chamber and can therefore be installed where wood fire could not.
• They’re available both in LPG or Natural Gas options

1. They’re Remarkably Low Maintenance

One of the most pleasant surprises for first-time owners? The minimal upkeep. Unlike wood fireplaces that require chimney sweeping, ash removal, and constant fuel management, gas units need just an annual service from a licensed gas fitter. This inspection covers the pilot assembly, gas lines, burner plate, and seals, ensuring everything operates safely and efficiently.

2. The First Burn Might Smell – And That’s Normal

Here’s something that often doesn’t get a mention: new fireplaces often emit a faint odour during their first few hours of operation. This is the manufacturing oils and coatings burning off from the internal components. Run your fireplace for four to six hours with good ventilation, and the smell should dissipate entirely. After that initial “curing” period, you’ll notice nothing but clean, odourless heat.

3. You’ll Have More Control Than You Expect

Modern gas fireplaces come with sophisticated control systems that would have seemed futuristic a decade ago. Depending on your model, you might have:

• Thermostatic controls that maintain your desired room temperature automatically
• Remote operation from your phone or a handheld device
• Programmable timers for morning and evening heating schedules
• Adjustable flame height for ambience versus heat output

4. Installation Flexibility Opens Design Possibilities

For architects and designers, gas fireplaces solve problems that wood-burning options simply can’t. Direct-vent and balanced-flue systems draw combustion air from outside and expel exhaust through sealed pipes. This means no traditional chimney is required, and the fireplace can vent horizontally through an external wall or vertically through the roof.

The result? A statement fireplace that can sit in a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or double-height living area where a masonry chimney would be impractical or impossible. For renovation projects in particular, this flexibility is invaluable. And with front sided, corner, three sided, tunnel and room divider models available, the design possibilities are practically endless.

5. Safety Features Have Come a Long Way

Contemporary gas fireplaces feature multiple safety mechanisms, including oxygen depletion sensors, automatic shut-offs in the event of pilot extinguishment, and sealed glass or mesh fronts that prevent direct contact with flames. For households with children or pets, these features provide an additional layer of protection.

Gas vs Electric: Understanding the Difference

If you’re weighing up gas against electric fireplaces, consider what matters most. Electric units require only a power point and produce no combustion, making them ideal for apartments or spaces without a gas supply. Gas fireplaces, however, deliver genuine radiant heat and real flames that electric models can only simulate. For some homeowners, that authenticity is worth the additional installation considerations.

Ready to Explore What a Gas Fireplace Could Bring to Your Home?

With the Ortal range, Oblica offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of premium gas fireplaces in Australia, providing expert advice and guidance tailored to your home and preferences. Browse our unique collection of gas fireplaces online, or visit our Melbourne or Sydney showrooms to experience them in person.