What is the difference between gas logs and a gas insert?
The main difference is that a gas burning insert is considered a certified heater whereas gas logs are not. Gas logs are a good option if you are looking for something easy, inexpensive to purchase and pretty to use, but they you don’t expect much heat from. They have no heat exchanger or fan and are very inefficient with about 90% of the heat going directly up the chimney. Also note that in CT and MA, it is a code requirement to seal the damper permanently open to meet safety and manufacturer requirements, which makes gas logs very costly to your home heating bottom line! Compare that to a gas burning insert which can be as efficient as 85%. If you are looking for something that is easy, pretty and can heat your room or home, then an insert is the way to go.
