High-tech gas fireplaces are burning up the market

The sounds of crackling wood and the smell of smoldering bark are being overtaken by technology. Sales of gas fireplaces have grown 500% since 1992 and now outpace their wood-burning cousins.

Technology has made the gas units the fireplace option of choice in most new homes, say builders. The remote-controlled flames, the efficient heat and the affordability help gas easily overrule the allure of the traditional fireplace.

Industry figures show that today almost six of every 10 new fireplaces are fueled by gas. But experts said the business is volatile, as the popularity of each type of fireplace tends to move with economic forces.

For example, when natural gas prices soared last year, sales of wood-burning units increased.

And wood suppliers report they have seen no decrease in the demand for deliveries of firewood.

“It’s a seesaw business,” said Don Johnson, director of market research for the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Assn., an industry group in Arlington, Va.

“But both of them are here to stay,” he added.

The efficiency of gas or wood depends on the home, although most experts said gas has an edge.

Almost 1.6 million fireplace products were shipped in the United States during 2001 -- 112% more than in 1992.

Of those shipments, 57% consisted of gas-fueled appliances; 40% were for wood and 3% used pellets.