how do you get more heat from a wood burning fireplace with gas log-lighter?

i have a wood burning fireplace with a gas log-lighter. i just use the fireplace basically as a gas fireplace as i dont feel like going through the trouble to burn real wood. the problem is that the heat goes right through the damper and out the chimney and does not provide very much, if any, heat to the room. what can i do to increase the heat with the current system i have? is it possible to install a blower? or is that just for ventless fireplaces? the fake wood and ambers that are in there now certainly look nice but arent providing the necessary heat that one would expect. Am i just using the fireplace wrong and should be using real wood in the first place? any suggestions would be helpful. thanks.

Public Comments

1. close the damper
2. I have never heard of a gas log fireplace in which you could also burn wood. You need to get a hold of an owners manual and determine if in fact you can also burn wood. You should be able to install a blower on it, or at least put a fan somewhere close to help circulate the warm air.
3. I can't understand this having been in the trade most of my life all I can think of is that it is a gas fire imitating a log fire inserted into an old fire place. If that is the case block off the chimney. Think of what would happen if you did burn wood where would the smoke go and what might burn.
4. DO NOT block off the chimney before you are sure that the gas logs you are using are certified VENT FREE or VENT LESS or UN VENTED unless you wish to chance waking up dead from Carbon monoxide poisoning. Most gas logs come with a clip that is supposed to be put on the damper to prevent it being closed all the way. You must have fresh air and a way for the combustion by-products to escape the house or you will be at risk of death or at the least a very unhealthy room