As winter approaches, many people in the United States are beginning to think about their fireplace. But what exactly is a fireplace insert? After fielding thousands of phone calls from customers across the country, we’ve discovered that there is a lot of confusion around this topic.
Fireplace inserts are designed to fit into existing fireplaces and provide improved heating efficiency and heat control. They can be powered by gas, wood, or electricity and come in several different sizes, allowing them to fit almost any existing masonry or factory-built fireplace. Fireplace inserts also allow users to customize the look and feel of their fireplace with various designs and finishes.
Inserts can help keep homes warm during cold winter months while reducing energy costs by up to 30%. The installation process for a fireplace insert is relatively straightforward but requires an expert installer who has experience with your particular type of insert.
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What are Fireplace Inserts?
A fireplace insert can essentially be defined as a wood (or gas) stove without legs. Inserts are designed to fit inside existing fireplaces and consist of an insulated metal box surrounded by a decorative cabinet-like facade. By adding a fireplace insert, you can transform your traditional masonry fireplace into an efficient heating appliance that requires no outside venting.
Fireplace inserts come in a variety of fuel types, including gas, electric, and pellet burning. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of efficiency, convenience and cost. Wood burning inserts provide the most heat but require more maintenance than other models. Gas inserts offer convenience since they don’t require loading with wood or pellets but require installation by a professional technician for safety reasons.
Types of Fuel
Fireplaces offer a cozy way to warm up any home during cold winter months, but the type of fireplace insert you choose can make all the difference. There are four primary types of inserts available on the market: wood burning, gas, electric, and pellet fuel. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand which type is best for your space.
Wood burning fireplace inserts are often considered the most traditional option for warming up a room. These inserts burn logs or other wood products to produce heat naturally and require no electricity or gas connection.
They also provide a pleasant ambiance with natural flames and popping embers. However, these inserts may require more regular maintenance than some other models due to ash buildup and additional fire safety concerns that must be addressed to ensure proper operation.
Wood Burning for Fireplace Inserts
If your existing wood burning fireplace has seen better days, an overhaul may be in order. Unfortunately, the cost and time associated with a total renovation may be prohibitive. A wood burning insert is a great solution to this conundrum. These inserts are designed to fit into an existing traditional hearth or masonry fireplace and provide all the warmth of a new unit without the expense of replacing it entirely.
Wood burning inserts come in either closed system or open system designs. Closed systems offer higher efficiency ratings than their open system counterparts and can reduce heating bills significantly over time.
They typically feature airwashed glass doors that allow for easy monitoring of the fire while keeping heat in the home rather than escaping up the chimney flue. Some models even have fans that help redistribute hot air throughout your living space, making them ideal for larger rooms and homes with multiple levels.
Gas Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts are quickly becoming a popular alternative for homeowners looking to modernize their fireplaces while increasing heat output and reducing their carbon footprint. Offering an efficient and cost-effective way to update existing fireplaces, gas fireplace inserts provide a warm, inviting atmosphere without the need for extensive renovation work.
These modern devices are designed to fit snugly into the opening of your existing fireplace and can be controlled via remote or wall-mounted switches.
The electronic ignition system ensures that your gas insert is easy to start, while the sealed combustion chamber prevents any dangerous fumes from entering your living space. Furthermore, most gas fireplace inserts feature variable flame height control which allows you to adjust the warmth of your room with ease.
Electric Fireplace Insert
Electric fireplace inserts are quickly becoming the most eco-friendly, low-cost option for homeowners seeking to add warmth and comfort to their living spaces. Unlike traditional fireplaces that burn fuel and create emissions and harmful byproducts, electric fireplace inserts operate without burning anything.
They use electricity to provide heat, saving money on fuel costs and reducing environmental impact. Electric fireplace inserts don’t require any venting or exhaust systems either, making installation quick and easy.
The benefits of an electric fireplace insert don’t end there; they come with a range of other advantages including energy efficiency, safety features such as an auto shutoff feature if left unattended for too long, customizable settings so you can control the temperature easily, and even a realistic flame effect with logs or crystals that give it a more authentic look.
Fireplace Insert Features
A fireplace insert is a great way to add charm and functionality to your home. However, it’s important to understand that these inserts come with additional features and accessories that can help you ensure safe and efficient functioning. These features are designed to provide optimal performance while protecting your home from potential damage caused by fire or smoke.
First, many fireplace inserts come with a blower fan that helps move the heated air throughout the room for more efficient heating performance. The fan also helps reduce emissions from the burning fuel, improving air quality in the room as well. Some models may include an insulated baffle system designed to contain most of the heat within the firebox during operation. This feature prevents heat from escaping up through the chimney flue and into other parts of your home.
Final Take
Fireplace inserts are a great way to upgrade the look and feel of a living space. They offer modern, efficient heating options and can be installed in existing fireplaces or as an independent appliance. Fireplace inserts come in a variety of sizes, materials, and styles to accommodate any need or budget. Whether you’re looking for an economical solution or a high-end luxury item, fireplace inserts can provide both comfort and style. With proper maintenance, these units can last for years with minimal upkeep.