As we’ve eased into fall this year and watched the aspen and maples turn, you may have found yourself thinking about how you bring some transformation to your home. For some owners, the solution to the urge for improvement comes in a form you may not expect – the fireplace insert.
The fireplace insert market has seen steady growth over recent years, and upon examination it’s not hard to see why. Upgrading to an insert can boost both aesthetic impression and functional efficiency.
What Is a Fireplace Insert?
What exactly is a fireplace insert? It’s a modern, self-contained unit designed to fit into your existing fireplace. And why is that beneficial? An insert brings a number of advantages wrought by technical advances in the industry to a system (the fireplace) that’s been loved for centuries – without compromising the reasons why you love it.
A fireplace insert is a closed combustion system retrofitted into a traditional fireplace.
It’s usually composed of a firebox, glass doors, and a flue that connects to your existing chimney. Open fireplaces can waste an amount of heat that would probably shock you – sometimes up to 90% – through the chimney. Inserts help you reclaim that useful heat energy and put it to work in your home. But that’s not the only advantage…
- A rise in efficiency. Simply put, inserts are built to produce more heat with less fuel. They also help retain and better distribute heat that’s produced. There’s less waste with fireplace inserts, that and that should translate to lower energy bills and a more comfy living environment – definitely enticing at the onset of the colder months.
- An aesthetic improvement. Fireplace inserts are made with many different ‘looks’ and sizes. To see what we mean, check out our gallery of stunning fireplace inserts. While efficiency is a driving factor in the decision to get an insert, their sleek, polished designs can also elevate the look of your home – without sacrificing the classic charm of your fireplace.
- Improved safety. The glass doors of a fireplace insert don’t just help with heating. They also reduce the risk of sparks or embers escaping. And some models have other safety features, as well
- Environmental impact. More efficient consumption of fuel means a properly installed insert will produce fewer emissions than a traditional, open fireplace. Overall, this makes inserts a more eco-friendly option.
- Finally, versatility. We have gas, wood, and electric insert options available, allowing you choice in the fuel that would serve your lifestyle best. You may be thinking: “How can I get a functional gas insert when I currently have a wood-burning fireplace?” But having an insert installed is an optimal time to make a fuel source conversion if that’s something you’ve been considering.
What Do Different Fireplace Fuel Types Bring To the Table?
If you’re weighing changing to a new type of fuel system, know that they each bring their own bundle of advantages. What works best for you should drive your decision making about what type of insert to buy.
Gas Fireplace Insert
- Gas Insert Pros: They ignite easily and don’t require continual tending while in use. They also rule out the need for acquiring and storing firewood, and some of the messier elements of keeping a wood unit clean. They also burn cleanly.
- Gas Insert Cons: Gas keeps you connected to a utility supply, making you slightly less energy independent. And while gas logs can mimic the look of real wood – increasingly well – some fireplace lovers might miss the traditional atmosphere created by burning wood.
Wood Fireplace Insert
- Wood Insert Pros: The smell, the sound, the appearance – wood fires are the full package when it comes to cozy ambiance. They don’t rely on electricity or gas, so they’re reliable even during outages. And wood is a renewable fuel source, which many appreciate.
- Wood Insert Cons: A wood insert will be more hands-on in terms of storing wood, starting fires, and cleaning ash and soot. These things can take a little time, so you won’t have the instant gratification of pressing a button and having instant ignition with a full blaze.
Electric Fireplace Insert
- Electric Insert Pros: Pop the plug into a standard outlet, and that’s all you need… no venting or gas lines required. Electric inserts are convenient, with adjustable heat settings and built in timers, and they don’t produce any smoke or emissions.
- Electric Insert Cons: Heat output will typically be less than with either gas or wood, which can be a limiting factor. You can’t use it during a power outage, and some might miss the ambiance of a real wood or gas fire.
Are You Falling for Fireplace Inserts? Reach Out Today
If a fireplace insert seems like an ideal upgrade for you, get in touch! Our qualified, experienced team can help you evaluate your needs based on your current set-up and heating priorities. Navigating the installation process can be a joy with an experienced guide, and it can help you achieve just the look and features you desire.
Whether you choose gas, wood, or electric, we’ll take care of all the details of installation with safety and optimal functionality in mind so you can enjoy enhanced warmth and ambiance for years to come. Call or reach out online now.
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