Upgrading to a fireplace insert can be a game changer for both your home’s aesthetics and its energy efficiency. An insert works with what’s already in place, so it’s not as comprehensive – or costly – as a complete fireplace renovation.
…but don’t be fooled – while the project may not be substantially invasive, the results will certainly be significant.
What Is a Fireplace Insert?
A fireplace insert is a prefabricated, self-contained, and highly efficient heating appliance designed to be installed into your existing masonry fireplace’s firebox.
Inserts upgrade both the appearance and efficiency of your system without compromising your existing set-up. They’re engineered to capture and retain heat, improving the overall warmth and comfort of your living space.
What Are the Benefits of Fireplace Inserts?
- Efficiency. First things first, having a fireplace insert installed is going to boost your fireplace’s efficiency levels. Open fireplaces aren’t great at holding onto heat, but inserts are. This means you’ll use less fuel and get more heat in your living space with a fireplace insert – a win-win. Plus, with a closed system in place, you’ll no longer be losing heated or cooled air from your home out the chimney. Good bye, chimney drafts!
- Costs. With greater efficiency comes lower energy bills. You may find yourself reducing reliance on your central heating system with a fireplace insert, and your insert will be both better insulated and more efficient than an open fireplace. Most will be equipped with blowers to distribute heat, as well. It’s probably unsurprising, then, that this can spell financial savings.
- Environmental Perks. Inserts are designed with EPA regulations and efficiency in mind. They burn fuel more completely, resulting in fewer emissions, less particulate matter, and less waste.
- New Look. Whether you love classic charm or a modern appeal, a fireplace insert lets you update the aesthetic of your fireplace. Inserts have various designs and features, allowing for customization and a polished appearance.
- New Fuel Source. If you’ve ever thought about the perks of a different fuel source, this is your chance to make a change. Maybe you don’t have easy access to affordable firewood, or your lifestyle simply isn’t conducive to the time and effort needed to keep up with a wood fireplace. Making the conversion to gas, pellet, or electric fuel might better suit your needs and enhance your enjoyment of your fireplace.
- Safety Improvements. Inserts are more contained than traditional fireplaces, reducing the risk of escaped sparks or embers. They can also be installed with safety features that bring further improvements, which can provide increased peace of mind for families that include children or pets.
Wood, Pellet, Gas, or Electric: Which is Best?
One of the first decisions to make once you’ve decided to have a fireplace insert installed is which fuel type to use. Each has strengths and potential drawbacks, so the “right” choice is really just whatever works best for how you want to use your fireplace.
Wood Inserts
- Pros: They’re fueled with wood, which is renewable and can often be locally sourced. But what many homeowners love is the distinct ambiance – crackling sounds, cozy smell, dancing flames. If you already love using your wood-burning fireplace, a wood insert is simply a way to make the experience you love more efficient.
- Cons: You’ll need to acquire and properly store wood to keep it dry and at-the-ready. You’ll also need to build your fires with each use, and dispose of your wood ash. And while they are more efficient than an open fireplace, they do still produce some emissions.
Pellet Inserts
- Pros: Pellets are sustainable. They’re made from compressed wood byproducts (so you won’t have to say ‘good-bye’ to the aroma of a wood fire), but burn cleaner than logs. And they come with automatic feed systems to make them easy to operate.
- Cons: They do require electricity to operate, so you can’t use them in a power outage as you could a wood insert, and you will need to maintain a stock of pellets.
Gas Inserts
- Pros: We can’t talk about gas inserts without mentioning the convenience factor. They’re low maintenance and give you a cozy fire at the push of a button, so you can go from work mode to full relaxation station in seconds. Many new units are precision controlled and offer steady heat until you turn it off – again, with the push of a button. Gas inserts produce fewer emissions and don’t require you to store wood or supply pellets.
- Cons: Operational costs can fluctuate with gas prices, and you will need to have a gas line run during installation. Some wood fireplace aficionados don’t think gas units provide the same feel, since you don’t have popping logs burning away, but some gas units may have their own visual charms – like customizable flame height or color.
Electric Inserts
- Pros: Electric units are the peak of simplicity. You can plug them into any standard outlet and instantly enjoy the benefits of flame features and heating elements (which can often operate independently of each other). Electric units produce no smoke or emissions.
- Cons: You’re likely not going to get as much traditional ambiance as a wood or gas unit will provide, and some people simply like the real-flame experience too much to give it up. Depending on local rates, an electric insert might be more expensive to run than some other options.
Ready to Make the Upgrade?
Once you’ve considered the options and decided to make the change, it’s time to start thinking about which fireplace insert is right for you. Our team is ready to help! Our experts have the knowledge and experience that will help you make the most out of your investment in your home.
Make an appointment to see what’s available, and we’ll walk you through what the installation process will involve.