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Fireplace Insert
Traditional
fireplaces are set into the wall, are fuelled by wood, and may have a
sliding spark screen or glass doors that let some heat out into the
room. They are mesmerizing to look at and create a romantic, cozy space
that is warm and inviting. And the smell of a wood burning fireplace is
second to none. While stoking the fire to maintain a consistent room
temperature takes time and effort, wood fireplaces traditionally have
been far from efficient at providing anything more than zone heat to
limited square footage.
Fireplace inserts are becoming popular as more and more consumers are
demanding more efficiency from their fireplaces to heat their homes.
Fireplace inserts are installed directly into the wall where your
existing fireplace firebox is located. Inserts are usually made from
cast iron or plate steel and are vented through the original chimney.
Some fireplace insert units protrude out of the wall slightly to allow
for the heat to radiate out of the sides of the hearth. Fireplace
inserts are available as gas inserts or wood burning inserts and offer
far more efficiency than the older model fireplaces. This is due to the
use of a blower. Blowers are essentially fans that blow the heat out
into the room instead of allowing it to be lost up the chimney. Blowers
can make a fireplace 90 % efficient and are a great supplement heat
source to any home. Blowers within the insert can help to distribute
the warm air throughout the room and are particularly useful in larger
rooms. Ceiling fans also help to circulate the heat into other rooms of
the home. The blower can be controlled manually or by a thermostat that
is mounted to the wall near the fireplace. When the room temperature
dips down to a preset temperature, the blower will kick in to provide
more heat. When the desired temperature is reached the blower will stop
while a gas fireplace can continue to function. The wood burning insert
still requires all the attention of a traditional masonry fireplace,
though with the use of a blower your efforts will not escape up the
chimney. Heating a home with a wood fireplace insert is far more
efficient and cost effective. The benefit of using a wood burning
insert is increased heat efficiency while saving on your energy bill.
Installing a fireplace insert is relatively easy though proper
installation into the existing fireplace hearth is essential. It is
important to first measure the rear width of the existing firebox and
the height and width of the opening. Not all existing fireplaces are
suitable for installing an insert. Another important measurement to
take is the depth of the hearth so that your insert will fit flush into
the existing setting. By hiring a professional you can ensure that the
insert is installed correctly and that proper ventilation is achieved
through the chimney or through an exterior wall vent. Wood burning
fireplace inserts do require regular maintenance. Depending on the
amount of wood that you burn, you should have your chimney inspected
and cleaned annually to ensure that there is no creosote build-up along
the walls of the chimney. This build-up of smoke emissions can lead to
a chimney fire and can create unsafe air that could enter your home. A
professional chimney sweep will recommend that you have your chimney
inspected and cleaned after burning approximately 2 cords of wood. Some
fireplace inserts must be removed during the cleaning.
An advantage to purchasing a fireplace insert is that you can continue
to utilize the part of your home that is comfortable, warm, and
relaxing while providing ample heat to the rest of the house. The
mantel, hearth pad, and surrounding wall facing can stay the same so
there is no major renovation necessary. Inserts are quite heavy so be
careful lifting the unit into the inset. Many are over 350 pounds. The
cost of an fireplace insert will vary greatly, expect between $1000-
$2000 depending on the type of features you choose and of course
installation would be on top of that. Be sure to visit our online
resources that offer a wide range of fireplace inserts for all of your
heating needs.
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