Upgrading a fireplace to an insert can save homeowners money on heating bills and update the look of their masonry fireplace. The latest fireplace inserts offer efficiency, convenience, and beauty.
Choose an EPA-certified wood burning insert to help cut down on air pollution. Some models also come with a blower to distribute the heat more effectively in the room.
Energy Efficiency
A traditional fireplace is not very energy efficient and wastes 15 to 20 percent of the fuel dollars you pay for heating a room. That’s because the open fireplace design draws heat out of the house and up the chimney. Fireplace inserts have compact, closed combustion chambers that burn fuel more efficiently and maximize the amount of heat they radiate into the room. The result is more comfort for your home and significant savings on your fuel costs.
If you’re planning to install a new gas fireplace, you’ll have more options than ever before. There are models that run on wood-chips, pellets, and natural gas. Some use a patented technology that generates, retains and radiates significantly more heat into the room than standard direct vent gas fireplaces do. For example, the Quadra-Fire Excursion series of metal inserts use a steel heat exchange system that enables them to achieve the same radiant heat as a wood-burning fireplace without wasting any of your precious fuel dollars.
The EPA certifies many fireplace inserts that are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than a traditional wood burning fire. This type of fireplace insert is a good choice for your old masonry fireplace if you want to upgrade to an ambiance-boosting, heat-producing dynamo that will save money on your utility bills.
Modern propane and natural gas fireplace inserts are designed to fit in your existing masonry fireplace and can be vented directly into your existing chimney or through a wall (for freestanding units). They are simple to use and require very little maintenance beyond an annual inspection. They also work great for zone heating, allowing you to turn up the flames in the room you’re in and lower your furnace thermostat.
Some models, like the illuminating MagikFlame gas log insert, have special features that make them even more convenient to use. The MagikFlame insert has a blower that moves warm air around your living space and a pine scent module that wafts the unmistakable aroma of real wood fire into the air. It also comes with a remote control and sleep timer.
Clean Burning
Fireplace inserts are designed to fit into your existing fireplace opening and come in different shapes and sizes. They also have different features depending on the type of fuel used. For example, an electric fireplace insert doesn’t burn any wood but provides the same warmth as a traditional masonry fireplace. Its glass doors won’t get dirty with creosote, and it can be installed in a pre-existing firebox. In addition, an ethanol fireplace insert is easy to use and requires no chimney system. The only maintenance it requires is a carbon monoxide detector, which can be purchased for about $20 at a hardware store.
Many modern wood burning fireplace inserts have advanced air control systems that help maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. They are EPA certified and can help you qualify for tax credits. They can heat your home more efficiently than a conventional masonry fireplace, and they are also safer, as you don’t have to worry about smoke inhalation or chimney problems.
Some of the best wood fireplace inserts have a large window for viewing the flames and have an air wash system to keep the glass clean. Other options include a variable-rate control to regulate how much wood you use, and a blower kit for distributing the heat in your room.
A few of the most innovative wood burning fireplace inserts have catalytic combustor technology that combusts part of the gases produced by the fire to produce more heat and reduce the amount of smoke. These are more expensive but they are a great way to make your fireplace more efficient.
Lastly, there are some wood burning fireplace inserts that can burn for longer periods of time than regular masonry fireplaces. For instance, Majestic’s WarmMagic II can burn for up to eight hours. It uses less firewood than other types of wood burning fireplaces, and it has a four-stage combustion process that eliminates most pollutants.
A wood stove fireplace insert can be made from a variety of materials, including steel or ceramic. Some are vented through the chimney, while others are vent-free. Those that are vented through the chimney require an electrical power source and professional installation, including an electrician to run a line to your house and a plumber to install a gas connection. The type of gas you use will affect the price of the insert, as well as the installation cost and your heating costs.
Convenience
There are many types of fireplace inserts that are available and the choice will depend on how you wish to use your fireplace. These heating appliances are designed to fit into your existing fireplace and can run on natural gas, propane, wood or pellets. The fuel type will determine the installation, venting and other requirements. You will also want to ensure that the unit you choose is EPA certified; this will assure your safety and satisfy your insurance company.
If you are looking for a simple solution to your fireplace that requires no chimney connection, consider a gas log set that is easy to install and provides the warmth and glow of real fire. These units are safe and do not produce any smoke or particulates into the air. They will heat an area of 400 square feet or more using fan-forced air and the beauty of real logs. They do not require stacking wood, chopping or hauling logs and are the ideal solution for renters and apartment-dwellers.
A wood burning fireplace insert will need a connection to the existing chimney but may offer more convenience in terms of starting a fire and keeping your home clean. These models can be installed in a masonry fireplace that is open or closed, and are able to reduce outdoor air infiltration and drafts. They can be fueled with either wood or pellets, and are equipped with blowers to distribute the heat.
The latest wood inserts are designed to burn efficiently and reduce environmental impact. They are equipped with second stage and, in some cases, third stage burn technology that recycles the by-products of the primary combustion, resulting in greater efficiency and lower emissions. They also have large windows for viewing the flames and air washed glass for easier maintenance.
Some wood inserts are also EPA certified. The Regency NexGen wood insert for example, features a patented two-stage burn system with an Eco-Boost that uses air tubes to inject secondary air into the firebox during the combustion process, creating a re-burn and increasing efficiency. This re-burn also results in a more spectacular fire and reduces particulate emissions. These advanced units are more environmentally friendly, easier to maintain and offer a better overall value than traditional wood burning stoves.
Aesthetics
If you’re considering a fireplace insert upgrade, one of the most important considerations is how it will look with your home decor. The good news is that many models come with surrounds and mantels that will complement a wide range of interior design schemes. You can also add visual interest with decorative elements like corbels and fluted side columns. If you choose an electric model, you won’t need to worry about venting or gas lines and can install it anywhere. Electric fireplace inserts are also safer than their wood-burning counterparts and are not hot to the touch.
If your goal is to update your fireplace with a more modern and convenient alternative that’s less expensive than a full fireplace replacement, consider an EZ-Flame natural gas fire place insert. These are installed in a day and offer the convenience of warm, beautiful flames with just the click of a button. They also help reduce outdoor air invasion, improve your energy efficiency, and decrease your carbon footprint.
Another option is to replace your existing fireplace with a vented or vent-free gas insert. These are compatible with both natural gas and propane and can be controlled via remote control or wall switch. They can also be operated with a built-in thermostat or timer for ultimate convenience.
Gas fireplace inserts are available in a variety of styles including log, birch, and embers, so you can choose the aesthetic that best fits your space. You can also choose from different sizes to fit your existing firebox and decide if you want a decorative overlay, surround or media.
Another great option is a multi-sided electric fireplace insert. This type of insert can be viewed from all directions and provides an inviting focal point for any room in your home. They are also ideal for open concept spaces and can be used with a bioethanol burner in lieu of a traditional wood-burning insert. With its patented sizing technology, the Montigo ILLUME gas fireplace is designed to fit most existing fireplaces. It is compatible with both natural gas and propane and offers an efficient heat output with a clean, consistent burn. It is also available in a vent-free and direct vent configuration and features state-of-the-art comfort controls.