Your fireplace is one area in your home where you can enjoy a warm fire while spending time with your loved ones. The glow of a crackling fire adds an ambiance to your home that is hard to beat. Unfortunately, the maintenance of a fireplace, especially an older fireplace, can be costly. Furthermore, your open-hearth fireplace may not be very efficient. If you have an older fireplace that is hard to maintain, or even non-functional, we here at Northeastern Fireplace & Design may have another option for you. Have you ever considered installing a fireplace insert?
What is an insert?
A fireplace insert is a heating appliance that is inserted into your current fireplace firebox to replace you open-hearth fireplace. However, an insert has a few benefits that an open hearth system does not. The insert consists of a steel shell that helps to direct heat into the living areas, instead of into the masonry like an open hearth system would do. An insert also allows you to choose which type of fuel you would like to burn. Wood, gas and compressed wood pellets are popular choices. Most inserts still contain an open front, so you can still see the fire as it burns.
Efficiency
Most inserts on the market today, no matter what the fuel, are more efficient than an open-hearth fireplace. Inserts use an insulated firebox that is airtight. This makes them relatively more efficient than an open hearth system which draws air from your home, heating it up before sending it out the chimney. In fact, most open hearth systems are only 5 to 10 percent efficient, much less than the 80 percent that some inserts can achieve. If efficiency is important to you, an insert is probably the best choice for you.
Fuel
Another nice thing about installing an insert is the ability to choose your fuel source. At Northeastern Fireplace & Design, we have a variety of fuels to choose from. Gas and propane are a popular choice because they burn cleaner and are easy to operate. Clean burning means less creosote than other options. Additionally, you can start a gas fireplace by simply flipping a switch. If you are looking for something more authentic, you may want a wood burning insert. Wood burning fireplaces act similar to an open-hearth fireplace, however, they burn wood hot and slow and are a lot more efficient. We also have wood pellet and corn burning options as well if you are looking for something a little more modern.
No matter what you’re looking for in a fireplace insert, we have it here for you at Northeastern Fireplace & Design. Remember, you should only have your insert installed by a CSIA-certified technician. If you are in the market for a fireplace insert, contact us today and schedule a meeting with one of our certified chimney technicians.