5 Money-Saving Benefits of Fireplace Inserts
Whether you want to update the look of your tired, old fireplace or just want a more efficient heating solution, a fireplace insert is the perfect solution. Think of it as a fireplace within a fireplace. Plus, it’s an easy and affordable way to upgrade any old, cold and drafty fireplace into a stunning energy-efficient heating solution.
Cheaper than remodeling a fireplace
Renovating an older masonry fireplace can easily cost $10,000 or more depending on the design and extent of the work involved. Plus it can take days or weeks to complete. On the other hand, fireplace inserts cost around $3,500 and they fit snugly right inside an existing fireplace making installation both quick and easy when done by a certified chimney sweep.
Enjoy more radiant heat with less fuel
A fireplace insert offers more efficient heating than a traditional wood-burning fireplace with less smoke and pollution going out the chimney, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Studies have shown that as much as 95 percent of the residual heat in a traditional wood fireplace is expelled outside.
A wood-burning fireplace insert offers a slower, more efficient burn rate providing up to five hours of uninterrupted heat. It consumes less fuel and has heating efficiencies of 80+ percent! A fireplace insert is an enclosed combustion system which means you won’t feel drafts from the chimney when the fireplace is not in use and you won’t lose heated or cool air from your home out of the chimney.
Easy to maintain
Because fireplace inserts are like self-contained stoves, they are much easier to clean and maintain. Simply take a wire brush to remove any residual creosote, dirt and debris from the inside walls and glass doors. Then empty the ash from the firebox and you’re fireplace is ready to use. Gas and electric fireplace inserts are even easier to clean and maintain.
More energy efficient
Your cold and drafty fireplace is increasing the cost to heat your home by making other heating sources work harder, longer to keep your home warm in the winter. Also, an EPA-certified fireplace insert is up to 50 percent more energy efficient than a traditional wood-burning fireplace. With a nice reduction on heating and energy costs, installing an energy efficient fireplace insert will pay for itself in a very short period of time. The same insulation that keeps cold air out in the winter, keeps cooler air in during the summer. So you will enjoy year-round energy savings.
Choice of convenient fuel source options
Since fireplace inserts are available in EPA-certified wood, gas and electric models, you have a choice of fuel for your fireplace. You can easily convert your traditional fireplace into a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly wood-burning fireplace or choose the convenience of gas, pellet or electric fireplace inserts that are as easy to use as flipping a switch. A thermostat allows you to control the heat and maintain a comfortable room temperature.
When it comes to installing fireplace inserts size matters. To determine which insert is best for your fireplace, contact us to consult with a certified chimney sweep today.
