Fireplace Inserts
Whether you are looking for a Bargain Fireplace Insert, a top-of-the-line insert or something in between, A Fire’s Place can help. You’ll find a great selection of Wood Burning, Gas, Pellet and Electric Fireplace Inserts that offer great value and huge benefits.
Nothing compares to the soothing crackle of a fire burning on a cold day. But when that crackle comes with a major safety hazard or expense, it’s easy to give up on the winter wonderland fantasy. Many fireplaces lose a significant amount of heat up the chimney while the fire is burning. In fact, when temperatures are cold, many fireplaces actually exhaust more heat from the house, than what they contribute to it!
But don’t worry! There is a simple solution. A fireplace insert can slide right into the firebox of an existing fireplace. An insert will create a highly efficient and cost effective solution to burning wood in a traditional masonry or zero clearance fireplace. A fireplace insert is an engineered firebox surrounded by steel or cast iron panels and a gasketed piece of ceramic glass on the door. A blower fan moves air through a convective air chamber designed into the insert and then pushes this hot air back into the room through vents on the front. A properly installed discount fireplace insert will be a much more efficient zone heater than any open wood burning fireplace.
What type of insert should I get?
There are as many different types of fireplaces inserts as there are sources of fuel. The most common fireplace inserts are fueled by wood, gas, or electricity.
Convienience is the name of the game with electric and gas fireplace inserts. With wood, the fuel must be collected, split, stacked and stored to dry for several months. A fire must be built and maintained. Routine maintenance is required for burning wood. This can be a lot of work, especially if you rely on your insert as a heat source. In comparison, with a gas or electric insert, all you have to do is press a button or adjust a remote remote control to start the fire and begin heating your room. When considering the “convenience factor”, gas and electric are the clear winners. There are lots of other considerations to keep in mind with each different type of fireplace insert.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
A gas insert is available for anyone with access to a natural gas line or with a liquid propane tank installed outside the home. Gas fireplace inserts are known for their efficiency and heating capabilities. Installation of a gas fireplace insert is usually best left to a professional.
A gas fireplace insert can be used for zone heating and depending on the size of the house, will be able to heat a couple of rooms or perhaps most of the house! Gas units are easy to take care of and provide realistic flames when a quality gas log set is chosen to complete the look. Most gas units will also use a fan or blower that will help circulate the warm air into the room. These fireplace units also often come with a remote control or wall thermostat for easy operation.
Wood Fireplace Inserts
A wood burning fireplace insert is a popular choice that combines the feel of a wood-burning fireplace, along with the increased efficiencies of a wood-burning stove. This combination allows for wood burning fireplace inserts to burn at a higher efficiency than a traditional fireplace while still burning natural wood.
Wood burning appliances require the most maintenance and supervision. Without proper seasoning of the wood, a sticky and flammable buildup called creosote can coat the interior of the chimney walls. This will require your chimney to be regularly cleaned and monitored to prevent chimney fires. For this reason, it is important to schedule regular chimney cleanings nd inspections for your wood fireplace insert. Burning dry and seasoned wood will greatly reduce the amount of creosote in your chimney and will always provide the best performance for your insert.
Electric Fireplace Inserts
An electric fireplace insert is probably the simplest type of insert. Because there is no combustion process involved, the installation and set up is usually easier and quicker. Electric units work best for those living in an area where another fuel type is not possible. For example, if you live in an apartment or home where the installation of a gas supply line is difficult, you might want to consider an electric option.
Electric inserts are also ideal for when the fireplace is meant to be purely aesthetic. For instance, when the user lives in a area of the country that doesn’t require much significant heat. The simulated flames often give the appearance of a real fire, without work of maintenance a real fire. The flames can also often be adjusted to give the user complete control over the appearance of the flames.
Many electric units have limited heating capabilities. Normally, there are not restrictive clearance considerations. Most can be placed into an existing fireplace, trimmed out and plugged in!
There is a fireplace insert option for any building restriction, budget and personal preference. When looking for a low cost fireplace insert, remember that a good value requires a Fair Price, Good Performance, Longevity and Great Service. Each unit will need to be properly installed by a trained professional and carefully maintained to ensure the safety and longevity of the appliance.