Fireplace inserts also create a lovely and relaxing environment in your home when it is in use. In that case, a fireplace insert or a wood stove are excellent options to choose from. The firebox is the main part of the fireplace where the fire is built. Of course, the biggest perceived downside or limitation to installing a fireplace insert is that it doesnt look quite the same as a traditional fireplace. When the stove is in use, smoke, gasses, and particles enter the honeycomb and burn up, thus increasing these stoves efficiency, and allowing them to maintain a more consistent level of heat output. A gas insert is perfect for this situation because of the existing hearth and flue. With proper cleaning, pellet stoves pose an extremely minimal fire hazard. They are available in gas-burning, wood-burning, or electric options. Gas Fireplace vs. Gas Insert: Whats the Difference? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Your fireplace will always be there to console you whenever you think distraught and whenever you are in pain. The benefits of a wood stove range from helping the homeowner reduce monthly household spending, especially in winter, to helping to make the home feel more welcoming and relaxing. This look may be appealing to some people, but it can also turn some people away if you wish to sell your home in the future. Since gas inserts produce radiant heat and a steady stream of warm air, they are a great option to heat the home. A gas insert is just that an insert into an existing open hearth. Cons: The biggest difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert is the overall look. Inserts are closed and insulated so your fire will burn slowly and generate far more heat than the alternative. Pellet-burning options include fireplace inserts and enclosed zero-clearance fireplaces, as well as pellet stoves. A wood burning fireplace insert converts a drafty wood burning fireplace into an efficient heating unit and also extends burn times. Overall, depending on your heating needs, a fireplace insert can effectively heat your home for a relatively low start up cost. New construction, hubby wants a wood burning fireplace. In deciding between a wood stove and a fireplace insert, there are a number of considerations that must be made. Check out the valor ventana as well. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 2. However, with so many options to choose from, you are sure to find a fireplace option that is perfect for your home. Wood stoves are stand-alone units that are installed slightly away from the wall. When we mean one-stop, we mean everything. Ethanol-burning fireplaces are all ventless, so they are convenient and easy to install. Gas-burning inserts are the most popular type of fireplace insert as they are the most efficient, they eliminate the need for wood, and their heat-generation level can be adjusted easily using a remote control. Some are meant to be mounted on a wall. Other electric fireplaces are freestanding, Electric inserts for open-hearth fireplaces, fireplaces are particularly efficient compared to other electric, Why Your Pilot Light Wont Stay Lit and How To Fix The Problem. Wood burning stoves are safer than open fireplaces. We would love to have a real wood burning f/p. For more info see ourdisclosure statement. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Inspect the edges of the fireplace - if the fireplace has a surround or backing plate covering the edges, try and remove it (if you can) or look behind it. Wood stoves are more effective at this than traditional fireplaces are. The new, more modern inserts are clean burning and produce less emissions than a standard fireplace. Fireplaces, whether wood burning or gas, produce a lot of heat and fumes that need to be accounted for. Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts Fireplace Accessories. Taking into consideration the need to install proper venting, typically a pellet stove can be purchased and installed for $3,000-$5,000. Open (no glass doors), like Isokern or FireRock, with add on gas burning unit, fake ceramic logs. Although indoor fireplaces are most common, there is no reason to restrict your wood-burning activity inside your house. Wood stoves are a lot easier to maintain than fireplace inserts. If an existing fireplace or masonry chimney is available, oftentimes going with a fireplace insert is the most logical option. Hybrid types are also available, creating a wide range of aesthetic options for your home. Fireplace inserts heat from 800 to 3,000 sq. The greatest advantage to these free-standing stoves is that it can be placed pretty much anywhere in your home. Infrared fireplaces are particularly efficient compared to other electric heating sources. However, with access to an inexpensive source of firewood, wood stoves can be a cost-effective way to heat your home all winter. Gas fireplaces do not produce ash and soot, and release less creosote than wood-burning fires, making their maintenance easier than their wood-fired counterparts. The cost of installing an outdoor system may range from thousands of dollars for a masonry fireplace to less than a hundred dollars for a simple fire-pit, or free if you build one yourself. However, they should be carefully supervised. CLICK HERE to See How Easy it is! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In a word, it's a stove. They can be constructed from scratch or using a kit. Vent-free gas inserts have several major downsides compared to direct vent inserts. If there are gaps and the existence of a stone/masonry encasing it is an insert. A fireplace blower is a fan mounted on the exterior of the fireplace or inside the unit but outside the firebox itself. Wood stoves are centuries old; they were used two centuries before the industrial revolution, so you know they are good at their job as they are still used today. Most jurisdictions require a permit and a special license, while some cities dont even allow homeowners to handle the installation themselves. Also, the fireplace needs a constant supply of fresh air to fuel the fire. Fireplaces may be built into a large stone mantle or may be small enough to display on a coffee table. Inserts have different sized fire boxes that will slide into your existing fireplace and they have a front piece that will cover any gaps in your fireplace. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Others genuinely enjoy splitting wood or have an abundance of free firewood at their disposal. 1300 219 875 If you need sales, service or support information, it can be provided to you by an authorised Quadra-Fire . So, if your house was never designed with a fireplace in mind, this is really your only option, short of installing an electric fireplace. In fact, most people who get a gas fireplace for the first time are pleasantly surprised they can save an average of 20% on their heating bills. A fireplace insert is a self-contained unit that is inserted into an existing fireplace that has exterior venting. This device, sometimes referred to as a safety pilot, automatically shuts off the gas if the fireplace gets too cold or too much carbon monoxide builds up. Many can run constantly if loaded once or twice a day. It uses an electric blower to improve efficiency and heat distribution. Outdoor fireplaces have a variety of uses beyond simply providing warmth, ambiance, and the opportunity to roast marshmallows. Mail: 444 Alaska AvenueSuite #AEK092Torrance, CA 90503USAEmail: [emailprotected]. Many people who have had a wood-burning fireplace for years come to Miller Brick because they seek a gas option with less mess and higher heating efficiency. It does not store any personal data. The position and look of the logs in the fireplace cannot be altered or incomplete combustion will occur. We installed the insert as part of the repairs so I've never lived in a place with an open fire. You'll want to size your insert to the square footage you need to heat. Aaron is the founder of and Essential Home and Garden. Vent-free fireplaces are best suited to large, high-ceilinged rooms with plenty of space for the carbon dioxide and humidity they emit to dissipate. The ignition chamber should be vacuumed weekly, and it should be professionally cleaned and inspected annually. Using an insert substantially improves the safety of a wood-burning fireplace, both in terms of embers and air pollution. So what can be done to an existing fireplace to make it more efficient and possibly use it to heat your home? The name of this type of fireplace is derived from its almost zero clearance to the combustible surface. An open-hearth fireplace typically has a decorative exterior facade, called a mantle, which often includes a decorative shelf at the top. Powered By, Burn Your Fire Cleaner & More Economically, NEHPBA Urges Gov. There is some controversy over the safety of the emissions from vent-free gas inserts. For assistance selecting a particular model of electric fireplace, consultour buying guidewhich compares and contrasts many popular models. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The exhaust from the gas fireplace will exit through an opening in your wall to the outside, which is all a part of the installation process, and why you should always trust an expert to handle it! Everyone loves having a fire going when its cold outside, as it just makes your home feel even more cozy and welcoming. Wood stoves offer a lovely relaxing atmosphere in their room; they can sometimes even be included in a romantic evening. link to What is The Correct Way To Handle Dirty Mop Water? Like ethanol-burning fireplaces, Alcohol gel fireplaces are very easy and inexpensive to install as they do not require venting, an electrical line, or any other hook-up. Keep this in mind when you are converting from a clay flue liner and installing a stainless steel chimney liner. For example, wood-burning stoves are much more efficient than open-hearth fireplaces, requiring less firewood to produce more usable heat. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. They are made of cast-iron or steel, but typically have a glass door on the front so the fire inside is partially visible. Although both wood stoves and fireplace inserts will lower your heating costs, burn cleaner, are more environmentally friendly, and keep your home warm, each come with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. But choosing the right product is essential and it all depends on an individuals circumstances. Open Fireplace Vs Insert Update the fireplace of yours and put in fireplace inserts to optimize the heat as well as comfort you are able to buy as well as make it the ideal spot in your living room. Electric fireplaces have a variety of mounting/display options. Fireplace inserts create ash as they still burn wood, but they are more difficult to clean than a wood stove. A fireplace insert is a self-contained unit that is inserted into an existing fireplace that has exterior venting. The operating costs, too, are typically low, depending on your local electricity rates. There are several primary reasons to consider installing a fireplace insert in your home. Use these easy to follow firewood rack assembly instructions to build your own rugged and durable outdoor firewood rack. This means you can just sit and relax next to your wood stove fire and sip on a glass of wine in peace, without needing to check on the fire and add more wood, or worse yet, have to go and chop more wood for the fire. They are made from a solid metal closed firebox. Fireplace fans help to circulate warm air and increase heat penetration into the room. This is done by venting. You can build a roaring fire that twinkles orange light throughout the room, with crackles coming from the wood occasionally. For instance, although an insert can be the more reliable option for heating a room, both can be equally beautiful amenities and impact your interior design aesthetic. Let us find out! Even after choosing a fuel type, you will still have an abundance of factors to consider, such as the vent system you have in place (or plan to install), mounting and display options, and other factors. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design. Additionally, burning wood releases creosote, which builds upon the inside of the chimney. Whether you desire an open wood or an open gas fire, Jetmaster fireplaces are built to provide beautifully efficient warmth and stunning visual appeal. The mantle may be made of brick, stone, adobe, concrete, wood, or other materials. Well, actually a standard fireplace is not very efficient at all. Fireplace inserts are almost exclusively installed into masonry fireplaces, though there are a few very special models which are listed to be installed into prefabricated fireplaces, such as the Regency Alltera . Please consult a professional to ensure you get the right product for your home and lifestyle. By contrast, wood inserts burn between 60-80% efficiently. Even though these are not as effective as a wood stove, you will still definitely use your central heating less with a fireplace insert. An open burning fireplace (no insert or glass doors) actually removes heat from the home. Fireplace Xtrordinair offers two models of wood-burning fireplace inserts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Nothing is worse than spending money on a unit that you're not satisfied with. The deposits form from unburnt gasses that adhere to the chimney. I write and make videos about my favorite subjects; doing laundry, folding clothes, and organizing wardrobes.Learn more about me here. Oct 18, 2012 . Either gas or wood, it's a stove which is inserted into an open fireplace. BEST OVERALL: Napoleon Grandville VF36 Gas Fireplace Insert BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pleasant Hearth Zero-Clearance Gas Fireplace Insert BEST FLEXIBILITY: Empire DVL25 Loft 20,000 BTU Gas. When it comes to choosing a size, your best bet is to speak with a professional. Creosote is a deposit that forms on the inside of the chimney walls that can build up over time and create a chimney fire. Plus, both require a fireplace gas line installation if one doesn't already exist. Wood inserts use realwood logs and burn real fire they just do it more efficiently. Most of these are older, non-EPA approved dirty burning models that are not as efficient as the newer models. In fact, most homeowners seek out more efficient alternatives to conventional heating methods. Another safety precaution for gas fireplaces is to install an oxygen-depletion sensor. They create no mess or exhaust, so not only do they not require professional inspection and cleaning annually like other fireplaces, they have no maintenance requirements at all. restricted the building of new open-hearth fireplaces, labeled for efficiency by the Environmental Protection Agency, The Pros and cons of vent free fireplaces. Direct vent systems draw their air and release their exhaust directly to the outside using a stove pipe. There are high-end fireplaces and inserts that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or there are options to get you converted to a gas unit for as low as $1500. The main benefit of a wood fireplace insert is that it gives you the beauty of an open fireplace with the performance of a state-of-the-art wood stove. In case you needed another vote, I also strongly concur. It's important to choose a model that will fit the size of your existing fireplace opening, and choose one that will generate enough heat to meet your needs. Closed and sealed (glass) zero clearance gas fireplace (many Mfgs) I'm wanting to know how 1. and 2. above compare regarding actual heat output and cost given same BTU input. The upside to a fireplace is that you do not sacrifice viewing area and the styles are endless. Inserts also generate heat in one room..the room where they're located. Just give us a call, and our dedicated fireplace division will give you an accurate quote. These fireplaces are also quite safe, in that they do not emit pollutants into your home, do not produce fire-spreading embers, and are enclosed and cool to the touch, making them very safe to use around pets and small children. Fireplace Inserts vs. Image Source: US Environmental Protection Agency However, if nothing but wood-burning will do, there are several different options for wood-burning fireplaces. An insert with a blower will put out far more real heat and use at lest 75% less wood then an open fireplace. However, many direct vent and vent free gas stoves are available in a more linear model, with a low, wide opening and a wide but shallow burner that creates a ribbon of flame. To choose, you need to know the difference between a fireplace and an insert in the first place. Most B-vent fireplaces use a traditional style (a rectangular opening, a screen or glass doors, and a fake log set). Open fireplaces: During Stage One burn bans It is unlawful to operate open fireplaces. Many have glass fronts, like an insert, but because they are framed into the house directly they can be much larger than inserts, which have to fit inside an existing firebox. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Inserts are also safer than an open fireplace because they are sealed units, meaning the fire is sealed off from the rest of the home eliminating the threat of a rolling log or sparks from jumping out onto your living room floor. Like other electric fireplaces, many infrared models allow you to choose from a variety of visual effects, and a thermostat allows you to vary the heat or run it without emitting heat at all. Blowers help circulate the heat to nearby rooms, but ceiling height, floor plans and insulation will all be a factor in how much heat you feel in attached rooms. They can introduce odors of gasoline or soot into the house, which could bother people with respiratory illness. Inserts: Fireplace inserts may be used during Stage One burn bans; however, they cannot be used during Stage Two burn bans. Typical fireplaces arent nearly as efficient as inserts. 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