Alt Title:
There’s something alluring about a roaring, crackling fire that heats the inside of your home. That’s one reason why fireplaces have been popular for hundreds of years, and they continue to be centerpieces in comfortable living rooms all over the United States.
The dynamics of modern fireplaces have changed quite a bit from the fireplaces of yesteryear, however. Many homeowners are now pursuing fireplace inserts rather than installing new fireplaces or upgrading existing ones as they are.
What exactly are fireplace inserts and why are they so beloved?
What Is a Fireplace Insert?
A fireplace insert is considered to be a “closed-combustion firebox that is installed into an existing fireplace to increase efficiency. Inserts are usually designed for existing masonry fireplaces, although some manufactured fireplaces accept inserts.”
There are many different types of fireplace inserts available, with different options for fuels, ventilation, materials, and aesthetic styles. For example, one of the most popular types of fireplace insert uses wood or wood pellets, but you can also get a fireplace insert that uses electricity, natural gas, or propane. Gas inserts can be direct vent, natural vent, or completely vent-free, though most types of fireplace inserts come with a blower by default.
Do note that zero clearance fireplaces aren’t the same thing as fireplace inserts. Zero clearance fireplaces don’t require an existing fireplace, while fireplace inserts do.
The Benefits of a Fireplace Insert
Why are so many people obsessed with fireplace inserts?
It’s because of their many benefits:
- Repurposing an old or inactive fireplace. Millions of homes across the country are saddled with old fireplaces that either no longer work or are no longer in good condition. In some cases, these traditional fireplaces even break fire codes, rendering them legally inoperable. But with the help of fireplace inserts, you can breathe new life into an existing fireplace, giving it its traditional functionality with a much more polished frame.
- Improving efficiency. Traditional, open-faced fireplaces aren’t efficient at heating a room – at least, not by modern standards. The fireplace inserts are designed to be much more efficient, using less fuel, producing less pollution, and generating more valuable heat. No matter how you look at it, a modern fireplace insert is superior to an older fireplace in terms of efficiency.
- Lowering utility costs. Some people are interested in fireplace inserts so they can lower utility costs and energy costs. You’ll go through less wood, less electricity, or less gas than you would otherwise – and because you’ll have direct heat from the flames, you won’t need to heat your home nearly as much in winter.
- Improving air quality. Running an old fireplace, especially one that hasn’t been properly maintained, can lower the air quality of your home. But if you’re open to using a fireplace insert, you can have all the benefits of a fire with much better air quality.
- Reducing the floor footprint. Certain standalone fireplaces require significant space, which not all living rooms or houses can afford to spare. A fireplace insert is a novel way to reduce the floor footprint required by your fire generation space.
- Minimizing costs. Fireplace inserts are relatively affordable, especially when compared to total tear downs or new installations. Compared to the value you get, they’re practically cheap.
Are There Any Downsides?
So are there any downsides associated with fireplace inserts?
The short answer is yes, but they’re easy to work around.
- Cost and installation issues. Fireplace inserts are comparatively cheap, but they do cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the options you choose. You may also run into some installation issues, especially if you don’t measure your existing fireplace properly.
- Flame visibility limits. The nature of a fireplace insert reduces the visibility of the flames in your fireplace. If you’re partially motivated to get a fireplace insert because you want to watch the flames dance, this is important to keep in mind.
- Ambiance considerations. Similarly, a fireplace insert won’t allow you to hear the characteristic crackle of a traditional wood fire, especially if it runs on gas or electricity. If you’re excited about the possibility of a totally immersive fireplace ambiance, a fireplace insert may not be sufficient to address your needs.
Despite a handful of easily mitigated downsides, fireplace inserts offer tons of advantages to homeowners interested in installing them. If you’ve always loved the idea of having a warm, cozy fire in your living room, and you have an existing fireplace that either doesn’t work or isn’t meeting your expectations, a fireplace insert is one of your best upgrade options.
Shop around to find the perfect fireplace insert for your space, your fireplace, and your family’s preferences; there are plenty of excellent models to choose from.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Home, Reviews
