Know More About Fireplace Inserts

An overview of fireplAce inserts: types, Benefits And instAllAtion

introduction: A perfectly designed fireplace is a boon to your home adding value to the property. Giving warmth, fireplaces create a comfortable ambience in the long winter seasons. No matter if you are reading a book, hanging around with family and your pets, or having fun with friends, the perfect warmth of a fireplace makes your time more precious and enjoyable. Fireplace inserts are the modern day forms of fireplaces aiming to achieve the most efficient heating.

Considering the types of fireplace inserts is a prerequisite to knowing how to heat your home efficiently.

whAt is A fireplAce insert?

Fireplaces inserts are designed in order to enhance the efficiency of fireplaces. An insert refers to a fireproof box, which has steel or cast iron in the surroundings and insulated glass in the front. The entire design creates a closed combustion system. The steel or cast iron in the surroundings helps trap the heat within. Designs of a few inserts include a blower that pushes back the hot air into the room through vents. If properly installed, a fireplace insert can be an efficient zone heater.

Inserts can be operated by different types of fuel like gas, electricity, propane, wood, pellets or coal.

In the case of the wood inserts, you need to buy wood and store it too. You also require preparation for having seasoned wood and need to clean ash after using it. From this aspect, the inserts using gas, electric and propane offer a big advantage of timesaving to the users.

which type of fireplAce insert is right for you?

While serving as a piece of heating equipment, a fireplace insert offers a number of benefits too. The benefits make installation of insert greatly rewarding, depending on the variant of the equipment you choose. As a homeowner, you can choose from several types of fireplace inserts that are distinguished by fuel. You have the option to pick from the natural gas insert, wood insert, propane, electric insert or pellet in order to give warmth to every corner of your home. All these options are configured with self-cleaning glass doors for both increased safety and aesthetic appeal.

Wood-burning Fireplaces Insert Wood-burning fireplace inserts are the most complex of all units available. They are fueled by wood or wood byproducts like logs made of sawdust. In terms of efficiency, you can get this type of insert in the middle ground. It cannot provide the perfect warmth as it runs with potential heat loss during air circulation. These units are ventilated through the chimney at home and are connected by a connector with the chimney flue liner.

The primary advantage of this type of insert includes the rustic feel created by it and its workability in the absence of electrical power. In recent years, these units have improved performance with the decreased use of wood and lower level of smoke output.

Gas Fireplace Inserts A gas fireplace insert is a unique option for your home. It is run by gas fuel, like natural gas or propane. Usually, gas inserts are hooked up to the gas line at home or a propane tank outside. The design includes a direct venting system that takes in and releases air via the chimney. On the other hand, a few other models designed vent-less, which monitor the level of oxygen at home instead of using the chimney.

The key benefit of gas inserts includes their increased efficiency and heating power. Besides, these units provide good aesthetics at home with the decorative ceramic logs.

However, you should keep in mind that there is a risk involved in using the gas units. Although it is a safe unit, you always need to be aware of any leak in the gas line.

The zone heating facility is also offered by these inserts so that you can heat only the part of the home, which is in use. In addition, the installation of a gas insert can save a lot of your energy bills, since it is an energy-efficient unit.

Electric Fireplace Inserts Electric fireplace inserts are a smart option for the homeowners. All you need to do with the unit is to plug it in and switch it on. It is entirely run by electricity and eliminates the need for ventilation via the chimney. With it, you can use modern LED technology with such a fireplace, while enjoying the efficient heating at home. These units come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of various spaces.

The most important benefit offered by the electric inserts is that they produce the right amount of heat for a comfortable ambience. To run the unit during a power outage, you will find a battery or generator to be backed up. You can make an electric insert the focal point of your living room, which requires very low maintenance.

Pellet-burning Fireplace Insert Pellet system of a fireplace insert is the most suitable option for the users who want efficient heating at a very low cost. The pellet-burning unit offers heating at a fraction of the price of the gas insert. It also costs lower when compared to wood. The pellet is utilized as a fuel in such units and it requires electricity to be operated.

The most important fact is that it is considered as the most eco-friendly option. Pellets can be made from wood, sawdust, nutshells, fried cherry pits, sunflower, wheat and more. However, it requires a bit higher maintenance than the other units. For optimum performance, you need to give constant attention to the unit.

So, when it comes to choosing a fireplace insert for your home, you need to consider the advantages of the above-mentioned types of inserts and pick the most suitable one for your home. If you are looking for a compact model for a smaller space, a pellet stove is a great option. Besides, you may also do some experiments with fire bowls, fire pits and other fireplace inserts, which are available in a variety of designs and sizes.

whAt Are the top Benefits of switching to A fireplAce insert?

If your existing fireplace needs expensive repairs, switching to a fireplace insert is a great option. A fireplace insert installation may become beneficial to your home in several ways.

Here are the compelling benefits of an insert installed at home.

Saving in the Cost of Masonry The renovation of the fireplace and chimney may take a lot from your bank account. Besides, you need to go through the hassles of re-structuring the masonry. Instead, if you buy and install a fireplace insert, it will be proved as quite more cost-effective. Besides, the installation procedure is faster, easier and hassle-free. It is a much more affordable option while compared to the fireplace renovation.

Eco-friendly Approach With certified wood-burning fireplace inserts, it is possible to reduce the emission of carbon to a great extent. It is now known as a carbon-neutral factor, which means burning wood releases the same amount of carbon, as it releases naturally. Besides, other heating sources like gas inserts or

Electric, do not release smoke. Gas inserts are fueled by natural gas, which is environment-friendly in every way.

Enhanced Efficiency When compared to the old-fashioned fireplaces, modern fireplace inserts are much more efficient.

There is a remarkable difference that has given the vast improvement to the inserts. The open combustion design of traditional fireplaces allows the insert to heat the air from the room by pulling into the fireplace. This results in a rapid burning fire that wastes a lot of energy. On the other hand, the fireplace inserts have a closed-door insulated system that creates a fire burning slowly and producing more heat.

Flexibility in Design When you choose to install a fireplace insert, you can expect a better aesthetic to your home. You can pick from varied styles and designs. You can get suggestions from the fireplace professionals to choose an insert that is the right fit for your existing space of fireplace. Besides, inserts offer a wide variety of features. For instance, you can choose a unit that includes a fan to distribute the heat properly. You can also go for a thermostatic insert that will allow you to regulate the heat using a remote control.

Various Options Fireplace insert will offer you five different choices of heat sources. As you already know, inserts come with different fuel options like wood, natural gas, electric, pellet and coal. Which one is the right choice for you can be determined by your space and your personal preferences.

Whatever be your choice or preference, it should be installed by the professional installers to meet the code requirements and to make it safe to operate.

whAt Are the steps for instAlling A fireplAce? The fireplace installation is a laborious task that may entail some risks. So, it should always be done by licensed professionals. Besides calling professionals, you need to get informed about the process of installation. Here are the steps to be followed for the installation procedure of the fireplace.

Think of the Layout No matter what type of fireplace insert you choose to buy, you need to consider a few aspects like payout or design. As a homeowner, if you prefer a factory-built model for your modern home, you need a lot of planning for designing. The planning includes considerations about the air spaces and

the fireplace jacket. For instance, the standard size of a 36-inch fireplace demands a minimum of the 40-inch frame for the safe installation and use.

Go for Perfect Framing Once the layout decision is made, framing is the next big step that you need to consider. The framing process can begin long before the heating appliance arrives at your place. However, it is safer to have the appliance on-site to eliminate the risk of glitches. For best results, you need to stick to the framing instructions provided with the instruction manual. Apart from this, a combustible platform can be made.

Set Up the Vent Once the frame is built, the next essential step is to assemble the venting components. The pre fabricated units are configured with twist lock mechanisms and the venting collar needs to be rotated for its integration into the system. When you start setting up the exhaust pipe, you need to figure out the place where you puncture a hole in the wall. After determining the position, you can draw a circle using a pencil around the pipe on the wall and drill the hole for the vent. While puncturing a hole in the wall, make sure the size of the hole should match the opening of the venting collar.

Make Electrical and Plumbing Lines Another important step that needs to be followed for the installation process is to make the electrical connections and plumbing lines. Needless to say, these connections are required to be made prior to the installation taking place so that you can get into setting up the system immediately.

If you have chosen an electric unit, a junction box is pre-installed inside the unit.

Consider the Final Works To finish the installation procedure, you need to set up the drywall, tile and veneer project. When all the components are consolidated, the fireplace gets ready to use. If you wish, you can design around the fireplace. Many people do not prefer to create a frame while installing a gas fireplace. However, ornamental lumber or any other piece of the decorative element can significantly enhance the aesthetic of your room where the equipment is installed.

conclusion: A fireplace insert is efficient heating equipment that gives you the utmost comfort and warmth. To ensure the optimum result, you need to take care of the right choice and installation procedure.

Proper installation is also a prerequisite for safety reasons. You can look for a reliable company for fireplaces in Peterborough offering quality products and professional installation, to get the most out of your fireplace.