You'll want to size your insert to the square footage you need to heat. However, if nothing but wood-burning will do, there are several different options for wood-burning fireplaces. Your fireplace will always be there to console you whenever you think distraught and whenever you are in pain. One limitation to the unit is the need for an existing chimney. This is a great option if you are committed to using wood or wood products, but want to improve your fireplaces efficiency, especially if you want to use it for routine home-heating. For help with cleaning glass fireplace doors, consultour guide on the subject. But.just how efficient is that old fireplace? Although the fan will not work unless its hard-wired to a generator, the radiant heat is usually enough to get you through a power outage! Another huge benefit is the near-instant update to your dcor, providing a modern update and a cozy space at once. With wood stoves, no blower is required to move the heat around although some come with the option. Your fireplace will always be there to console you whenever you think distraught and whenever you are in pain. Some pellet stoves are manually loaded, like a woodstove, while others have automated loading systems. With that said, lets take a look at each of these heating appliances in further detail to understand what sets them apart. This is a form of radiant heating that uses infrared to heat the surface of objects, similar to an infrared sauna. Like many other fireplace options, fireplace inserts are available in different fuel options, including gas burning fireplace insert, wood-burning insert, and electric fireplace inserts. Because they are self-contained and lightweight, they can easily be moved from room to room or mounted on a wall. 11 Different Types of Fireplaces The Complete Guide, 20 Alternative Heat Sources for Power Outages, The 6 Cheapest Heating Options For Your Home - Save Money This Winter. Ethanol fuel canisters must be refilled with denatured ethanol relatively frequently (typically after no more than five hours of use), making them expensive to operate. So first, lets take a look at some features of each of these units. One of the main advantages of fireplace inserts is that they offer better heating efficiency. A fire pit is a simpler option. Open fireplaces and old masonry fireplaces usually produce very little heat while pulling up the warm room air up and out the chimney. Installation options depend on the fuel type, where wood-burning would require the most work, gas is a bit in-between, and electric being the easiest as there is no venting required. Fireplace Retrofits However, many homeowners choose to preserve the rustic appeal of their fireplace by burning wood or wood pellets. These are usually built with brick, stone, or tile and they connect seamlessly to the chimney and flue. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. Gas fireplaces, if not functioning correctly, could create an increased risk of excess carbon monoxide in your home, so you should install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home. Any fireplace chosen is framed into a wall and venting added as needed. Invented in 1896 by Joab R. Donaldson, it was a device similar to a stove that could be inserted into an existing fireplace. This is usually lined with fire brick and has one or more air controls generally manually operated. Wood is renewable and sustainable, with a carbon neutral profile. Cons: The biggest difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert is the overall look. All one has to do is actually put it right into a hearth or perhaps wood burning stove, as well as plug the product in. Direct vents can be made vertical, horizontal, or a combination of the two. Installation, accessories and additional parts will be an added expense. An indoor open wood-burning fireplace, or open hearth fireplace, is the classic image of a fireplace throughout history. They differ from traditional electric fireplaces in that they use quartz heating technology. Let us take a look at these benefits of having a wood stove in your home. Regardless, if you are a true wood-burning fireplace lover, no alternative will ever feel quite right. 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. Open hearth fireplaces are rarely practical to add to an existing, contemporary home without a hearth already in place, due to the extreme disruption and expense of constructing the hearth and chimney. But, how do you know which is the ideal choice? A wood burning insert can (depending on size) can typically burn for 5-10+ hours. Based on my firplace dimesions:front width = 31 1/2", rear width = 23.5" ht = 28.5", and depth = 17&1/4" and the clean contemporary look I want I've narrowed my choices to: Regency U32, Heat n Glo Cosmo I-30, or Napoleon IR3G (unit not on display). Theyll also make sure the unit is safe to operate and as airtight as possible. Electric inserts for open-hearth fireplaces are also available, although they are less common than wood-burning or gas inserts. Both fireplace inserts and wood stoves must be installed by a professional hearth installer or chimney sweep. Most agree that they're 80% efficient and come with both the ability to regulate the heat they provide and how fast they burn their fuel. With a variety of sizes and models available, there is a Heatilator fireplace that will fit your needs and give you the heating efficiency youre seeking. 1300 219 875 If you need sales, service or support information, it can be provided to you by an authorised Quadra-Fire . 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 insert is a simple, yet beautiful addition that can transform your open fireplace from a drafty, seldom-used feature to a magnificent appliance that you'll enjoy every day. Ethanol-burning fireplaces are all ventless, so they are convenient and easy to install. Once those are in, flicking the switch without power will prompt those batteries to power the starter, and your fireplace will still burn creating radiant heat that emits from the unit. Consider adding open floor vents if placing a stove on a lower level so heat will migrate to the upper floor. Although fireplace inserts warm the room nicely, they do not get hot or produce as much heat as other options. Please consult a professional to ensure you get the right product for your home and lifestyle. While they do display a real flame, which dances like a candle, they do not produce substantial heat. This fireplace insert measures 37 inches wide but only 16 inches deep, allowing it to fit into shallow fireplace openings. Suppose you are looking to install something to help keep your home warm during cold, rainy nights, and you want something to create a lovely relaxing, and sometimes romantic environment in your home. Building an outdoor fireplace is less expensive than building a new indoor fireplace. If HEAT is anywhere on your wish list, stick with a direct vent fireplace. 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. Yes, there is some sizable expense involved - but its a one-time expense and youll have the peace of mind knowing the problem is taken care of for good, too. Even though there are some excellent benefits to choosing a Fireplace Insert for your home, these products also have a few cons that you should be aware of before you decide to get one for your home. The upside to a fireplace is that you do not sacrifice viewing area and the styles are endless. Always have the appliance installed by a professional installer so you can make sure everything is up to code and safe. These are usually only available in wood-burning options. The vent pipe is a little more expensive. Never install a wood-burning insert into a manufactured fireplace. It uses an electric blower to improve efficiency and heat distribution. Open (no glass doors), like Isokern or FireRock, with add on gas burning unit, fake ceramic logs. Roydhouse suggests that if you're worried about pollution, there are better options than traditional open fireplaces like gas-fueled inserts or a EPA-certified wood burning stove. Related Post: Gas vs Electric Fireplace which is best? Super heater with a super clean front. An insert is a wood burning device that requires proper maintenance to protect both the device and your home. FyrePro of Fort Collins, Colo., can help youmake the very bestchoice when shopping for a fireplace insert. Not only that, but the amount of structural work involved in repairing a fireplace or the existing masonry can be very disruptive to your everyday life. They are much smaller than a fireplace, this includes their glass fronts and viewing ports, because they are designed to fit into an existing opening. Our Spa, Pool, & Fireplace Products in Washington. Appearance definitelyisntsacrificedwith designs that runfrom rustic to contemporary. Fireplace inserts are designed to burn fuel better and maximize the heat that radiates to the room. If you are interested in a pellet stove, you read ourguide to choosing the best pellet stovefor your needs. An insert with a blower will put out far more real heat and use at lest 75% less wood then an open fireplace. Although early models of electric fireplaces were less aesthetically pleasing, modern versions are much more attractive, and some are designed to realistically resemble a wood-burning fireplace. Electric fireplaces have additional advantages. Ethanol-burning fireplaces are available as fireplace inserts, wall-mounted units or tabletop units. Although wood-burning stoves are not technically fireplaces, they are an alternative that preserves much of the romance of burning wood while offering several advantages over open-hearth fireplaces. Unlike similar models, this fireplace insert does not feature a glass front and is fully open to the room. An outdoor wood burning heater can also be used to heat a sauna. 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. When it comes to choosing a size, your best bet is to speak with a professional. After all, gas fireplaces and inserts share distinct similarities despite their differences. Because of these safety concerns, some states regulate or restrict the use of ventless inserts. Also like inserts, gas fireplaces may use a direct vent or vent-free exhaust system, and a few use a third option called a B-vent. A gas insert is just that an insert into an existing open hearth. choose one that will generate enough heat to meet your needs. They are also extremely efficient, but because of their output limitations, they are not suitable for primary home heating needs. Some models are controlled by a thermostat for even more comfort. The two units do essentially the same thing house a firethats intended to generate some level of warmth into a room. LED lights consume little energy and therefore may last 50,000+ hours before they need to be replaced. All opinions are our own we pride ourselves on keeping our articles fair and balanced. As wood stoves are big and bulky, getting them to the room you want them installed in can be challenging. Most gas, wood and pellet fireplace inserts have starting prices at mid-$2,000 and go up from there. As part of the process when you begin thinking about getting a fireplace for your home is to decide what you need. Many offer the option of turning the heating element off but maintaining the visual fireplace-like ambiance, which may be appealing in warmer climates. 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. Embers can shoot out from a crackling log like a projectile and start fires if they land on a nearby carpet or wood floor. Installing a fireplace insert could also improve your overall energy efficiency. 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. 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. Although there are some excellent benefits to choosing a wood stove, they also have some cons that you should know before deciding. Youll have a living space thats going to be torn apart for quite a while, which is not only inconvenient, but is also downright annoying. They are attractive, contemporary, and burn a real flame that is somewhat denser and less flickering than the flame from an ethanol-burning fire. 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! For example, wood-burning stoves are much more efficient than open-hearth fireplaces, requiring less firewood to produce more usable heat. However, its important to note the size of a fireplace insert is limited by the size of the existing fireplace. Fireplace inserts are self-contained units that are installed into an existing fireplace. A fireplace is an open space with a flue to vent out the smoke of the fire. The process of choosing a fireplace will be easier if you narrow down your search to a preferred fuel type, and then consider factors such as whether its purpose will be primarily decorative or for home heating, whether it will be fixed in place (due to a vent or chimney) or portable, and how much you are willing to spend for installation, fuel, and servicing. However, wood stoves are only available in models that burn wood, with no other fuel alternatives. Shop Gas fireplaces here: https://blazingembers.comCAMERA USED IN THIS VIDEO: https://amzn.to/3e9tk2J (Paid Link)GIMBLE USED IN THIS VIDEO: https://amzn.to/3. Alternatively, you can get a ventless or vent-free gas insert. Open Fires, Stoves and Fire Logs: Everything You Need To Know - Fireplace Ideas 1 Le Creuset launches new soft pink colourway 2 How to grow tomatoes at home amid shortage 3 13 hall runner ideas. Even so, there are a variety of downsides to burning wood that you should consider, including safety, efficiency, government regulations, and installation costs. They are may be made out of plate steel or cast iron, and typically feature glass doors so you can visually see the flames. Both wood stoves and fireplace inserts offer unique benefits to your home; they both have some disadvantages as well. Wood burning fireplaces look and feel just like the traditional wood-burning options, however, weve updated them to be more energy efficient with better burning efficiencies. Rochester, New York 14615 The operating costs, too, are typically low, depending on your local electricity rates. Wood fireplace inserts are designed to be placed inside an existing wood fireplace allowing you to update your drafty, open wood fireplace, dramatically increase heating capacity and wood burning efficiency while still enjoying the unmatched warmth, ambience and nostalgia that only wood fireplaces can provide. Except for electric inserts, venting will be required. Depending on the option you choose to install in your home, they have some unique benefits, but they are always a welcomed treat. You can get a zero clearance fireplace that burns wood, wood pellets, or gas. This also makes for easy installation, and a much easier and cheaper option to update your fireplace instead of rebuilding the whole structure. Conventional wood stoves use a simple, metal firebox to burn wood and generate heat. During the evenings, you can light the wood stove and watch the bright orange flames dance inside it, with a crackle permeating the air every once in a while, while you sip your drink and read a book or chat with your loved ones. Why fireplace inserts work so well As the name implies, a fireplace insert is a self-contained unit placed into an existing firebox. Well, actually a standard fireplace is not very efficient at all. Generally speaking, an insert will cost between $1,200 - $2,500 depending on the model. Stoves are designed to reach their maximum output with the door closed. 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. Both options have benefits and disadvantages, making it important to consider your situation prior to deciding which is best for your home. These sawbuck assembly instructions create an easy way for anyone to build a strong and durable folding rack for cutting firewood. Charlie Baker to Fix Deeply Flawed Climate Change Legislation, Pumped Masonry Versus Stainless Steel Liners. What are my options when converting from a wood burning fireplace? restricted the building of new open-hearth fireplaces, labeled for efficiency by the Environmental Protection Agency, The Pros and cons of vent free fireplaces. While the gas fireplace is built similarly to the gas insert (both possess the dual box technology), the gas fireplace does not require an existing fireplace or chimney. The installation costs may range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size and type you choose, and whether you need to remodel to accommodate the stovepipe flue. A fireplace can be an existing masonry space where wood is burnt and vented outside via a chimney. We create custom and unique fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and more. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Infrared fireplaces are particularly efficient compared to other electric heating sources. A wood burning fireplace insert converts a drafty wood burning fireplace into an efficient heating unit and also extends burn times. A fireplace blower is a fan mounted on the exterior of the fireplace or inside the unit but outside the firebox itself. Also, the fireplace needs a constant supply of fresh air to fuel the fire. stone vs. brick). Moreover, because they release substantially less smoke, due to their efficiency, and because they are fully enclosed, they emit substantially less air pollution into your home. An open-hearth fireplace typically has a decorative exterior facade, called a mantle, which often includes a decorative shelf at the top. It is common to have to add more logs after only 1-2 hours of burning. PRODUCT ENQUIRIES. This is a great room environment for a romantic evening for you and your partner, or it can be a lovely relaxing evening in, with just you, a cup of tea, and a good book, and the dancing flames to keep you company. Many can run constantly if loaded once or twice a day. It may not display this or other websites correctly. While there is confusion between the two units, this article should help to clear things up and better prepare you for purchasing a fireplace unit that meets your needs. Wood stoves also have a ventilation pipe rather than a flue, which is easier to clean and maintain. A fireplace insert can turn your old, inefficient fireplace into a clean burning, heat generating machine. The whole idea is topreserve as much heat aspossible from the fire and deliver itto a room rather than up the chimney,which is where themajority of the heat created in standard fireplaces goes. Built-in outdoor fireplaces are substantial construction, much like an indoor open hearth, and are meant to stay in one place permanently. Its wise to have your fireplace and flue checked every few years to ensure there are no cracks or damage that can cause a fire, while regular maintenance is required every time you burn wood, including removing ashes and other debris from the space. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Although the installation of a new fireplace is very expensive, the cost of operating one is low, particularly if you have a free or inexpensive source of firewood. You can build a roaring fire that twinkles orange light throughout the room, with crackles coming from the wood occasionally. When shopping for your new fireplace, be as open and upfront with the fireplace specialist as you can. They should be serviced yearly. 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With that said, lets take a look at know before deciding nearby... Heat that radiates to the room, with crackles coming from the occasionally. Are convenient and easy to install inserts are self-contained and lightweight, do. Fireplace inserts are designed to burn fuel better and maximize the heat that radiates to the you! You read ourguide to choosing a wood stove in your browser before proceeding while pulling up warm! Or tile and they connect seamlessly to the unit but outside the firebox itself and. Fireplace which is the ideal choice for open-hearth fireplaces are substantial construction, much an! With no other fuel alternatives easy way for anyone to build a roaring fire that twinkles light! To a stove on a nearby carpet or wood pellets the fire, metal firebox open fireplace vs insert burn wood and fireplace. Have a ventilation pipe rather than a flue, which dances like a projectile and start fires they! 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Loading systems far more real heat and use at lest 75 % less wood then an space! Fireplace Products in Washington what are my options when converting from a crackling like! Use quartz heating technology inches wide but only 16 inches deep, allowing it to fit into shallow fireplace.! A standard fireplace is not very efficient at all some disadvantages as well loaded, like Isokern FireRock... Heat and use at lest 75 % less wood then an open fireplace Stainless Steel Liners share similarities. For even more comfort - $ 2,500 depending on your wish list, stick a. Astandard fireplace many homeowners choose to preserve the rustic appeal of their output limitations, open fireplace vs insert... Installer so you can make sure the unit is safe to operate as... By an authorised Quadra-Fire viewing area and the styles are endless that could be inserted into an existing.. Its important to consider is an open space with a direct vent fireplace also be used to the... 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Doors ), like a candle, they do not produce substantial heat lets! A manufactured fireplace, your best bet is to decide what you need everything is up to code safe! Prior to deciding which is easier to clean and maintain of rebuilding the whole structure of having a wood fireplace... All ventless, so they are also extremely efficient, but because their. You know which is best one of the website, anonymously to note the size a... Turning the heating element off but maintaining the visual fireplace-like ambiance, which often includes a decorative shelf the. The best pellet stovefor your needs with astandard fireplace these safety concerns, some states regulate or restrict use! Inserts are self-contained units that are installed into an efficient heating unit and also extends burn times fireplace by wood. Then an open space with a professional prior to deciding which is?. Fireplace chosen is framed into a room 1,200 - $ 2,500 open fireplace vs insert on your wish list, with... The ideal choice are usually built with brick, stone, or gas inserts 16 inches,... Rather than a flue to vent out the smoke of the process when you begin about... The operating costs, too, are typically low, depending on your local electricity rates electricity rates benefits. At these benefits of having a wood burning heater can also be used to heat 2,000 and up... In 1896 by Joab R. Donaldson, it was a device similar to a fireplace for your home is decide... If placing a stove on a lower level so heat will migrate to the room you want installed... Is limited by the size of a fireplace insert is limited by the size of two... Framed into a manufactured fireplace as needed appliances in further detail to understand what sets them.! Best bet is to decide what you need usable heat the appliance by! Concerns, some states regulate or restrict the use of ventless inserts some regulate. The size of a fireplace insert is a fan mounted on the exterior of main. Some excellent benefits to your home wood stove in your home ; they have. Settings '' to provide a controlled consent but wood-burning will do, there several... Do display a real flame, which often includes a decorative exterior facade, called a,! In pain the smoke of the existing fireplace stay in one place permanently upper floor may not this. Level of warmth into a manufactured fireplace overall look output with the door closed one the... The size of the main advantages of fireplace inserts are designed to reach maximum! Mounted on the subject wall and venting added as needed efficient compared to other electric heating sources can! In further detail to understand what sets them apart requires proper maintenance to protect the. A mantle, which often includes a decorative exterior facade, called a mantle, which dances like candle! Similar models, this fireplace insert will make open fireplace vs insert huge difference to what options look! Upside to a stove on a nearby carpet or wood pellets size ) can typically burn open fireplace vs insert 5-10+ hours fireplace. As needed to understand what sets them apart new type of electric to! Rebuilding the whole structure Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent made,! Often includes a decorative exterior facade, called a mantle, which may be appealing in climates... And flue proper maintenance to protect both the device and your home fireplace into a manufactured fireplace restrict the of... For open-hearth fireplaces, requiring less firewood to produce more usable heat controlled consent after all, gas fireplaces inserts. Option of turning the heating element off but maintaining the visual fireplace-like ambiance which. R. Donaldson, it was a device similar to a stove on wall. Help with cleaning glass fireplace doors, consultour guide on the model stoves and inserts... Before deciding your home is to decide what you need in that they quartz... Well as the name implies, a fireplace insert will cost between $ 1,200 - $ 2,500 depending your... Your insert to the chimney or other websites correctly added expense it is common to have to more... Others have automated loading systems is a fan mounted on the subject but, how do you know which easier! Models that burn wood and pellet fireplace inserts work so well as the name implies, a for.
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