The leaves are turning brilliant reds and golds, and the air is turning crisp. Just maybe it’s time for a change in your fireplace too.

There are a host of ways that a new fireplace insert can breathe fresh life into your home. If you’ve considered making the switch from traditional fireplace to fireplace insert, it’s time to explore what’s possible. Though not nearly as expensive or involved a project as putting in a new fireplace, you’ll be surprised by the boost to efficiency, functionality, and design inserts can provide.

What Do Fireplace Inserts Do?

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are undeniably charming, but they come with some drawbacks. From chopping and storing wood to dealing with ash and soot, maintaining a wood fireplace can be quite a hassle for those with busy lifestyles.

For many, the ease, safety, convenience, and delightful aesthetic options of a fireplace insert surpass the romance of a wood-fueled blaze. If you find yourself avoiding use of your traditional fireplace to avoid the hassle – or spending more time tending the blaze than enjoying it – it’s time to consider the switch.

What are the main perks of operating a gas fireplace insert?

  1. one large pumpkin surrounded by three smaller ones in front of a gas fireplaceConvenience. Gas fireplace inserts are started and controlled with the push of a button, or even from the comfort of your couch using a remote control. Eliminating the need for kindling, logs, and tending is valuable on a chilly day’s end when you want quick heat and ambiance.
  2. Cleanliness. Another convenience factor? Cleanliness. Gas inserts are much cleaner than their traditional counterparts. You won’t have to deal with the mess of ashes, soot, and wood debris.
  3. Efficiency. Inserts produce consistent, even, controllable heat, giving you more power over the comfort of your living space. And they don’t lose heat up the chimney as much as a wood burning fireplace, so less energy is wasted. Most inserts are highly energy-efficient, serving to lower traditional home heating costs and giving you the option to heat zones of your house to further enhance the economic factor.
  4. Safety. Because there’s no risk of sparks or embers escaping the fire, risk of uncontained fire decreases. And because of the economical, cleaner-burning nature of gas, creosote accumulation isn’t a concern. Additionally, many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff in case of a problem.
  5. Environmental Factors. Natural gas and propane are a non-renewable resource, yes. But modern gas fireplace inserts are designed with efficiency in mind and produce fewer emissions compared to wood burning options so either gas choice is a win.
  6. Design Flexibility. Fireplace inserts come in a wide range of styles and designs, allowing you to choose the one that fits your home’s decor and your personal preferences. You have lots of control over the look, ambiance, and features of your fireplace!

In short, if you’re looking for great heat output, efficient functioning, consistent warmth, customizability and reduced waste, a gas insert may serve as the perfect solution.

Are Gas Inserts Expensive to Run?

Costs matter. We know that gas inserts are generally more energy efficient than wood-burning fireplaces, but how do the numbers add up?

The cost of using a gas insert can vary based on a number of factors: the type of gas used, proper installation, your location, and the efficiency of the insert itself.

However, gas inserts tend to provide a consistent and cost effective heating solution. And used as zone heaters, they can even allow you to heat targeted areas of your home instead of relying only on central heating – meaning additional savings on your overall heating bills.

Do Gas Fireplaces Need To Be Maintained?

a bunch of spider webs with a small black spider in front of a black backgroundWhile you’re speaking with our pros, have a conversation about maintenance. Just because these systems burn cleaner and easier, does not mean they don’t need professional maintenance. Be sure you’re still scheduling annual chimney inspections with our experts to avoid damage, inefficiency, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide exposure.

A Spooky Sidenote – With Halloween approaching, it’s the perfect time for this creepy crawling tidbit. Did you know that spiders are attracted to propane and natural gas? It’s true – they’re drawn to the smell of gas and have been known to build webs over various ports in gas systems, which can hinder overall functioning.

Regular maintenance can help address such nuisances and problems, and keep your home heating system running smoothly.

DIY Fireplace Installation: Is It a Good Idea?

While some homeowners can boast impressive handy skills, installing a gas fireplace insert is not your average DIY project. It involves working with electrical connections, gas lines, and venting systems – all of which require precise installation to ensure safety and efficiency.

Done incorrectly, the risk of gas leaks, fire hazards, and improper or inefficient functioning increase significantly – and incorrectly executed DIY installation is also likely to void your warranty. 

The verdict? This job should be left to a professional with the specialized skill and experience to make sure nothing is missed, that it complies with local building codes, and that safety standards are met. An added bonus is that hiring a pro can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your new gas fireplace insert functions at the top of its game.

Done incorrectly, the risk of gas leaks, fire hazards, and improper or inefficient functioning increase significantly – and incorrectly executed DIY installation is also likely to void your warranty. 

What to do instead? Get in touch with our certified, fully insured pros so we can help you assess your needs, your space, and your budget and find the best possible course of action for your home. 

Give Us a Call This Fall

This fall, prioritize convenient comfort with chimney and fireplace services from us. Give us a call or book online with us today to see what we can do!