Fireplace Insert Reviews

July 09, 2024 Post a Comment

Fireplace insert reviews

Wood and pellet stove inserts are generally of excellent quality and built using cast iron and/or plate steel. Natural gas fireplace inserts connect to your home's gas lines to provide efficient and easy-to-use heating, but still provide the natural fire look and feel.

Are fireplace inserts worth it?

Studies have shown that as much as 95 percent of the residual heat in a traditional wood fireplace is expelled outside. A wood-burning fireplace insert offers a slower, more efficient burn rate providing up to five hours of uninterrupted heat. It consumes less fuel and has heating efficiencies of 80+ percent!

What is the most realistic fireplace insert?

1. Electric Fireplace with the Most Realistic Flame Effect: Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro. It's pricier than most other fireplace inserts, but the Opti-Myst Pro boasts super-realistic flame effects that other inserts cannot match.

How long do insert fireplaces last?

A well-maintained wood fireplace insert can last for 2 - 3 decades. This is in stark contrast to adjacent masonry which can last for much longer time frames. It is not unusual for fireplace masonry to last for generations.

What do I need to know about buying a fireplace insert?

It is important to get one that will fit the size of your fireplace and produce the right amount of heat. Measure the depth, width, and height of your fireplace so you'll know a given insert will fit. Then consider the heat output. If an insert doesn't have enough heat output, it won't heat effectively.

What is the average cost of a fireplace insert?

How much does a fireplace insert cost? Most fireplace inserts and a professional installation cost about $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the state of your existing chimney and the model you select. Some electric models cost significantly less, but they offer less heat output than wood and gas fireplace inserts.

Do fireplace inserts use a lot of electricity?

Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity? Electric fireplaces use approximately the same amount of electricity as the average space heater. Since most fireplaces operate on a standard household outlet, they use 120 volts to power the internal heater and draw about 1,500 watts at 12.5 amps.

Do fireplace inserts increase home value?

A typical gas fireplace insert costs $2,300 to $10,000 depending on the style and installation costs. The majority of real estate agents believe indoor or outdoor fireplaces add $1,000 to $5,000 to the resale value of your home.

Do I need a chimney liner for fireplace insert?

When installing a fireplace insert in your existing fireplace it is now required that you install a chimney liner system to vent the appliance. In addition to your installation being compliant with local code, there are many other benefits to installing a stainless steel chimney liner.

What are the latest trends in fireplaces?

Minimalist simplicity is a major design trend in 2022, so clean finish fireplaces are in high demand. Instead of bulky stone hearths or elaborate details, homeowners want fireplaces they can finish right up to the glass.

Is a fireplace insert better than a fireplace?

Inserts replace the inefficient wood-burning system of an open masonry fireplace and vent through an existing chimney. This is great for reducing outdoor air invasion and drafts inside the home and for reducing carbon footprint with a more energy-efficient heating option.

How big should my fireplace insert be?

Once you have the area of the room, multiply that number by 20 to get the minimum number of BTUs you will need to efficiently heat your room. For example, a room that is 500 sq. ft. would need a fireplace insert with at least 10,000 BTUs.

Can you leave fireplace insert overnight?

The Short Answer Yes, it is okay to leave an electric fireplace insert on overnight but it's best if you turn it off when possible. While it's not necessarily dangerous, it's important to observe basic safety precautions when using an electric fireplace.

Why did people stop using fireplaces?

It's simply because of the construction of modern homes. In fact older homes, those built before the say the 1950's were better equipped to handle wood burning. For one many modern homes are not even built with brick chimneys anymore, but let's dive into the reasons why it happened.

When should I buy a fireplace insert?

Summer is the prime time to replace your existing fireplace with an energy efficient fireplace insert or freestanding stove because this is the time of year when you're not actually wanting or needing to use the equipment.

Do fireplace inserts heat a room?

Fireplace inserts are like heating stoves and fit directly inside an existing masonry fireplace. And EPA-certified units provide up to 70% to 80% heating efficiency. Make sure to add the blower motor option to your insert if you want to spread the heat around your house.

Can I install a fireplace insert myself?

So, yes, you can install your dream fireplace or wood-burning stove yourself, provided you have the expertise. However, it's highly recommended that you hire a contractor with experience specific to fireplace installations.

How long does it take to install a fireplace insert?

Installing a fireplace insert is an advanced do-it-yourself project that will take two people about a day to complete.

How do I get the most heat out of my fireplace insert?

The handle to open and close the damper should be above the fireplace opening. To open it, slide it to the right. To create fires that produce more heat, open the damper as wide as possible when lighting a fire. A wide-open damper will increase the amount of air reaching the fire and improve combustion.

Are gas fireplace inserts worth the money?

Gas fireplace inserts are not only efficient and enclosed, but they're also cleaner and safer than traditional wood fireplaces. Easy to control and maintain, gas fireplace inserts do not need extra fuel and quickly heat up a space. Unlike electric fireplaces, they can often still be used when the power goes out.