Gas Fireplace Inserts Boost Efficiency & Aesthetic Appeal: Talk With Ashbusters About Installing Yours

What Is a Fireplace Insert?

A fireplace insert is essentially a stove that’s designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening. It can be fueled by gas, wood, or pellets, and it can significantly increase the efficiency of a traditional fireplace. A fireplace insert is typically made of cast iron or steel and features insulated glass doors that help to keep the heat inside.

Are Gas Fireplace Inserts Efficient?

When seasons change and the holidays start approaching, there’s nothing quite cozier than curling up in front of a warm, crackling fire. However, traditional fireplaces can be inefficient, losing a significant amount of heat through the chimney. That’s where fireplace inserts come in. Many homeowners turn to inserts to add improved warmth and ambiance to their homes.

…but are they really efficient?

Quick answer – yes!

Fireplace inserts work by capturing the heat that’s normally lost up through the chimney and circulating it back into the room. The insulated glass doors of the insert create a barrier that prevents the warm air from escaping, and the insert’s blower fan helps to circulate the warm air around the room. Fireplace inserts are designed to use a closed combustion system, meaning that you can enjoy the warmth of a fire without losing as much heat through the chimney.

Benefits of Gas Fireplace Inserts

• Increased Efficiency: We’ve said it once, but it’s worth mentioning again (and again and again) – a fireplace insert can significantly increase the efficiency of your fireplace. This means that you’ll be able to heat your home more efficiently, which can help to reduce your energy bills.
• Improved Safety: Traditional fireplaces can be a safety hazard, as sparks and embers can fly out of the fireplace and cause a fire. Fireplace inserts, on the other hand, have insulated glass doors that prevent sparks and embers from escaping, making them much safer.
• Increased Comfort: A fireplace insert can help to create a more comfortable living space by providing a steady source of heat. This means that you won’t have to rely on your central heating system as much, which – again – can help to reduce your energy bills.
• More Convenient Heating: The convenience factor cannot be overstated, as gas inserts eliminate the need for handling wood and cleaning up ashes, offering a hassle-free and cleaner alternative for heating up your household.
• Better Home Aesthetics: From a design perspective, gas fireplace inserts come in a variety of styles, enhancing the overall look of your living space, all while providing a consistent and adjustable heat source. With easy operation and customizable features, these inserts offer a perfect blend of comfort, style, and practicality for any home.

What Affects Fireplace Insert Efficiency?

A traditional fireplace typically has an efficiency rating of around 10%, which means that 90% of the heat is lost up and out through the chimney. Whereas, a fireplace insert can have an efficiency rating of up to 80%, meaning that only 20% of the heat is lost. This means that fireplace inserts are able to keep more heat in your home, keeping your space warmer with less effort.

The efficiency of a fireplace insert can vary depending on several factors:

• Quality of Installation: The quality of the installation can have a significant impact on the efficiency of a fireplace insert. A poorly installed insert can lead to air leaks, which can reduce the efficiency of the insert. This is why trusting an experienced tech (like the members of our team) who is certified and knows their stuff is essential.
• Type of Fuel: The type of fuel that’s used in the insert can also affect its efficiency. For example, a gas insert tends to be more efficient than a wood-burning insert, as it’s easier to control the temperature and the flames.
• Size of Insert: The size of the insert can also affect its efficiency. An insert that’s too small for the fireplace opening won’t be able to generate as much heat, while an insert that’s too large may generate too much heat and make the room uncomfortable. Again, be sure to consult a pro!

Can You Vent a Gas Fireplace Insert Through an Existing Chimney?

If you’re looking to add a new heating appliance to your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is how to vent it. There are several options available, but one common question many homeowners have is whether or not it’s possible to vent a gas fireplace insert through an existing chimney.

The short answer is yes – you can vent your gas insert through your current chimney! However, there are a couple important considerations to keep in mind before deciding to do so.

1. First, it’s important to make sure that the chimney is in good condition and meets the necessary safety standards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that chimneys be inspected annually and cleaned as needed to prevent the buildup of creosote, a highly combustible substance that can ignite and cause a chimney fire.
2. Second, you’ll need to make sure that the chimney is properly sized for the fireplace. Gas fireplaces require a specific size and type of chimney, based on the amount of heat they generate and the type of fuel they use. Installing a gas fireplace with the wrong size or type of chimney can result in poor performance, dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, and other safety hazards.

Trust Our Experts With Your Chimney & Fireplace

If you’re converting to gas, trusting a qualified, licensed, and certified chimney company is your best bet for making sure that your system is installed properly and with the best venting option for your home.

Fortunately for Nashville homeowners, Ashbusters Chimney & Fireplace is here to meet all of your chimney and fireplace repairs, installations, and annual maintenance.

We take pride in maintaining high standards for education and training. We’re certified with the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), and you can count on all of our staff to act with integrity, be innovative when it comes to solving problems, be up to date on the latest industry trends and standards, and persevere through even the most challenging jobs to help ensure our customers’ needs are not just met, but exceeded.

Our professional crew is ready to help you out. Call us at 615-459-2546 or reach out to us online today.

Could a freestanding gas stove be your choice for a new fireplace or stove? Talk to the pros at Ashbusters to guide you through your de cision pro cess.