Fireplace inserts are a great way to get the fireplace of your dreams without having to put in a ton of work. Fireplace inserts are pre-fabricated units that are permanently installed in an existing fireplace. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small, tabletop versions to large floor-to-ceiling units. The average cost is anywhere between $500 and $2,000. There are many benefits to installing these inserts that include reduced maintenance costs, increased efficiency and reduced installation costs. They can work on electricity, wood or gas.
[ez-toc]
Benefits of installing fireplace inserts
There are many benefits of installing fireplace inserts in an existing fireplace. The benefits vary from the minor, like reduced installation costs, to the major, such as reduced maintenance costs. One of the smaller benefits is that the installation process will be much easier. You don’t need to worry about taking out your old fireplace and replacing it entirely; you just install your insert. This makes it a more affordable option for most people.
Fireplace inserts are also highly efficient. They have a high-efficiency rating that can help you save money on your energy bills if you have solar panels. Systems that work with a boiler might be cheaper to run though, especially if you have a big living room. Wood-based systems can deliver a lot of heat but require more work to get started.
Types of inserts
There are many different types of inserts out there. You can find inserts that are designed to operate with wood or gas, electricity as well as some that burn coal. When you want to get a new fireplace, you either need to gut the entire room, rip down the walls and rebuild them. That would take a lot of time and money. The average installation cost for an insert is about $2,000. This is significantly cheaper than having to tear everything out and start from scratch. Plus, all of these inserts are designed in such a way that they’re easy to install, unlike traditional fireplaces that require additional work.
Most systems use electricity as you don’t have to adjust your chimney to get this installed and working. You just need to get an outlet near the location of the fireplace.
They also come in a variety of styles, including traditional brick style or modern contemporary.
Finding the inserts that are right for you
The first step in finding the inserts that are right for you is assessing your fireplace and its present condition. While installation of the insert will not significantly change the appearance of your fireplace, it will change its efficiency. If your fireplace is already in need of repair, then installing one may be a good option. But if your fireplace is working well with no apparent wear, it might not be worth the investment.
Alternatively, you can find an insert that matches the look of your fireplace so you don’t have to worry about changing its appearance. This will also help ensure that you get an insert that fits properly.
Electric fireplaces are somewhat fake as they don’t really use a flame. For this reason, they use a visual representation of a flame to give the impression that you are using a real flame. These systems even use speakers to fake the sound. Some electric fireplace inserts come with a remote. This can make it easier to control and add more comfort.
Wooden fireplaces remain popular but they are not allowed everywhere as they emit a lot of dust. This is a risk that you will take if you pick one of these.
Gas fireplaces can work very well. It can be challenging to run a gas line in an exciting home so check with your plumber to see what is possible. You might have to cut holes in a wall to get it through your home. There are also important safety regulations that you have to take into account when you get this type of fireplace.
The installation process
The installation process for a fireplace insert is quick and easy. They are designed to fit perfectly into your existing fireplace, so you won’t have to do any work. After they’ve been installed, you’ll have a beautifully updated fireplace with the look of gas logs without the hassle of gas lines or machinery. You don’t need to bother with installing new doors and other extensive carpentry work for your insert. As long as your current fireplace is structurally sound, you can get an insert and be done with it in less than a day!
For an electric fireplace insert, you just need to get an electric outlet nearby. You might have to call an electrician but this is generally quite cheap and easy to do.
For a gas fireplace insert, more work might be needed. You will need a gas supply line. It is also necessary to check your chimney. It might need a new liner. A plumber can help you with this installation. This can be done in a few hours if there are no major problems.
Wooden fireplaces might need an updated filter and chimney. This can be quite expensive so check what needs to be done before you get one. A chimney can leak and break down over time. For this reason, it is essential to get it cleaned and inspected regularly.
Drawbacks of fireplace inserts
It can take some getting used to if you get a fireplace insert installed. Below are some tips to get you started:
The drawbacks of fireplace inserts mainly depend on the type of insert you purchase. Electric systems are cheaper to install but might cost more to run. They don’t require a lot of maintenance though. Gas-based systems cost more to install but are cheaper to run but can require more maintenance. You have to check how big your room is and how often you will use the system. It is also possible to just use the visual effect and keep your traditional heater. Often this is the best option.
When purchasing a small, tabletop model, you may be sacrificing warmth and a full view of the fire. A large floor-to-ceiling unit may limit the size of your existing fireplace opening or block your view of the fire from the other side.
If you are looking for something that will give you the most natural look and feel, then a traditional wood-burning fireplace is likely a better option for you.
Fireplace inserts can last from 10-20 years if they are properly maintained.
If you just want to get the visual effect, you can consider getting a cheap monitor and a raspberry pie. It takes more work to set this up but you could save some money. A projector can work as well but this takes some time to set up.
To conclude, fireplace inserts can make it easy to upgrade an old fireplace and get the feeling of a traditional fireplace without costing a lot of money.
