Rooms with fireplaces always look great, plus they have functional heat that really adds a nice, cozy feel. That being said, not all fireplaces are the same. These days, there are more options than ever too and picking the wrong one will cost you financially as well as tax your patience. Generally, most people consider gas fireplace inserts the best option out there. Let’s take a look at why.
The Problem with Other Options
First, let’s take a quick look at what else you can choose from and why those options will probably fall short. The obvious example is a traditional, wood-burning fireplace. These are great for that classic look. However, starting a fire can take a lot of work and cause quite the mess. Plus, they call for a traditional chimney. While those may look great from the outside, you can still get the aesthetic without having to pay for cleaning or putting up with the kind of critters that may want to call your chimney home.
For those who want more convenience with their setup, there is a gas log kit. This is the earliest example of a gas fireplace. However, you still need to keep a damper open or the carbon monoxide will be dangerous. Unfortunately, this means a lot of your heat will escape too. In warmer months, you’ll lose some of your AC.
With a vent-free gas fireplace, you don’t need to worry about the damper. However, you can only run it for a few hours at a time because the combustion will be releasing moisture into your home. People with heart conditions, asthma or allergies should also stay away from this option.
The Benefits of Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts provide you all the benefits you want without the kinds of issues you’ll find with the above. The setup comes with an airtight installation, which means:
• no moisture is getting out
• none of your expensive air is leaving
• small children won’t get hurt by the flames
Plus, they come with all kinds of looks. If you want it to resemble the traditional fireplace, you can get one with a log and grade. For more modern aesthetics, you’ll find versions with crystal floors that help reflect the light. Unlike vent-free versions, you can run these all day if you want, which means you get plenty of heat with none of the drawbacks.
Furthermore, you’ll save plenty of money as none of it escapes. In fact, some versions can cut your heating bill by up to 40%, making this a stylish choice that has practical applications.
Aside from an annual checkup that may cost you roughly $100, you aren’t going to have any maintenance issues with a gas fireplace insert. This is an especially nice change for those used to the traditional version. Even the other gas options generally need some help every year because of the way they operate.
Gas Fireplace Conversions
If you already have a fireplace, not to worry. Gas fireplace inserts can be installed within about a day, depending on how long it takes to alter the current version. Homes that don’t have a fireplace will take even less time. Also, with gas fireplace inserts, no chimney is needed, so you don’t have to worry about large construction projects that will alter the look of your home.
Matters to Consider
Obviously, as these fireplaces run on natural gas or propane, your carbon footprint will increase, if that’s a concern. Fortunately, these days, there are some green options available for the environmentally conscious.
One advantage the above has over gas fireplace inserts is that they’re more affordable. You’ll be looking at spending roughly $3,000 for your insert. However, if you do the math, it will probably save you the $1,000 to $2,000 difference in energy savings because of how much heat it keeps in the home.
Also, some people love fireplaces for the snap and crackle of burning logs. Obviously, that’s not going to occur with gas fireplace inserts. However, for most people, this is a sacrifice worth making.
So if you want more from your living space, consider installing a gas fireplace insert. The initial investment may be sizeable, but you’re getting a lot for the price tag. Plus, once installed, you’ll save money on heating and spend very little on upkeep.
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