The Advantages of Gas Fireplace Inserts

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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Direct Vent Fireplaces – FiveThings You Need to Know

Direct vent gas fireplaces are one of the most popular options out there today in the fireplace industry and for good reason.  There are many features that a direct vent fireplace can provide for homeowners in all different regions of the United States and in all different kinds of homes.   With many residents looking to convert their existing wood-burning fireplace to gas, direct vent fireplaces are quickly becoming the go-to home improvement project.

Let’s examine five things you need to know about a direct vent fireplace:

1)No Chimney Needed

A gas fireplace inserts does not require a chimney.  These units directly vent out smoke using either vertical or horizontal vents.  The unit’s fire chamber, often open in a traditional fireplace, is closed and shut off from the rest of the home.  If you are renovating an existing home and do not have a chimney already in place, a direct vent gas fireplace would be a great option to add warmth to your home.

2)They are Convenient

Many homeowners find a direct vent fireplace easy to both maintain and use.  No need for hauling logs in from outside or cleaning ash out from the fireplace with this unit; it flips on and off with just a simple switch.  Allowing one to use them at virtually any time of the day, a direct vent fireplace is a great way to create a warm fire within the family room without the hassle of having to start a fire and then wait for it to extinguish. 

3)Direct Vents are Efficient

A direct vent fireplace is very efficient at heating the home and keeping it warm for a number of reasons:
•No low-efficiency waiting time to get the fire hot – a direct vent provides heat immediately for an instant blaze
•Heat does not get lost in the fireplace or surrounding areas
•The direct vent provides the fire an optimal amount of oxygen, an element essential for combustion to occur

4)Safe to Use

Because of the way they operate, a direct vent fireplace is safe to use in your home.  In fact, because the smoke and by-products are all sent directly out of the home and not entering into the living area, these units are great for those with breathing problems.  This feature virtual eliminates carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide safety risks.  Also because they feature a sealed front, there is no risk of burning, hot ambers flickering into the home damaging furniture or burning your family and pets.

5)They are Environmentally-Friendly

Direct vent gas fireplaces require less units of gas per units of heat produced allowing them to use less fuel than traditional gas fireplaces while heating the home just as effectively.  They also create fewer emissions than their wood-burning counterpart making them an Eco-friendly option.

So, there you have it.  The five reasons why the direct vent fireplace is a great option whether you are remodeling an existing home or building new. I hope this article helped strengthen your knowledge of the direct vent fireplace industry.

Go get better ideas about direct vent gas fireplace process you can visit Lindemann Chimney Service

Your Questions Answered: Gas Fireplace Conversions

Learning more about the fireplace conversion process is important to finding out if this remodeling project is the right one for you and your home.  Below I answer some of the more puzzling questions homeowners have on the issue.

What is it?

Simply put a gas fireplace conversion involves changing your fireplace’s fuel from wood to gas.  There are many approaches to how this can be accomplished.  Gas logs is the popular options and the one right for you will be dependent on your budget, existing unit, and personal preference.  Keep in mind gas lines will often needed to be added as well.

How long does it take to install?

If you decide to convert your fireplace using fireplace inserts you may see a completed project in as little as day.  With gas logs looking more realistic as ever with many options to choose from, this may be a great choice for those under a tight time constraint.  If you can lend more time to the project, a gas fireplace insert can take anywhere from a couple days or longer depending on your existing structure.  Often residents will choose to complete a surrounding remodel during the fireplace conversion and this may add more days to the total. 

Can I complete the work myself?

The main opinion within the fireplace industry is that a quality gas fireplace conversion is NOT a do it yourself type project for a number of valid reasons.  First, especially with older homes, a gas line installation is typically needed for the project to be complete.  An expert with experience in the field is necessary when running these lines for the home.  Second, the contractor will have the know-how and tools required to make sure the insert is installed and fitting properly.  These are both critical to efficient production of heat, keeping energy costs low, and similarly providing a lasting unit that will withstand years of use.  Finally, hiring a contractor makes the work get done on time and in budget.  Partnering with a professional will keep the cost of wasted or unused material to a minimal while virtually eliminating any type of learning curve on your part.

What other benefits are there?

There are many other perks to enjoy when completing this conversion.  Convenience is one benefit that is most sought after by homeowners alike.  Having an on/off switch to allow you to easily start and end your warm fire is important for those pressed on time.  Many also enjoy the cost savings on their energy bill.   It is much more energy efficient than their masonry counterparts.  They also can warm a room for a mere $.50 per hour allowing the residents to lower the heat in other rooms not being used at the time.

Is it safe?

It is very safe when comparably to a wood-burning unit.  It create no creosote, the chimney clogging by-product of burning wood fires, and do not produce any hot amber that can burn your family or furniture.  Also studies have shown that gas fireplaces do not seem to create any more carbon dioxide in the home when used.  Homeowners can also take comfort in the many safety features that a gas fireplace insert can provide.  For example a safety pilot turns off the unit if the fire gets too hot or there is too much of an increase in carbon monoxide within the fireplace.

So is gas fireplace conversion right for you?  I hope these answers to some of the most common questions about the issue help you make the right decision.  Whether you convert or not is totally up to you!

Go get better ideas about gas fireplace conversion process you can visit Lindemann Chimney Service