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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What You Need to Know about Gas Fireplace Conversions

A fireplace in the home adds a touch of class to whatever room it graces, and, of course, can be a great option for keeping warm during the winter. However, many people would like to update their older fireplace, just like they do for other features of their home. Fortunately, a gas fireplace conversion is an easy and relatively affordable option that has become quite popular in recent years.

The Problem with Older Fireplaces

If you’re on the fence about the idea or you haven’t even considered it, there are a couple reasons why most people would rather do without their old fireplace. One is simply that it’s inconvenient. In the age of smartphones and Wi-Fi, no one wants to be troubled by manually loading up a hearth with wood and getting a fire started. This process not only takes longer than most would like, but also can also cause quite the mess.

Many people aren’t too fond of their chimney either. The old-fashioned kind can demand regular cleaning, especially if you have a pest problem. Squirrels, birds and even bats love a good chimney. That access to the outdoors can also cause unnecessary heat loss in your home.

After a gas fireplace conversion, these issues disappear. Starting a fire is as easy as turning on a light and many models these days even come with a remote. There’s absolutely no mess involved either way. Your chimney has no access to the home, so you’re not losing heat and you actually don’t even need the traditional kind that so many pests like to call home.

Options for a Gas Fireplace Conversion

One of the underappreciated benefits of a gas fireplace conversion is that it can give your room a whole new look. If you’re trying to modernize things, obviously you’re not going to get very far if your room features a fireplace from decades ago, for example. By switching out the fireplace, you can make it match any style you want for the room.

Your options for a gas fireplace include:

•       A gas fireplace kit
•       A vent-free gas fireplace
•       A gas fireplace insert

None of these involve any changes to the structure of your home or room. However, in terms of their energy use, the way they’ll affect the inside of your home and their general aesthetic, there are some things worth considering. So let’s look at each of these models a little closer.

A Gas Fireplace Kit

For a long time, this was the most popular option for gas fireplaces. Essentially, it looks just like a traditional version, including a collection of logs and sometimes even a grate. While it looks cool, this model needs a damper that’s kept partially open at all times. Otherwise, someone could activate the fireplace and flood their home with carbon monoxide. However, having a damper open at all times means your home is losing the air you’re paying for—whether heated or cooled. The only other option would be to install airtight glass doors, but those could easily cost in excess of $1,000 all by themselves. 

A Vent Free Gas Fireplace 

One way to solve this problem is to install a vent free gas fireplace. There’s no exhaust going up your chimney, so you keep all the heat in your room. Unfortunately, this means you can really only run the fireplace for three to four hours. All the combustion ends up inside and this includes the moisture released. So this model also isn’t a good idea for homes where people have asthma, allergies, or heart problems. As you can only run it for a few hours at a time, this isn’t the best model for heating a room either.

A Gas Fireplace Insert

This final option is going to be your most expensive. You’re looking at spending about three times as much for this model. Open fires also aren’t an option with this version, but that also means no loss of air. Plus, you can run this fireplace for hours at a time without fear of moisture issues.

So if you’re still considering a gas fireplace conversion, those are your options. They’ll run between $1,000 and $3,000, for the most part, but if you love the look of a fireplace and the heat it provides, you’ll probably find it worth it. A gas fireplace conversion can also be handled in a day, meaning you won’t have to wait long for the finished product either.

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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