Gas fireplaces are much advantageous than wood-burning fireplaces recommended by chimney sweeper because they are much safer, easier, cleaner, and look good. If you like to have yet you already have a fireplace, you don’t have to remove it and install a gas one in its place because the less expensive and much simpler solution is gas fireplace inserts.

What to Know about Gas Fireplace Inserts

As its name suggests, gas fireplace inserts are basically inserted inside a current fireplace to convert it to gas-burning fireplace. These inserts may be installed in traditional masonry unit and a prefabricated factory unit. These come with either a remote control or a thermostat. Such inserts may cost as little as hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars.

Gas fireplace inserts can also make decorating easy. They provide a lot of options for the surrounding area. Others come with tile or brick and some have an empty framed in which you may add tiles. Such tiles don’t have to be permanently affixed or grouted. They just slide in place. It makes this easy to change fireplace’s entire look to match any kind of décor.

Another benefit of gas fireplaces is energy efficiency. Little known fact regarding wood-burning fireplaces is that they’re a source of heat loss and suck out hot air in a room. On the other hand, gas fireplaces are cost-efficient and energy efficient. If you’re planning to use your fireplace as a heating unit, you have to purchase inserts with metal grille. Several units are available in which grille is decorated or hidden. However, your fireplace is decorative and you don’t have the grille at all.

Take note that just because you have a fireplace already, it does not mean you’re stuck with it. With a bit of creativity and money, you can give your home and fireplace an entire new look.

Reasons to Consider Gas Fireplace Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts may also come with a remote control, a wall switch or wall mounted thermostat to control gas easily. Inserts are very effective compared to vented gas logs. The fact inserts use a sealed glass front makes such units much safer. The best insert will give BTU output, which ranges from 10,000 BTU to 40,000 BTU.

The modern gas fireplace inserts are typically direct vent systems. It only means that they use 2-pipe system that by design will bring combustion air into the insert. The other pipe will vent the exhaust. Another vital thing to consider is the kind of fireplace unit that you should line the chimney with 2 aluminum or flexible steel pipes. It enables for exhaust and intake to be balanced properly and safe, too.

If the gas fireplace inserts use a single pipe system, it’s a B-vent system. Since there’s only one pipe, the system isn’t as efficient as a 2-vent system. Gas inserts aren’t an inexpensive project. The inserts itself cost thousands of dollars. The cost of installation might add another thousand dollars.

So, if you want to save some money on your monthly bills, gas fireplace inserts are a must have. However, make sure that you consider wood fireplace repair to check if your fireplace is in good condition.