You are certainly not alone if you love to use your home’s fireplace during the cooler months of the year. In addition to providing a certain appealing ambiance, fireplaces serve as functional heating mechanisms. In this day and age, though, the majority of homeowners are concerned with going green at home. Fireplaces are certainly not the most energy-efficient heating option available today. If you’re struggling between loving your fireplace and wanting to take steps to improve the environment, you are in the right place.
As you read this guide, you will learn about fireplace inserts and how they can seriously improve energy efficiency when compared to traditional logs. Each of the following paragraphs is headed by a frequently asked question that is probably running through your head right now! By the time you reach the end, hopefully, you will know more about fireplace inserts and will have determined whether or not investing in one is right for you.
Why are log fireplaces inefficient?
As a general rule, fireplaces make spaces feel cozy and warm when they are roaring but leave rooms feeling chilly soon after they go out. This is because heat loss with traditional log fireplaces tends to be immense. Whether your home’s chimney has cracks and holes you can’t even see easily, your fireplace damper doesn’t fit as tightly as it should, or some other issue altogether, the odds are good that your fireplace is actually making your utility bills higher than they have to be.
Why should I consider a fireplace insert?
Your budget is the main reason you should consider a fireplace insert! Many home heating experts assert that homeowners can save about 40% off of their typical winter utility bills by simply have inserts installed. These units are designed to make fireplaces as efficient as possible. They have numerous features that help them do this effectively. For example, many of today’s inserts are equipped with fans that blow hot air directly into a space, easily heating more square footage than burning logs alone. Furthermore, inserts typically have doors that will seal your chimney from your interior space, preventing heat loss.
How expensive are fireplace inserts?
The primary reason people hesitate to invest in fireplace inserts is their cost. Even base-model inserts generally cost around $2,000, with higher-end styles running $4,000 or more. It is important to remember, however, that your fireplace insert is likely to pay for itself in energy savings sooner rather than later. Many contractors and home stores offer financing options, which might be an option if you don’t think you can quickly save the necessary money in a lump sum.
If you decide that you are ready to buy a fireplace insert before the winter season, it’s important to have it installed by a reputable professional. Trying to put an insert in by yourself is likely to lead to some type of novice mistake that could cost you, literally and figuratively, down the road. Trusting an expert to make sure your new insert is installed the first time correctly will give you peace of mind and, in all likelihood, save you money.