Many homeowners are utilizing fireplaces for added heat to cut down on utility cost, but older fireplaces actually add to the problem. A traditional, open fireplace loses up to 75 percent of its heated air, up the chimney. During the summer, unless the chimney is sealed tightly with doors or a top sealing damper, conditioned air is lost up the chimney the same way. The best, energy saving option to save on heating costs is to use a wood, pellet, or gas insert for zone heating. They are highly efficient, safe, and easy to install into an existing fireplace.
The best, energy saving option to save on heating costs is to use a wood, pellet, or gas insert for zone heating. They are highly efficient, safe, and easy to install into an existing fireplace.
Revitalize a Tired Fireplace With an Insert
If you think an insert is right for you, call a professional now. A fireplace expert at The Cozy Flame can lead you through the process from start to finish. Space should be measured accurately in order for the insert to fit properly. An insert is a pre-manufactured unit that is retrofitted into the existing firebox. Since the insert is a closed unit and is highly efficient, it uses the heat produced to heat the area, making it perfect for zone heating. If your fireplace is old, worn out, or has been neglected, an insert will revitalize it into an efficient source of heat for your household.
Types of Inserts
Wood Inserts – Wood inserts are a popular option among those who have access to their own wood supply. Wood offers a beautiful flame, stylish design, and transforms a wood fireplace into an efficient heat machine. To get the most out of your wood product, you should burn only properly seasoned wood. Fresh, or ‘green’ wood has a high moisture content and burns poorly and incompletely. This lowers efficiency, creating less heat, and causing you to burn more wood, and need more frequent chimney sweeps.
Pellet Inserts – Pellets are a green option because they burn efficiently, cleanly, and the pellets themselves are made of wood products, cutting down on wood waste. Pellet inserts produce high heat and are convenient because they utilize a pellet hopper that feeds the fire, keeping the flame and temperature consistent. You should only burn pellets in your pellet insert.
Gas Inserts – Gas inserts are the most efficient of the inserts. They offer a beautiful and realistic flame, even featuring realistic ceramic logs that give you the feel of a wood fire. Gas inserts are ideal for zone heating because they have a convenient on/off switch as well as temperature control.
Zone Heating
Zone heating allows a household to utilize central air and heat in areas of high traffic, while keeping temperatures low in other areas of the house, with less use. Using an insert in these rooms means that you can heat it at your convenience while entertaining guests, and save on utilities by utilizing other fuel sources. Your decision to install an insert will be an investment for a more efficient home and future.
The Cozy Flame sells wood, pellet, and gas inserts–all highly efficient, all top-of-the-line products that we are proud to offer. You can visit our show room for demonstrations and talk with an expert about your dream fireplace. We can even set you up with Total Chimney Care, our installation fireplace service sister company.