Fireplace Replacements Improve Ambiance & Efficiency –

Advantages of Fireplace Replacements

What’s there to gain from replacing your fireplace with a newer system?

• A boost in energy efficiency. One of the main purposes of having a fireplace is to pour more heating into your living space. Newer options are known for their heightened efficiency, ensuring you stay warm, comfortable, and cozy – no problem.
• Potential money savings. An energy-efficiency appliance gives you the power to turn down your thermostat and zone heat in your home – which can then result in lower monthly energy bills.
• A more appealing aesthetic. Sometimes a fireplace replacement is less about efficiency and more about the ambiance of your space. If your system looks outdated or just simply isn’t appealing to your tastes anymore, an upgrade can make a huge impact.
• Improved safety features. The older a system is, the more likelihood of damages, breakdowns, and safety hazards occurring. Newer options are designed with new and improved technology that aims to keep households safer.
• Better home air quality. Air quality is becoming a high priority for many, especially as home offices are becoming more and more prominent. A higher quality fireplace has features that aim to keep air quality cleaner and reduce the risk of harmful fumes entering the air you breathe.
• Improved home value. A newer, more modern appliance makes your home more appealing to potential future buyers. It’s been shown that many are willing to pay more for a home with a fireplace already installed, and if it’s a newer model? Even better.

Here at Wolfman, we offer options in both gas and wood, ensuring you can easily find a system that best suits your needs and preferences. Call today to get this process started.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Gas Fireplaces?

Every fuel type has its upsides and downsides, which is why knowing the ins and outs of any you’re considering is a must. Gas systems are growing in popularity due to their low-maintenance reputation – but are they the right fit for you?

Pros of Gas Fireplaces

• They’re convenient. In terms of operation, it’s hard to beat gas-fueled systems. You don’t need to know how to build, maintain, or even extinguish a fire. Just flip it on, and you’re all set.
• They burn cleaner. With gas systems, you won’t have to deal with wood ash, soot buildup, or even smoke. This makes for a cleaner burn all around – and virtually no mess for you to deal with later on.
• They’re highly efficient. Unlike open wood systems, gas fireplaces are known for sending a lot of heat into your home, so you’ll be able to warm up your home a lot easier and quicker – using less fuel in the process too.
• They can save you money. Because gas systems are known for their high efficiency levels, they make zone heating easier than ever. So, cozy up in your living room, lower your thermostat, and enjoy lower monthly bills (without losing out on heat).
• They’re known for safety. Stray sparks, flaming embers, and hot logs collapsing on top of one another aren’t a worry for gas fireplace owners.
• They look great. Gas fireplaces in today’s market look more realistic than ever, and they come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and designs. Finding one that looks great in your space won’t be an issue.

Cons of Gas Fireplaces

• They aren’t as authentic. While gas fireplaces have a lot of great features, there’s always one big downside – they’re not wood fireplaces. As realistic as they are, there’s no denying that wood systems offer sounds, smells, and a high level of authenticity that’s hard to beat.
• They don’t hold the heat. Wood masonry fireplaces are known for holding onto heat even after flames have died out. Once gas systems are off, the heat disappears quickly after.
• They require a gas line. If you don’t already have a gas line installed, then you’ll need to consider this before investing in a gas fireplace, as it’ll make the initial installation costs more pricey.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Wood Fireplaces

Wood systems are the more classic way to go, excelling in providing a traditional ambiance and aesthetic. But, just like gas has its advantages and disadvantages, so do wood options.

Pros of Wood Fireplaces

• Their ambiance is unbeatable. There is nothing that beats the traditional look and feel of genuine wood-burning fireplaces. That authentic crackling of the logs burning and the smell associated with it simply can’t be replicated with a gas fireplace – no matter how realistic they are.
• Wood is renewable and easy to access. Burning with wood can be a cost-effective way to heat your home, especially if you have a lot of access to it. If you cut, season, and store your own, you’ll always have free fuel.
• They’re s’more-friendly. It may seem silly, but it’s worth noting. Cooking s’mores, hot dogs, and other stick-friendly favorites over a fire isn’t possible with a gas-fueled option.

Cons of Wood-Burning Fireplaces

• They tend to be messier. Wood produces ash and creosote, so you’ll need to ensure regular sweepings are completed (to avoid chimney fires) and you’ll want to regularly scoop out your fireplace ash pile too.
• They don’t excel in heat output. While wood fireplaces definitely heat up your space, they don’t typically win out over gas in this department.
• They require more maintenance. Gas systems function with an on/off switch. Wood fireplaces need to have their fires built up and regularly maintained, otherwise the flames will die out – that means more work on your end.

So, Which Is Better – Gas or Wood?

Sometimes pros and cons lists make decisions easy, while other times they just leave a person with more questions – and more to think about. Here’s the thing when deciding between gas and wood, though… Neither type is necessarily better than the other. It’s more about figuring out which is best for you.

Is your household a busier one? If you find that you’re always out and about, and you just want to be able to sit down and enjoy your fireplace when you’re finally home at the end of the day – without having to put any extra work into the process – then we would definitely recommend a gas system.

If you want a fireplace because you love the classic and timeless feel they add to a living space and find the idea of managing one appealing, then maybe opting for wood would be the better route.

In our opinion, you can’t go wrong either way – why?

• Both fuel types will heat your home and can play a role in lowering monthly energy costs.
• Both fuel types require annual inspections completed by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified sweep.
• Both fuel types will work in a power outage – so no worries, either way, about losing out on heat and light if the electricity goes out.
• Both will improve the value and overall aesthetic of your home.

Basically… whichever option you pick, you’ll end up with a great system in your home – especially if you work with us. Have any questions? We’re here for homeowners in Boerne, New Braunfels, Seguin, Canyon Lake, San Marcos, Kyle, and more. Please reach out now – our techs would be happy to help you out.

Can I Replace My Fireplace Myself?

Fireplace replacements are something we recommend leaving to a certified, reputable, and experienced team of chimney technicians. New installation and replacement jobs are complex and require specialized knowledge and appropriate tools – meaning they should only be left to the hands of those who are trained and well-versed on chimneys, fireplaces, and all of their various parts.

A big reason for this is efficiency. If you’re investing in a new fireplace, stove, or insert, then you want it to function right – and function well. If your system ends up failing in terms of heat output and overall efficiency, it will result in less comfort for your home, a decrease in home value, and likely the need for professional maintenance and costly repairs later on.

More importantly, though, improper installation can invite safety hazards. Remember that these systems produce literal fires inside your home. A poorly built bookshelf might not look or function the best, but does it present any serious safety hazards? Probably not. An improperly installed fireplace, on the other hand, can invite some major threats, namely fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks, both of which put your household at risk.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fireplace?

The cost of a fireplace replacement job can vary quite a bit, depending on the type of appliance, the fuel it uses, the size of the system you need, the condition of your current fireplace and chimney, and more. Because of this, providing an accurate estimate (without any specific details) isn’t so simple.

To get the most accurate quote possible, we suggest giving us a call. We won’t be able to provide you anything definitive until we know more about your unique setup and circumstances. Once we perform a thorough inspection and get a better idea of your overall vision, we’ll know a lot more about what to expect – and how much money you’ll need to invest to get there.

Can I Convert My Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Gas Fireplace?

Absolutely. Wood-burning fireplaces are great, but if you’re ready to switch to a more efficient and easier-to-maintain gas-fueled option, you might be wondering what that process might entail. Is it time-consuming? Costly? Stressful?

Well, it depends on your unique needs and wishes, but oftentimes this process is a lot more streamlined and simple that a homeowner might think.

One of the easier ways to switch from wood to gas is by having a gas insert installed into your open wood fireplace. We’ll just install the insert into your pre-existing setup and you’ll be all set. Another big plus side of this is that it won’t alter the look and feel of your space all that much.

You’ll also need to consider your current gas line situation. Sometimes, homeowners require gas line installation services before they can get their new setup up and running – which will wind up adding more to that final bill.

How Often Should I Have My New Fireplace Inspected & Cleaned?

Once you have a new system installed, you may be wondering what types of maintenance it requires. Do newer systems need less care? Does heightened efficiency, an appliance upgrade, or a change in fuel type affect how often you’ll need to book inspections, sweepings, and other professional services?

Well, this is a complex question that actually has an easy answer – no matter your fuel type, appliance type, or your system’s efficiency level, annual inspections are always going to be recommended.

Annual inspections will ensure everything is running as safely and as efficiently as possible, and that any damages, buildup, or missing/broken parts are promptly spotted and addressed. Remember – no matter what type of system you’re using, a fire is being lit inside of your home. Yearly checks guarantee this act is being done as safely as possible.

For the Best Care Around, Count On Us

Fireplace replacements can feel like a big job, but if you trust us for the job, all you have to do is tell us your vision, then leave the rest to our experienced crew. We have multiple industry certifications and memberships, we’re ADA compliant, and we always put the needs, budget, and wishes of our clients first and foremost.

For the best care in Austin, Schertz, Spring Branch, Helotes, or anywhere else surrounding, give us a call. We’re the team to rely on us for chimney services, chimney repairs, installation needs, and more.

Reach out at 830-620-9130 or book online now.