With today’s push for superior energy efficiency, an old-fashioned wood burning fireplace can be a significant issue. It allows a lot of extra heat to go up the chimney, including heat produced by a furnace or other appliance, making your home less efficient. One option to consider is a fireplace insert for your New Braunfels home. This type of appliance fits into your existing fireplace and can be a great option to consider so that you can continue enjoying your fireplace with greater efficiency.
Is it Time for a Fireplace Insert Upgrade?
A fireplace insert is a heating appliance, much like a wood stove, which can fit into your fireplace’s existing space while delivering superior efficiency. It can be operated off of firewood, wood pellets, gas, or electricity. Because it’s semi-enclosed, a fireplace insert helps to reduce or eliminate ash, soot, and odors, as well as drafts. An open wood fireplace often only has about 15% heating efficiency, while a gas fireplace insert can reach about 70% heating efficiency.
The reason these inserts are so much more efficient is that they are designed to radiate heat back into the room it’s in. It may also have a blower system that harvests additional heat from the area around the insert and blows it back into the room. Gas, wood, and wood pellet inserts will require venting, but an electric fireplace insert does not, making it a decent choice rather than rebuilding a failing chimney.
The cost of a fireplace insert depends on a range of factors, starting with fuel. You’ll also need to consider the cost of fuel in your area, the size of your home, and the volume of space that the insert will need to heat. Wood and wood pellet fuel will need a dry place to be stored during the heating season, while gas and electricity prices may be more volatile in your area and depending on market conditions.
By upgrading your fireplace with the addition of an insert, you can enjoy greater efficiency and convenience. If you’re considering making an update to your wood burning fireplace, the experienced chimney professionals at Wolfman Chimney & Fireplace in New Braunfels offer fireplace insert installations, fireplace repair, cleaning services, and much more! Why not reach out today to find out how we can help make your home more comfortable?
Reach us online, send us a text, or call us at 830-620-4335 today!