Improve Fireplace Efficiency With a New Fireplace Insert or Stove
Having a fireplace in your home can be a real blessing. The crackling of the wood, the soothing flicker of flames, and the radiant heat that warms your soul on a cold winter night makes it the perfect gathering place at the end of the day.
However, if your fireplace isn’t exactly as efficient as you’d hoped, you may find yourself using it less and less. Fortunately, there are ways to solve these problems, and if you live in the St. Louis area, you can count on the team here at English Sweep to provide those solutions.
We understand the value of a well-functioning fireplace and some quality products and the role it plays in your home’s comfort. That’s why we are dedicated to helping you find a fireplace insert or stove that can eliminate fireplace inefficiencies. We sell and install some of the best gas fireplace inserts and stoves on the market. For more information, call 636-225-3420 or reach out online today.
What Is a Fireplace Insert? Is It a Good Choice for Your Home?
A fireplace insert is exactly what it sounds like – a heat source that is inserted directly into your existing fireplace, offering a convenient and efficient solution for transforming your traditional fireplace into a modern and environmentally friendly heating source.
Operating an outdated system with poor heat output isn’t ideal, but neither is building an entirely new fireplace from scratch. That’s why many homeowners are excited to learn that simply retrofitting a fireplace insert into their old masonry fireplace can make a world of difference.
Whether your fireplace is outdated, a poor performer, or riddled with flaws, a gas fireplace insert may be the solution.
Some of the beneficial factors of fireplace inserts include:
More Heat:
There’s no denying inserts pour a lot more heat into your living space. If you’re looking to improve efficiency and get more warmth from your fireplace, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.
Easy Installation:
With fireplace inserts, you aren’t looking at a huge renovation job. This quick and hassle-free installation process ensures you can start enjoying your fireplace in no time, usually within a day or two.
Money Savings:
Being able to obtain more heat using less fuel results in lower energy bills. Turn down the thermostat and put that insert to good use!
Better for the Environment:
If it’s your carbon footprint you’re worried about, inserts have far less impact on the environment than their traditional counterparts. The very best inserts are EPA-approved and highly efficient, which means emissions are significantly reduced.
Less Maintenance:
Fireplace inserts are designed to burn fuel more efficiently and cleanly. In order to do that, they have sealed combustion systems that reduce the amount of ash, smoke, and creosote buildup during burning – which means less for you, as the homeowner.
Lots of Styles:
Have you ever scoured the Internet or Pinterest looking for the perfect room aesthetic? You’ll be happy to know that fireplace inserts come in a wide array of styles, from classic and traditional to sleek and modern, so finding what you like won’t be a problem.
Take a look at some of the fireplace insert options we sell and install here at English Sweep, and let us know if you have any questions. We’re happy to help determine which is the best option for your home. Questions? Call or reach out to us online now.
What Is the Best Fireplace Insert?
The best fireplace insert can vary depending on your specific needs, preferences, and the type of fuel you want to use. When you have the choice between gas fireplace inserts and electric fireplace inserts, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type in order to make a more informed decision.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts can run off of natural gas or propane and usually hook directly up to your home’s gas line. The major benefits of a gas insert is the enhanced efficiency and heating power, convenience, and clean burn that these units offer. Some also surprisingly look more realistic than you might expect.
When it comes to convenience, it can’t get any easier than pressing a button or flipping a switch. And don’t get us started on the hassle-free maintenance – where you don’t have to stack and haul firewood, clean up ash, or deal with sooty residue. With a gas fireplace insert, you can enjoy the warmth of a fire with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
One of the only downfalls to a gas fireplace insert is the initial cost to have one installed. They tend to be more expensive than the other options, which is why some people are a little more apprehensive about making the switch.
Electric Fireplace Inserts
Electric fireplace inserts are becoming increasingly popular because of their convenience and versatility. These modern heating solutions offer homeowners the freedom to enjoy a cozy fire without the need for a chimney or other venting, or the headache and mess associated with traditional fuels.
The various flame settings allow homeowners to customize their atmosphere with flame height, color, and intensity, giving you full control over the mood and appearance of your living space. The added option of being able to use your fireplace for visual appeal and practical heating purposes makes electric fireplace inserts a versatile and functional addition to any home.
So what’s the downside? Well, for one, they don’t look very realistic compared to a traditional fireplace. And two, unless you have a backup generator, they don’t work during a power outage. While electric fireplace inserts offer numerous advantages, such as convenience and efficiency, these limitations can be important considerations when deciding if they’re a right choice for your home.
Considering a Stove to Replace Your Fireplace?
Want to add a stove to a room that could use a little extra heat & charm?
If making the decision on what is best for you isn’t already hard enough, we thought we would throw in another option for you to consider. Stoves are also growing in popularity. Just like fireplace inserts, gas stoves offer exceptional heating efficiency while also giving you many different options to choose from.
If this is the route you’re taking, here’s what you have to gain:
More Heat:
As with inserts, you’ll experience a lot more heat and efficiency from a wood stove than you would with a traditional fireplace. So that makes them great at not just heating a specific room, but possibly the entire home. Stoves are also designed to minimize heat loss, which is especially important in order to ensure your heating source is both effective and cost-efficient.
Energy Independence:
Wood-burning stoves and some pellet stoves don’t rely on any electricity or gas lines, so they are able to provide a reliable heating source even during power outages.
Placement Flexibility:
Since stoves are freestanding and don’t have the weight and space requirements of a fireplace, placement options are a lot more flexible. So, go ahead – add a stove to your favorite room, no matter its size!
Attractive Styles:
Is your style traditional or modern? Intricate or sleek? There are a lot of different style options when picking out a new stove, so matching your current decor and aesthetic isn’t something to worry about.
Money Savings:
This is another feature stoves share with inserts – greater efficiency can easily result in lower energy bills! The ability to heat your home effectively with less fuel, and without the loss of heat up the chimney makes stoves a cost-effective heating solution in the long run.
Reach Out for Information on Your New Appliance
We take pride in selling and installing only the best stoves and inserts for our clients throughout St. Louis. Our experience working with chimneys and fireplaces dates back to 1979, so we know what products are reliable and which will continuously let you down. So, trust in our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified sweeps for it all!
Call English Sweep at 636-225-3340 or reach out online today.
You’ll be happy to know that our products include gas logs and installation.