Increase Energy Efficiency with Fireplace Inserts
The good news? Fireplaces are a top selling feature for many new homebuyers. In fact, real estate experts rank them among the top three features requested by homebuyers during their new home search. The bad news? With increasing awareness about energy efficiency, people are identifying fireplaces as a key source of energy consumption and waste, with estimates as high as 8 percent of home draft waste being caused by fireplaces. And, there is nothing that a homeowner wants less to go along with their new mortgage than high energy bills.
However, all is not lost. You can enjoy the benefits of a fireplace, remain energy efficient and save money by using fireplace inserts.
What is a fireplace insert?
Simply put, a fireplace insert is steel or cast-iron box placed into your existing fireplace making it function more like a wood-burning stove. They come in a variety of styles and in many cases a decorative flange hugs the outside edges snugly, securing the insert and ensuring no gaps are present between the unit and sides of the masonry fireplace. Also, the inserts have clear or in some instances frosted heat-proof glass doors. The size of your insert will depend on the size of your room where it will be used.
Why do I need one?
Fireplace inserts come in handy for many reasons, but perhaps the most important one is energy efficiency. Inserts are useful because most heat of the generated by an open fire goes up in smoke, literally, right up the chimney. As you can imagine, this is immensely inefficient and can cause an increase in home energy costs over time.
How much energy can I save using an insert?
On the lower end, you can cut 10% of your heating costs using fireplace inserts. On the higher end, you can see a 40% savings. The enclosed design helps facilitate the efficiency of the burning wood, ensuring that you get the maximum heat for minimum costs. Also, many wood-burning inserts include a fan which helps circulate the warm air produced and aids efficiency and savings as well.
Another reason fireplace inserts have improved energy efficiency is due to guidelines imposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Better quality designs using more efficient materials have lead fireplace inserts to meet 60%-80% of fuel efficiency guidelines.
Where can I get a fireplace insert?
If you are in the market for a fireplace insert to transform your wood-burning fireplace, then are you are in the right place. Fireside Chimney Supply has a range of inserts to choose from. Also, installing an insert mean including a chimney liner to carry combustion gases and smoke up through your chimney. At Fireside Chimney Supply we have everything you need to totally revamp your fireplace. To learn more, contact us.