Gas Fireplace Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts give the homeowner the ability to have a blazing hot fire to warm their home during the winter months, without having to deal with ashes, seasoned wood and poor efficiency. These inserts are able to be used in any home where a masonry fireplace exists, even if it not necessarily the most usable. As you consider the options you have for inserts, consider the benefits of gas inserts specifically.

A gas insert is a steel encased firebox that is positioned inside of an already designed and usable masonry fireplace. Some other types of inserts, such as electric, do not need any venting. Most gas inserts do need venting through the chimney. They are vented through a pipe that moves the fumes up into the chimney and outside. If you look within the firebox, you see nice looking logs that serve only as a decorative element. Underneath, there are gas jets working to make the fire.

Once the gas is ignited, the firebox draws in the cold air from the surrounding room and heats it. The air warms between the inner firebox and the surrounding steel shell. The air is then forced out the top of the shell into the room. Very little of the heated air actually escapes through the chimney, as is the normal situation with traditional fireplaces. Some models of inserts also contain a fan or blower that pushes the air out into the room.

The question many people have is very simple: why not use a traditional fireplace instead of the insert? Because of the design of the firebox and the outer shell, heated air is easily contained and then forced into the room. This means that 90 percent or more of the heated air is pumped into the room. In a traditional wood burning fireplace, as little as 10 percent of the heated air enters the room with most of the air exiting through the chimney.

Therefore, the key benefit here is the added efficiency. You can heat your home using these inserts and decrease your dependency on your furnace. The cost of using a gas insert may be less than powering a gas furnace, but your furnace and fireplace technicians can help you to determine the benefit of this.

Another benefit of these inserts is that they still create the charm and character of a fireplace without the mess and upkeep. For those homeowners looking for a nice look to their living room, the inserts work well. They can be made in many different styles, including those with metal fronts or others with a masonry look. Some can be made of glass, too. Each design is unique, yet they each have the ability to generate a very real looking fire burning within.

Gas fireplace inserts come in a variety of styles and designs. These are just cosmetic differences, though. It is also important to consider the actual functionality of the insert prior to purchasing. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Choose the proper venting: Direct venting, Indirect venting and B Venting are all options with fireplace inserts. Select the model appropriate for the venting available within your home's masonry fireplace.

• Learn the efficiency of the insert: Some inserts are more efficient than others. The higher the efficiency level, the less fuel is consumed. The more efficient, the more costly the insert is. Find the right level of efficiency for your budget.

• Ensure Ventilation: for those inserts that are vent free or “ventless,” it is essential to ensure the insert is equipped with an ODS, or Oxygen Depletion System, which shuts off the gas should the level of oxygen in the home drop more than two percent.

Gas fireplace inserts are able to reduce the cost of energy considerably. Many have an energy efficiency rating of 99 percent. Turn down the thermostat for the entire home and instead use an insert to heat those rooms of your home you are most often in. This will save you money and create a warm spot for a good book..

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