Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts Can Save Or Restore Your Fireplace!

Over the years a fireplace can take a bit of a beating. There are many things that contribute to this, such as logs falling off the protective grill and scorching the floor of the fireplace, or even the poker itself missing and over the years poking holes in the foundation. For many this turns the fireplace into a problem to use as eventually even holding the grill steady becomes hard. Luckily, the wood burning fireplace inserts come to the rescue.

What are wood burning fireplace inserts? This is essentially a unit that you slip into the hole of your fireplace that will essentially rekindle your fireplaces internal structure, bringing the fireplace to look, function, and act like new! If your fireplace is not worn down just yet and you want to protect your investment (the house value etc..) you can also insert one of these to maintain and strengthen the fireplace infrastructure. Either way the insert is often made of a very tough material that will stand the test of time. Wood burning fireplace inserts are like a bullet proof vest for your fireplace, protecting it from just about anything you could put it through.

Wood burning fireplace inserts come in many different styles and some have different features as well. If heat is all your after in your fireplace, you may want to consider the gas fireplace inserts instead. These are low to no maintenance units that use a simulated fire (that often looks real) to bring beauty and heat to your home. Many people still prefer the real wood burning fires over gas or artificial fireplaces and so the wood burning fireplace inserts allow them to continue to enjoy them for decades or more. These inserts often don’t look like inserts at all; they often look like they were built in from the start!

Finding these inserts is pretty easy as they are quickly becoming the standard in fireplaces all over the world. You can find a selection of these in many stores around town as well as specialty shops and internet catalogs. The beauty of looking them up on the web is being able to see pictures before you go out and look at the brick and mortar stores. This way you know what your looking for and can read up on them at the same time.

By: Simon Harris

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Gas Fireplace Inserts

Nothing beats the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fireplace. If you are looking at purchasing or upgrading a fireplace, wood stove or fireplace insert (or any hearth appliance) there are lots of choices. Depending on the style and features of your home, your energy needs, design preferences and budget there are many hearth options to choose from.

Masonry Fireplaces

New masonry fireplaces have come a long way since the days when they provided more ambiance than warmth. Today’s models are much more energy-efficient and some European models can even heat an entire small home. The cost of a masonry fireplace varies, depending on a number of factors, including type of material used (particularly on the fireplace face, which could be composed of marble, granite, brick, etc.), the hearth (brick, stone, concrete, tile, marble or wood) and other factors such as chimney liners and chimney caps.

Gas Fireplaces

Housed in their own metal casing, gas fireplaces can be installed just about anywhere. Inside the gas fireplace you will find ceramic logs, fiber gas logs or glass or crystal elements and a burner that produces a glowing natural gas-powered flame. These new gas fireplaces are not the old gas fireplaces. The quantity and quality of the flame has been dramatically improved and most now have the look and feel of a traditional wood burning fireplace. Many gas fireplaces now have flames that are difficult to distinguish from wood burning fire flames. Modern gas fireplaces also come with electronic remote controls and automatic fans to better circulate the heat. The new remote controls are relatively sophisticated with touch screens, child safety locks and automated temperature control operation.

There are three different styles of gas fireplaces: the direct vent model, the top vent design, and the vent-free model.

The direct vent gas fireplace uses two vent pipes that lead directly to the outside. One pipe uses combustion air from the outside while the other vents the exhaust gas.

The top vent gas fireplace design can be installed into existing fireplaces and uses the metal or brick chimney as the exhaust vent. The combustion air for top vent fireplaces is drawn from inside the home while the chimney vents the exhaust gas.

The vent-free gas fireplace model uses no exhaust vent. This style includes an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns off the gas if it senses a dangerous lack of oxygen inside the house. While fireplace manufacturers claim that vent-free fireplaces burn clean, are energy-efficient and don’t threaten indoor air quality, be aware that a number of states do not permit the installation of vent-free fireplaces. In the New England states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and Connecticut installation of vent-free gas fireplaces is permitted. Massachusetts has in the past not authorized the installation of vent free gas fireplaces for safety reasons.

Prefabricated Fireplaces

Prefabricated fireplaces, also known as zero-clearance fireplaces, are highly insulated, so they can be installed within an inch of combustible materials, such as wall framing. They are preferred in new construction because they’re much lighter in weight, are faster and easier to install than standard masonry units, and are energy-efficient. Many newer prefabricated fireplaces are prefabricated from metal and installed in wood-frame walls. They generally have a metal shell and a realistic brick-lined firebox.

Wood Stoves

A wood stove is essentially a metal container for a fire. Made from cast iron or brick-lined, welded plate steel, a wood stove has an inlet for combustion air and an outlet for combustion gases, or smoke. Most modern wood stoves are airtight and allow the amount of combustion air that feeds the flame to be controlled. This control allows a wood stove to burn far more efficiently than a traditional open fireplace.

Wood stoves built during the 1970s and early 1980s offer efficiencies of 50 to 60 percent. Those built since new governmental requirements were put in place in 1988 offer 75 percent or higher overall efficiency; that is, they convert up to 75 percent or more of their fuel into heat. Concern about particulate emissions or air pollution carried by wood smoke have also forced changes in wood stove designs. Although old wood stoves gave off up to 50 grams of particulates per hour in smoke, new certified stoves give off only about 5 grams.

Most new wood stoves are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and come in many styles and colors. If you thought that wood stoves only came in black and belched smoke then think again. The new wood stoves are energy efficient, clean burning and there is a wood stove to fit any home or life style.

Fireplace Inserts

If you have a masonry fireplace but don’t like the associated, draftiness, energy costs or overall inefficiency, you should consider purchasing a fireplace insert, sometimes referred to as a fireplace stove insert. A fireplace insert is basically a wood stove designed to fit into a fireplace. Fireplace inserts are usually constructed of cast iron or steel just like wood stoves.

Installing a fireplace insert will typically require the installation of a chimney liner. The chimney liner essentially narrows and insulates the chimney vent and connects directly onto the fireplace insert creating a closed highly efficient system. No more opening and closing the damper. Fireplace inserts can use various fuel options and are clean burning (minimal smoke and particulate emissions). Fireplace inserts like wood stoves are heavy, usually weighing upwards of 300 pounds. This means delivery and installation are better left to certified installers or professional chimney sweeps.

Gas fireplace inserts utilize natural gas or liquid propane as the fuel source and consist of a gas log set installed into a steel or cast iron stove and are usually sealed on the front with glass. Most gas inserts have fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat. Gas inserts are available with remote controls, wall switches or wall-mounted thermostats.

Wood-burning fireplace inserts use firewood as the fuel source. Wood inserts come with fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat. Wood burning inserts would typically include an operable glass door in the front to allow for loading of firewood and flame viewing. Wood inserts vary in size of flame viewing area (the bigger the better) and maximum log length that can be inserted into the stove for burning.

Pellet fireplace inserts use wood pellets or other types of pellets (corn based, soy based, etc.) as the fuel source. Pellet fireplace inserts come with fans or blowers that automatically circulate the heat.

Pellet-Burning Hearth Appliances

Pellet-burning hearth appliances are simpler to operate and more convenient than other wood-burning appliances. In fact, they are almost as easy to use as gas, oil or electric heaters. Pellet stoves and pellet inserts burn wood pellets or compressed wood. Pellet-burning hearth appliances are loaded with pellets through a hopper and the rate of burn is controlled by an electronic circuit board that is typically controlled by burn settings or a thermostat. Most pellet appliances have at least two burn settings and some new models use thermostats to control the fire. They also use a forced-air system to distribute the wood pellet heat. Pellet-burning appliances are highly efficient, clean burning and environmentally friendly.

Pellet stoves burn wood very efficiently and many do not need chimneys. Rather, they can exhaust fumes by venting directly through a wall to the outdoors. Pellet-burning appliances need to be refueled less frequently than most other wood burning appliances. Refueling varies from once a day to twice a week, depending on the model and your heating needs. Most pellet stoves require electricity to operate.

Customizing Your Fireplace

Your fireplace can be customized with a variety of functional and stylistic options.

Gas fireplaces, for instance, feature three different kinds of logs: vented logs that provide a realistic burning wood look with less heat; ventless logs, which produce a yellow flame with a high degree of efficiency; and partially vented logs which provide a middle ground option in warmth, appearance and efficiency. Each type of gas log is available in many different gas log set styles including types of wood (oak, cedar, northern oak, etc.), flame size and color and other unique and interesting styles (camp fire, beach fire, glass, crystal, etc.).

Gas fireplaces, gas stoves and gas inserts can all be used with remote controls, wall switches and wall mounted thermostats.

Other options or accessories for fireplaces include a wide array of hearth rugs, custom glass doors, ash containers and buckets, wood holders, fire starters, flame enhancers, fireplace screens, tools and fireplace gloves. There are many accessories and options available for wood stoves as well. The most popular options include tool sets, hearth rugs, stove scents and steamers.

By: Mike Mussog

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Visit Gas Fireplace Inserts Website

A perfect outdoor accessory, an outdoor gas fireplace with its sleek profile and heat efficiency, is a highly popular alternative to the huge masonry wood-burning outdoor fireplace. Outdoor gas fireplace is specially designed to provide the warmth and allure of an outdoor campfire.

Compared to the conventional wood-burning outdoor fireplace, the outdoor gas fireplace offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a long-lasting dancing flame. It produces less smoke and sparks.

Combining ease and durability, outdoor gas fireplaces are generally classified as direct-vent and vent-less outdoor gas fireplaces. The direct-vent outdoor gas fireplace is vented to the exterior through a hole in the wall. No venting is required in the case of vent-less outdoor gas fireplace. With the help of gas inserts, one can convert an existing outdoor wood fireplace to an outdoor gas fireplace.

Usually, outdoor gas fireplace burns propane or natural gas. A standard propane gas tank is required for a propane outdoor gas fireplace. An outdoor gas fireplace that burns natural gas produces lesser amount of carbon monoxide, deadly pollutants, and particulate emission.

An outdoor gas fireplace has a burner, which heats the fireplace. The most preferred one is a stainless steel burner, as it heats up quickly. Weather-resistant fiber/ ceramic logs are used in outdoor fireplace, which emulate the appearance of log burning. An adjustable knob is provided to regulate the flow of gas into the combustible chamber. Safety valve control is also available. In addition, some outdoor gas fireplaces feature easy push button ignition, variable speed fans, and glass faces.

Most of the outdoor gas fireplaces are portable. They have pull handles and wheels. Some models have barbeque grills and other additional cooking options.

The outdoor gas fireplace which compliments the patio, backyard, or poolside must be weather-proof. Stainless steel, durable cast iron, or aluminum alloy are commonly used for its construction.

By: Josh Riverside

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Visit Gas Fireplace Inserts Website

Gas fireplaces with gas logs require little cleaning or maintenance throughout the year. Because they don’t use wood, there are no ashes, partially burned logs, or soot to deal with. They do require some annual maintenance however, as well as periodic professional maintenance.

Annual Maintenance for Gas Fireplaces

Each year, you should perform these simple steps to clean your gas fireplace and ensure that it’s working properly. You can hire a professional to do it, or you can do it yourself. If you have a vented gas fireplace, there is slightly more maintenance, but it’s still manageable.

1. Turn off the gas valve, pilot light, and electrical igniter.

2. Remove the gas fireplace insert and take it outside.

3. Dust off the insert. Visually check it for cracks. Most inserts are concrete, so you shouldn’t see cracks, but call a professional if you spot any or see excessive wear around the gas release valves.

4. Dust and vacuum the fire box.

5. Remove the glass doors. Clean them with vinegar and water or glass cleaner. If the doors have developed a white film or fog, buy a special glass door cleaner to remove it.

6. Inspect the lines and valves for cracks and wear. Make sure all the connections are tight.

7. Reassemble the fireplace. Relight the pilot and perform a 30-minute test burn to ensure all parts are working properly.

Professional Maintenance for Gas Fireplaces

In addition to the annual maintenance you can perform yourself, you should have your gas fireplace inspected by a professional periodically. Manufacturers recommend once a year, but every two to three years should be sufficient unless you use the fireplace heavily.

At the visit, the technician will perform all of the above maintenance. He’ll also check the pilot and electrical igniter, valve pressure, log position, electrical connections, and heat exchange. In addition, he’ll test for gas leaks, inspect the chimney for cracks, and inspect the flue for rust caused by moisture in the gas.

If necessary, the technician will replace parts, replace the embers that wear out faster than the logs, and repaint the interior to correct any heat-induced discoloration.

Although gas fireplaces require less maintenance than wood-burning fireplaces, they’re not maintenance-free. Perform these checks annually and schedule periodic service visits to ensure your safety and the proper function of your fireplace.

By: Lisa Becker

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Everyone loves the sound of crackling logs and the red glow of golden embers. Not everyone wants to deal with the headaches of a wood-burning fireplace, though. In this era of endless multi-tasking, who has time to chop wood and kindle flames? Thanks to the new generation of gas fireplace logs, you don’t have to. It is now possible to have quite realistic “wood” fires, without the wood.

Today’s gas fireplace logs are designed to look as close to real wood as possible. Though they are made of ceramic, ceramic fiber or concrete, they are created to simulate real wood. Most even come with such authentic touches as ax marks and knots. These real-looking gas fireplace logs, combined with the more genuine looking flames of many fireplaces, unite to make a fireplace that is very close to wood-burning in looks and warmth.

Gas fireplace logs can be installed in most masonry fireplaces, prefabricated wood-burning fireplaces, and ventless fireplaces. Gas fireplace logs come as either vented or ventless—make sure you use the appropriate kind for your fireplace. Vented gas and direct gas fireplaces come equipped with factory installed logs. Generally, these cannot be changed.

Gas fireplace logs are available at many online outlets including the following. Home of Décor features a very helpful FAQ section, in addition to an excellent selection of gas fireplace logs. Elite Deals offers an assortment of Peterson Real Fyre Gas Logs. Peterson logs come with high definition bark and natural colors.
Home Click offers a variety of vent free and ventless gas fireplace logs. Stove City offers fireplace logs and accessories at wholesale prices.

A search for “gas fireplace logs” on any search engine will uncover numerous companies offering gas logs. You can compare features and prices and the click of a mouse. Before you purchase logs, find out if your area requires any special testing or certification of gas logs.

By: Eric Morris

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Many people want the atmosphere and ambiance of having a fireplace but don’t want to mess with chopping wood or hauling ashes outside. Here are some of our common questions and answers about gas fireplaces to help you decide if this is the best option for your home and family.

Can I convert my wood burning fireplace into one that works with gas?

Yes. There are manufacturers who make gas fireplace inserts designed specifically for this purpose. Be sure to ask your vendor to verify your chosen style will work that way. But it is definitely possible and often quite simple.

Can I do my own installation?

Yes, although we usually recommend that if you don’t have any experience with this type of thing or aren’t the handyman type then you should have a professional do it for you. In some areas the housing codes require that a professional do the installation so be sure to check with your local authorities to be sure.

I don’t have any open wall space, can you tell me my best options?

The obvious solution is to make space, but beyond that we strongly suggest getting a corner fireplace. They’re perfect designed just for corners, take up very little space and are just as beautiful as those which sit flat against the wall.

Are there any hidden costs?

Typically when you buy a gas fireplace it comes with everything you need except the venting, gas lines and sometimes the grills for the inside. As with any product line there are custom accessories you can purchase, but they are not required in order to make the fireplace function.

Can I convert my propane fireplace to natural gas or do I have to buy a new one?

Check with your specific vendor, but many of them can be converted to natural gas if that fuel source is now cheaper in your area. It definitely pays to evaluate the costs of your fuel choices (primarily propane or natural gas) as there can be wide differences in price.

If I lose electrical power in my home will the fireplace still run?

It will if the fireplace has its own standing pilot installed. For many units this comes standard. In these cases there is no electric source required so it will function in the event of a power outage, making it an excellent heat source that is reliable and available during winter storms.

By: Alana Tanner

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By: Simon P Smith

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Fireplaces not only provide warmth but also add class to a home. It is an element that most house owners prefer to have. Traditional wood-burning masonry fireplaces have an irreplaceable charm. There is however an increasing concern in the quality of air circulated indoors due to the burning of wood. Owing to this, gas fireplaces have taken over as a favored alternative. They are energy efficient, are economical to maintain and can be installed anywhere.

Traditional wood burning, masonry fireplaces are simple in their construction. They do not require replacement of many parts. The only major requirements are wood to burn the fire, and a cleaning rod to dust out the carbon that gets accumulated in the chimney. There are various cleaning agencies that undertake the job of cleaning up the carbon-laden chimneys.

Gas fireplaces operate on gas or propane without emitting smoke or noxious fumes. The chimney and burn unit do not require constant cleaning. However, it needs attention in order to be kept in top operating condition. Most gas fireplace units feature a thermostat or remote control along with a fan kit for optimal heat circulation and maximum energy efficiency. The fan kit is an important element that needs special attention. The fireplace would come to a cold halt if the kit were clogged. The gas required for heating is passed through pipes. The pipes must be regularly replaced to avoid any leaks. The service agreement with the company usually includes the replacement of these parts.

Fireplace parts are available online. There are many companies that specialize in parts for Gas fireplaces. They also provide parts to enhance the look of the fireplace like mantels, blowers and other trim kits.

By: Eric Morris

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Dimplex electric insert fireplaces are ideal for you to purchase, especially with the cost of rising gas fuel. The electric fireplace will not only heat your room because there are so many attractive designs to choose from they will add a touch of elegance to any room.

Modern technology has moved on greatly over the years and with the invention of the modern electric fireplace that dimplex has to offer, these heating units are terrific value. If you have a room where you would like to install one, don’t forget to turn down the thermostat in the house, this will help to cut down your gas bill and save you money.

Dimplex electric insert fireplaces are easy to install as long as you have an electric plug outlet nearby. There is no installation mess involved or major refurbishments needed to your home. The fireplace can sit quite comfortably against any wall in the room of your choice.

The fireplaces are ready assembled and are lighter than they look; this is great because it gives you the chance to move it to a different room at a later date if you wish to. If you decide to purchase one, you will have a beautiful portable fireplace that saves you money as well.

There is without a doubt a fantastic feature with the dimplex electric insert fireplace, and that is the way the flames move when the fire is switched on. Those family and friends when first walking into the room will be deceived into thinking it is a real working fire.

The fireplaces themselves come in a variety of styles, and colors offering you the chance of various options with all the different fires. Thermostats on all the fires come as standard, this will allow you to control the temperature. Also, some come with a switch to turn off the heat, leaving you the option of just having the flame glowing.

By: Blake Allen

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Needless to say, most of us dream of a home where a beautiful and charming fireplace cozies up a room. Many of us dream of bitter cold days and nights which can be warmed up by a glowing and romantic fire. While most of us would love to have such fixtures in our homes, not everyone can actually afford to have even one. The price of construction and available space are all factors that block us from having fireplaces. In these modern times, however, we are blessed with such innovations that allow us to create our homes the way we want to regardless of the limited budget and space. One such solution is gel fireplace inserts.

Gel fireplace inserts can now be easily bought from home shops and even from online stores. You can easily order them and there would be no problem of constructing a whole new traditional fireplace. Making use of the various FP inserts does not only provide most with the chance to have their own fire and hearth even without being wealthy but it also allows smaller houses or smaller rooms to have the warmth and fire they deserve.

One great advantage to gel FP inserts is the fact that they are portable. They can be bought as is and they can be easily set up in any kind of room. If you want to transfer the fireplace insert, then you just do so as it is not permanently fixed on a corner or a wall of your home. For this reason, fireplace inserts are in high demand because they provide you with the flexibility of decorating your home the way you want to.

Another advantage to the gel-based FP inserts is that they do not produce any kind of unhealthy smoke or soot. Unlike coals or the usual wooden logs which produce smoke and release carbon monoxide, gel fireplace inserts are made in such a way that they can be vent-less. You do not need vents or chimneys because there is no smoke or soot released. For this reason too, these fireplace inserts are easier to maintain and clean. Since they are vent-less, you will also be assured of a more energy-efficient fireplace as the warmth do not escape through chimneys or vents.

Gel fireplace inserts truly provide you much more than the traditional fireplace. It is the perfect room fixture if you want cozy nights or romantic evenings. You do not need to exert much effort in making a good fire as gel fuel cans are used. These gel fuel cans are easy to turn off and can be reused if you have not consumed all of it.

Creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere as well as having comforting warmth in any room of the house is never difficult nor costly with the use of the various types of fireplace inserts. Long gone are the days when you have to have a mansion-type home to have a great looking and fully functional fireplace. With fireplace inserts that use gel fuel, you can easily have your dream of having a pretty fireplace anytime of the year.

By: Viliam V. Kanis

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