The cold weather is on the way. This kind of weather makes anyone want to light a fire and get cozy and warm. But, if your only option is lighting a fire in an old, open fireplace, you’re not getting the warmth you could, and in fact, your home could be leaking heat.
There is no denying that an open, masonry fireplace is attractive and rustic. But in Massachusetts, the fireplace needs more value than just being attractive. An open fireplace is inefficient as a heat source. Fortunately, with the addition of a wood-burning fireplace insert or an added gas line and a gas fireplace insert, your existing open fireplace can heat a room (or a couple rooms) better you’re your furnace. And, because fireplace inserts are sealed they also prevent drafts from the chimney from entering into the home.
An open fireplace is like leaving your door open. Drafts can come in, and heat can go out. They are open all the way to the roof. This is why homeowners today are moving toward wood-burning and gas inserts.
You may be wondering about gas. Is it really more efficient? Most gas inserts are more efficient than a home heating system. Most home heat is 70 to 80 percent efficient, gas inserts are almost 86%.
Your local fireplace retailer can help you determine whether a gas or wood burning fireplace insert is best for your home and your lifestyle. There are advantages and disadvantages of both:
Gas fireplace inserts – No real disadvantage unless it’s difficult to get a gas line. Gas inserts are very efficient, produce a lot of heat, and can be used during a power outage.
Wood burning fireplace inserts – Burning wood does produce ash and soot, so the fireplace and chimney should be cleaned at least once a year. However, you will save money on your energy bills. Burning wood is the number 1 way of saving fuel in your home.
Fireplace inserts give you a lot of heat and are safer than open fireplaces because everything is sealed behind glass; and no smells are getting into the home.
For more information on fireplace inserts, contact The Woodstove Fireplace & Patio Shop.
Excerpts – NorthJersey.com
