Yes, you can easily add a gas fireplace insert into your existing chimney. In fact, a fireplace insert is an appliance designed to fit into an existing fireplace. Inserts are usually cut in various sizes to suit your preferences and needs. However, before you spend thousands of dollars on an insert, evaluate the pros and cons of gas fireplace installation inserts below.

Advantages of a Gas Fireplace

Efficiency

Gas logs and inserts are convenient, as you can turn them on with a flip of a switch. Some come with remote controls, which allow you to turn them on from the comfort of your couch. Some also come with timers that control the amount of fire burning at any given time.

Economical

Gas fireplaces burn natural gas and propane just like a traditional wood fireplace. However, the glass doors enhance the conversion of most of the fuel into usable heat, preventing significant heat loss. The heat generated remains inside the room rather than vanishing through the chimney. The fans preinstalled in the insert control the amount of heat entering the room.

Safety

Unlike traditional fireplaces, which need a flue through the roof, gas fireplaces are vent free. This means that they eliminate the need for back drafting, since they can be placed anywhere in your house and fitted with fire-caulked flange for additional safety. The vent free technology that comes with inserts clean the air leaving the combustion chamber, so your home does not have the smell of wood burning.

Simplicity

Gas fireplaces are hassle-free and straightforward since you only need to purchase the fireplace insert. This saves you the time to gather firewood, set up, and extinguish a fire after use.

Disadvantages of a Gas Fireplace

While a gas fireplace may seem like the perfect addition to your home, understand that one might not be the best fit in every situation. Below are a couple reasons you might think twice about investing in one:

  • Oxygen depletion sensors fitted into the gas inserts turn the fire off when they detect the presence of excess carbon monoxide emissions in your house. While this is a safety precaution, it can be disturbing particularly in the cold weather when there are guests and power outage.
  • Not all buildings allow the installation and usage of gas inserts. You have to be cautious and check the codes and rules of the building before installing them.
  • In order to dry off all the natural gas, unvented fireplaces are extremely hot, as there is no chimney for the outflow of smoke. In a homestead where there are children and pets, you have to be careful as these fireplaces can cause irreversible accidents.

CATEGORIES

RECENT POSTS