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Retrofit your Old Fireplace with a Fireplace Insert

By: Mike Mussog

Fireplace inserts are a fantastic way to increase the efficiency of your old masonry fireplace. Fireplace inserts are made up of a fire box which is surrounded by a steel shell, which sits inside of an existing fireplace. Air from the room then moves into the space between the steel shell and the firebox and is circulated around the room. Because this air cannot escape up the chimney it is one of the most efficient ways of heating a room.

When choosing a fireplace insert the first decision to make is which kind of fuel you are choosing to use. If natural gas is an option for your home there are many gas burning fireplace inserts available. There is a wide variety of gas log types and many come with realistic looking glowing embers, for the wood burning fireplace feel.

If looking to get away from wood burning, and natural gas is not an option, there are always pellet burning fireplace inserts which are a very efficient way of updating an old wood burning fireplace. Pellets are made from compressed saw dust from wood mills, burning recycled byproducts is a great idea instead of burning non-renewable fuel sources.

Most masonry wood burning fireplaces are extremely inefficient. By installing a wood burning fireplace insert you can update the look of an old fireplace. The space between an existing masonry fireplace and the fireplace insert is covered by a faceplate, which come in a variety of decors to fit any room.

Despite the fuel type there are other accessories which can be added onto a fireplace insert to make it more attractive or more efficient. Glass doors can be added as a way to enjoy the look of the fire without over heating the room. These need to be cleaned often, however, as they get covered in soot and can be very unattractive. A blower can also be added, which takes the heated air from the fireplace insert and disperses it around the room. These are extremely cost efficient and a great addition to any fireplace insert.

Once the fuel type is decided it is time to chose the model. There are many existing conditions that need to be taken into consideration. In order to determine the size and type of fireplace insert, it is important to measure the existing fireplace, and examine the damper opening. It is a good idea to have a chimney sweep come in to examine the fireplace and determine it safe to put in a fireplace insert. Many times the inside of the chimney needs to be relined.

To install the fireplace insert it is advised that a professional come in to complete the job. Fireplace inserts are not only extremely heavy, but also need to be installed perfectly to prevent risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and damage to the existing fireplace.

Article Source: http://www.bluearticles.com


Since 1972, Fireplace Village New Hampshire has been a proud retailer of wood stoves, fireplaces, gas stoves, fireplace inserts and other hearth products. View more fireplace inserts products and photos. For more information or resources visit FireplaceVillage.net.

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