It’s common for people to confuse the terms fireplace and fireplace insert. What sets a fireplace different from a fireplace insert is a common topic of discussion amongst homeowners. A fireplace insert, in the simplest terms, is a stove designed to fit inside a preexisting fireplace. Many homeowners may find that investing in a fireplace insert is a good investment if they want to make their fireplaces more energy efficient.

Among the many fireplace inserts on the market now are:

• Burning pellets
• Using Propane to Burn Wood
• Electrical Generation Fueled by Natural Gas

More details about these fireplace accessories are provided below. Any homeowner thinking about installing such a fireplace will find this knowledge helpful.

In What Ways Does a Fireplace Insert Benefit It’s Owner?
An awareness of a fireplace insert’s purpose will help you tell the difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert. A fireplace insert is designed to do one thing: improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a fireplace that is otherwise inadequate.

A fireplace insert is a low-cost way to upgrade an old wood-burning or gas fireplace to a modern, energy-saving one. If you need more heat but want to reduce your fuel use, an insert for your fireplace might be the perfect solution.

Advantages of fireplace inserts include:

They help with the sealing of the current brick chimney.
Chimney drafts may be reduced with the installation of a fireplace insert.
With a fireplace insert, you may save money on heating costs while still enjoying the ambiance of a fire
How Can I Tell Whether My Fireplace Has an Insert?
To answer the question, “What is the difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert?” it helps to know whether or not you already have an insert installed. It’s probable that you have a fireplace insert if your firebox is metal and is enclosed in a steel surround.

A quick way to figure out what kind of fireplace insert you have is to look for a label. Often, this label may be found next to the fireplace insert’s gas control and pilot light. Usually seen in the area just below the barbecue. Nameplates affixed to the valve’s top might be obscured by the valve’s body and difficult to read.

Is it possible to use a fireplace insert in a room without a traditional fireplace?
There is a common misconception that a fireplace must be present in order to utilize a fireplace insert, however, this is not the case. While it has many of the same benefits as a wood stove, fireplace inserts can only be installed into preexisting brick fireplaces that already have chimneys. It follows that a hearth is needed to make use of a fireplace insert.

Can You Tell Me the Distinction Between a Firebox and an Insert?
Homeowners often get the two terms, fireplace inserts and firebox, mixed up. It’s easy to understand why people often get these two confused; a fireplace insert might easily be mistaken for the firebox.

While using a fireplace, the blaze should be built in the firebox. Brick is often used for the firebox inside stone or brick fireplaces. Prefabricated fireplaces often have metal fireboxes.

Inserts for existing fireplaces may be thought of as closed-combustion fireplaces. These closed-combustion fireboxes are installed in preexisting fireplaces to boost efficiency and heating capacity.

The lifespan of a fireplace insert.
A high-quality fireplace insert has the potential to last for decades if used and cared for correctly. Regular cleaning of the fireplace insert is a part of basic upkeep. The fireplace insert should be cleaned once a year at the absolute least. You may need to clean your fireplace insert more regularly if you use it often. At least once a year, you should hire a professional chimney sweeper to assist you with this cleaning. Following these practices will help your fireplace insert last for many more years.

A fireplace insert has a potential lifespan of 20-30 years with regular maintenance. Sometimes they even manage to outlast that. A long service life is just one more reason why fireplace inserts are a good purchase for your house.

For more information about fireplace inserts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts here at Fireplace Gallery. We’re pleased to have established ourselves as Grand Rapids, Michigan’s preferred fireplace repair team. Get in touch with us right now to learn more about our fireplace inserts and other services for homes and businesses.