Is It Time to Replace Your Fireplace? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Having a fireplace is often what makes a home cozy and inviting. Even the most attractive hearths will eventually come to an end. If your fireplace is outdated, inefficient, or showing signs of wear, it could be time to consider a fireplace replacement. Upgrading your fireplace makes your home safer, more efficient and prettier.

Fireside is here to help homeowners pick out and install their new fireplaces. Here's what you need to know about recognizing when it's time for a change — and how a fireplace replacement can breathe new life into your home.

Evidence of Deterioration

If you notice wear and tear on your fireplace, it's a sure sign it needs some work. With age, masonry looks cracked, many metal components rust and the building's finishes wear away. Minor cracks around your furnace can let dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide seep inside your house.

Things to keep an eye out for are:

Damaged or missing bricks
Rust on the doors, dampers or liners of your fireplace
A firebox that is not shaped properly
A lot of soot or marks

If you see any of these problems, getting a professional inspection is very important. Depending on the extent of the damage, a fireplace replacement may be the safest and most cost-effective solution.

Heating that Doesn't Work Properly

Traditional, older open wood-burning fireplaces often let a lot of heat escape from your home. It might be sucking up your home's warm air and sending it out the chimney. Should you keep turning on the furnace even as the fireplace is on, it's likely your furnace is no longer working as it should.

Energy efficiency is a main feature of today's gas, electric and pellet fireplaces. Swapping an old fireplace for a new high-efficiency insert or unit can save you energy, cut down your bills and keep your home warm all the time.

Outdated Appearance

Even if your fireplace works, an older style may make your entire home seem outdated. Today's modern or transitional styles may be very different from the styles of the past. If your fireplace has dark bricks, heavy mantels or old brass accents, it's probably time to give it an update.

A fireplace replacement gives you the opportunity to update the aesthetic of your living room, family room, or even an outdoor patio. You can find plenty of modern, classic or contemporary fireplace designs at Fireside, so your new fireplace will suit your home perfectly.

Frequent Repairs

If you keep calling a technician for your fireplace, it may be time to replace it. Often fixing the same issues becomes very costly and may point to the system breaking down sooner than it can be restored.

Common problems that signal the need for a fireplace replacement include:

Problems with the pilot light that don't go away
Trouble with starting and keeping a fire going
The fire's heat isn't always the same
Odors that do not disappear or smoke that leaks into the house

Instead of keeping your fireplace patched and repaired, a new one gives you better security, dependability and lasting savings.

Safety Concerns

Putting your family's safety first is most important. Fire hazards, gas leaks or emissions from your fireplace, however small, require you to replace it — it's not optional.

Some safety red flags you should watch out for are:

Smell odd scents coming up from the fireplace
The smoke getting pushed into the room
An alarm from a carbon monoxide detector went off just near the fireplace
Signs that your chimney is blocked or has creosote buildup
Problems with the ventilation systems

Fireside's professional team is trained to assess fireplace safety and recommend the best course of action, whether that's repairing, relining, or full fireplace replacement to ensure your peace of mind.

Why Should You Replace Your Fireplace

Swapping out your fireplace can solve issues and also make your home more comfortable.

1. Having a pool often makes your house worth more. A contemporary and efficient fireplace adds value to your home when you decide to sell.

2. Improved Ways to Keep the Home Warm: The latest fireplace designs help you keep your home warm and comfortable, while saving money on energy bills.

3. Enhanced Aesthetics: Choosing between minimalist designs and traditional rustic styles, you can now have a fireplace that fits your personal style.

4. Lower Maintenance: New fireplaces are designed to be solid and easy to maintain, so you don't have to clean them often.

5. Environmental Benefits: Currently, new units are built to use less fuel and produce fewer pollutants than older models.

When Should You Start Planning Your Fireplace Replacement?

Fall and winter are the peak seasons for fireplace use, so it's ideal to plan your fireplace replacement during spring or summer. That's why you are able to:

Plan your installations with a schedule that suits you
Don't be tempted to hurry your decisions because it's a certain season
Don't wait until cold weather to ensure your new fireplace is set up

If you choose Fireside for your replacement project, you'll get help from an experienced team every step of the way.

Trust Fireside to Guide You Through Fireplace Replacement

We realize at Fireside that choosing to update your fireplace is a significant choice. Therefore, we walk you through an extensive consultation to decide on the right type, size and style of furnace for your heating needs, tastes and budget.

We specialize in every type of fireplace replacement, whether you're converting from wood to gas, upgrading to an electric unit, or simply refreshing the look of your space. Thanks to our expert installation, top products and personal service, Fireside is ready to help you make your home safer, cozier and more beautiful.

Ready to begin your fireplace replacement journey?

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