Homeowners who are looking for a balance between comfort, efficiency and design, fireplaces are central to how a space feels and works – especially in the colder months. Gas fireplaces have specifically been lauded for their convenience and clean burning properties over the years. But what most homeowners fail to understand is that older gas fireplace systems may not adhere to the current standards of energy efficiency, safety, or style today. That’s where fireplace inserts for gas fireplace systems come into play.
At Fireside we focus on educating homeowners at the right time for a home upgrade and more importantly, why a gas fireplace insert may be the best option for your home. If your fireplace is not performing well, looking old or just does not fit the interior of your house anymore, then this guide will help you get the necessary information on replacing it with a gas insert.
What Are Fireplace Inserts for Gas Fireplace Systems?
A fireplace insert is an internal heating appliance that is set directly into an existing fireplace structure. These inserts are designed to improve the performance, efficiency, and look of outdated fireplace systems. While fireplace inserts come in various fuel types (wood, electric, pellet), fireplace inserts for gas fireplace setups are specifically designed to work with natural gas or propane as a fuel source.
While old traditional gas fireplaces vented through a chimney or wall less precisely, modern gas inserts are sealed systems. They pull combustion air from outside, exhaust gases outside, and press warm air right into your living space – making them significantly more efficient and more cost-effective.
Indicators Your Gas Fireplace Is Overdue for Replacement
Thinking whether your current setup needs an upgrade? Below are some common indications that a fireplace insert for gas fireplace should be considered:
1. The Age of Your Fireplace is More Than 15 Years
Even if still functional, older gas fireplaces are not likely to have either the heating performance or safety features of current models. Energy efficiency standards have increased dramatically; so, you might be wasting a lot of heat—and money by sticking with an old unit.
2. Uneven or Insufficient Heat
If your fireplace seems to only warm the immediate area rather than the whole room and you are still using your central heating system to stay warm, a high efficiency insert will fill that void.
3. High Energy Bills in Winter
Inefficient fireplaces become even more expensive to use as energy prices increase. Gas inserts burn fuel more cleanly and distribute heat evenly therefore enabling you to spend less on your bills each month.
4. No Blower or Heat Circulation Abilities
Older units are usually without fans or blowers to circulate warm air. Many newer fireplace inserts for gas fireplace systems include built-in circulation systems for improved performance.
5. Dated Appearance
At times it is not only about functionality. Your interior style can be clashed by an outdated fireplace. Upgrading to a contemporary insert provides you with an opportunity to improve home’s look and heating efficiency.
Why It Is Important to Upgrade to a Fireplace Insert?
1. Increased Energy Efficiency
Modern gas inserts can achieve efficiency ratings of 70%–85%, while open fireplaces will only be 10%–20% efficient. This implies more heat is retained in your home instead of escaping up the chimney.
2. Cleaner Combustion
A properly sealed fireplace insert for gas fireplace burns fuel more efficiently thus emitting less emissions and indoor air pollutants. This is beneficial for both the environmental performance and the indoor air quality.
3. Better Heat Distribution
Built in blowers and thermostatic controls are used to control the heat output. Rather than heating up a small area or allowing warm air to rise and escape, gas inserts provide even warmth in the room.
4. Customizable Control
Many modern gas inserts have a remote, a wall mounted thermostat, or mark the point where you can control temperature, flame, and fan with your smartphone.
5. Enhanced Safety
Fireplace inserts come with modern safety features that include automatic shut-off valves, cool-touch glass, and oxygen depletion sensors. A sealed combustion system also implies less to worry about when it comes to carbon monoxide leaks or back drafting.
Types of Gas Fireplace Inserts
There are a few main types of fireplace inserts for gas fireplace systems to consider, depending on your needs:
- Direct Vent Inserts: These are the most popular and effective solution that takes in outside air and exhausts through a dual-chamber system. Great for airtight homes.
- Natural Vent (B-Vent) Inserts: These draw combustion air from inside the house and require vertical flue system. Inefficient but it might work for some configurations.
- Vent-Free Inserts: These do not need chimney or flue. Even though convenient, they are generally restricted or regulated in some places because of indoor air quality issues.
Fireside can assist you in determining what type of insert to use depending on your existing set-up, size of the room, ventilation, and local code.
The Upgrade Process with Fireside
It is a wise decision to upgrade your gas fireplace, but one you shouldn’t make on your own. At Fireside, we provide a comprehensive guided process to ensure that the process is easy and stress-free.
Step 1: In-Home Evaluation
Our experts evaluate your current fireplace, venting, and construction. We will measure, assess the state of your unit, discuss your heating needs, and aesthetic goals.
Step 2: Product Recommendations
We’ll present a curated selection of high-quality fireplace inserts for gas fireplace systems that fit your home and budget. You will learn from the best advice on BTU output, efficiency ratings, style options, etc.
Step 3: Professional Installation
Our certified installers make sure that things are done to code; venting, gas line connection etc. We will also take you through the procedure of operating and maintaining your new insert.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
We provide maintenance services and checkups to ensure that your system works efficiently. If you are looking for seasonal cleaning or part replacements, Fireside is there for the long run.
Style and Design Options
Today’s gas inserts are not only better performing, but they look better as well. Depending on a variety of choices from classic to modern, you can adapt to:
- Firebox liners (brick, black reflective, stone)
- Differing surrounds and faceplates in different finishes
- Gas log sets that imitate natural wood.
- Glass or ember beds for a more modern look
- Remote or app control interfaces
Your fireplace is a focal point to the eyes. A good insert can enhance the overall look & feel of your living room.
The Long-Term Value of Upgrading
The investment in a fireplace insert for systems of gas fireplaces is quite profitable in several ways, such as:
- Lower monthly heating bills
- Increased home resale value
- Improved indoor air quality
- Aesthetic upgrades without full remodels
- Safety upgrades to provide a sense of peace of mind
Upgrading is not only about heat, it is about making a comfortable, appealing, and energy efficient home environment.
Upgrade Smarter with Fireside
If your gas fireplace does not meet expectations or if you are planning to improve your home efficiency, then it might be the time to consider modern fireplace inserts. These have powerful upgrades that provide consistent warmth, better control, improved safety, and a variety of design options.
At Fireside, we are proud to walk our customers through the entire process of upgrading. With expertise, quality products and perfect installation, we assist in transforming old fireplaces into reliable sources of heat and aesthetics.
Ready to make the switch? Find out the convenience and savings of upgrading your fireplace to a high-efficiency gas fireplace insert. Call Fireside today to be scheduled for your consultation.