What to Know Before Choosing an LP Fireplace Insert for Your Home

In the area of fireplace upgrades, today, homeowners are wanting to upgrade using options that are efficient, convenient, and stylish. The installation of an LP fireplace insert is one of the most popular options. These propane-based systems all the coziness and atmosphere of a fireplace in your home, without all of the mess and frustration of wood-burning fireplaces. However, prior to choosing a unit, it would help to know about the various differences between models and so forth, and some information that you should know before choosing the unit.  

At Fireside, we deal with assisting homeowners to make informed fireplace choices. Our team is there to advise you through each stage of the process, to install and maintain. Thinking about a propane insert in your house? There are some basics you have to know - how both gas and propane inserts compare to each other, and what to consider when you are making your decision.  

What is an LP Fireplace Insert?  

A sealed firebox, an LP fireplace insert fits into an existing masonry or prefabricated fireplace. It burns liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, commonly called propane, to make an efficient and clean flame. They are either direct-vent systems or use vent-free air outside the house to take in air and exhaust combustion gases through a two-vent pipe, which is safer, and more efficient than an open fireplace.  

Propane inserts are particularly common in homes without natural gas lines or in houses that the homeowner would prefer to have more command over their heating. LP gas is clean burning, gives good heat output, and can be stockpiled locally in own tank.  

The Difference between LP Fireplace Inserts and Other Gas Inserts  

Gas inserts either operate on natural gas or propane. The primary distinction is the fuel source between the two:  

• Natural gas inserts are also linked with the utility supplied gas lines and are especially suitable in urban and suburb settings with adequate infrastructure.  
• LP fireplace inserts can utilize propane in an external tank and are a bit of an improved alternative in the case of rural locations, cabins, or off-the-grid residences. 

Both are similar in the way chords are ignited, flame is controlled, and how much heat is produced. Propane will also generally be hotter than natural gas, and this can equate to quicker heating and greater efficiency with proper set-up.  

The Advantages of an LP Fireplace Insert  

1. Effective Zone Heating: Zone heating is one of the best reasons why homeowners prefer an LP insert. Rather than putting on central heat to warm the overall house, with the insert, you might just target that warmth where it is more likely to be appreciated, such as in the living room or family room. In order to distribute warmer air more efficiently, many designs incorporate blowers or fans.  
2. Clean, Low Maintenance Operation: In contrast to wood-burning fireplaces, propane inserts do not generate ash, soot or creosote. It also does not need chimney sweeping and can usually just need an annual inspection and cleaning. LP gas burns clean and will make no difference in the quality of the air you breathe in your home.  
3. Convenient Usage and All-Round Performance: No firewood hauling or stoking fires and no waiting for a fire to catch when using an LP fireplace insert. The majority of units have immediate ignition, adjustable flame levels, and remote or wall-mounted controls. Most can also be tied to a thermostat to make it automatic comfort.  
4. Fashionable Design Alternatives: Modern patio fireplace placements are available in a huge variety of sizes and designs. You may want a more classic look such as logs, newer color choices available in the interior design of yours like glass media can be used. The insert can easily be complemented to your existing fireplace with trim kits, surrounds, and faceplates.  
5. Added Home Value: A gas insert of high quality can make your home attractive and valuable. It makes heating more efficient, less maintenance, and creates a modern feature that can be highlighted in online real estate ads and presented during home showings.  

Other Considerations Before Purchasing  

Before investing in a new LP fireplace insert, consider the following aspects:  

1. Old Fireplace Structure: Is your existing fireplace prefab or masonry? Depending upon the type and condition of your firebox, insert models will vary in use. A Fireside expert can also examine your current structure to advise the most suitable one.  
2. Appropriate Space and Dimensions:Inserts are available in many sizes, and the fit is vital to performance and safety. We make precise measurements of your existing firebox so that the correct sized insert and related venting parts can be ordered.  
3. Venting Requirements: The majority of LP fireplace inserts are direct-vented models said to need either outside wall or chimney flue use. When we are installing, we evaluate your area and identify the most appropriate path and material to vent.  
4. Fuel Access:Do you have a propane tank installed already, or will an addition need to be included? We assist in tank installation and fuel delivery to ensure that your system is up and running on the first day.  
5. Wanted Heat Output: The inserts vary in their BTU ratings based upon room size and insulation with varying ranges of BTUs. Fireside will assist you in selecting the perfect model to suit your heating objectives, along with whether you might desire ambiance or total supplementary heat.  
6. The Flame Style and Appearance: One of the reasons why people love gas inserts is the aspect of realism. We can demonstrate live-burning models, with various log styles, ember bed and flame patterns to help you decide on the esthetic that works in your space.  

Fireside Installation Process  

When you decide to work with Fireside, you will not only be getting a product, but also a professional service team that will be taking care of your upgrade cradle-to-cradle:  

• Consultation: We’ll visit with you or at one of our showrooms and chat about what needs to be done, your preferences, and measurements. 
• Product Selection: Depending on your firebox, fuel availability, and the style you desire we suggest LP fireplace inserts that are responsive to your requirements.  
• Installation: We install the insert with certified technicians, make venting and gas connections and make sure the insert is set up correctly.  
• Walk Through: We provide guidance on using, cleaning, and caring about your system to make you feel that you know how to control it perfectly.  
• Support: We can provide yearly service contracts, and we are ready to answer that question or offer extra upgrades.  

Typical Uses of LP Fireplace Inserts  

An LP fireplace insert is very effective in most cases:  

• Propane-based cottages and vacation houses  
• Cellars or family rooms with the comfort of zone heating  
• Natural gas-less homes wishing to continue having a high-performance fireplace  
• Older homes undergoing modernization or otherwise refurbishing  
• Subsidiary hearths which require a cost-effective, low-intensive retrofit  

Regardless of the location, an LP insert converts an otherwise inefficient fireplace in a matter of hours into an efficient and beautiful source of heat.  

Live Models in our Showroom  

At Fireside, seeing is believing, which is why we invite all homeowners to visit one of our showrooms and witness gas inserts in operation. You are able to compare flame patterns, heating capacity, noise levels, design features and then make your choice. Our professionals will guide you through various fuel comparisons, plan your venting, and esthetic options so that the final installation will be beyond your expectations.  

Get your Fireplace Upgrade Started with Fireside  

An LP fireplace insert is a good option to make your home warmer, save on energy, and skip the process of maintaining a regular home fireplace with a wood burning stove. Fireside ensures that the whole process is simple and stress-free with the help of expert knowledge and installation provided. Whether you already have a blank canvas, or you are replacing an older unit, we will be excited to assist you in finding the right model of gas insert to fit your space, your fuel system, and your lifestyle. Check out the Fireside showroom or setup an appointment to discuss your options. We will make you find out how clean, consistent, and beautiful an LP fireplace insert can be.