Best of Modern Fireplace Improvements
Warm fires are arguably as popular today as they were when first discovered by cave men. Fireplaces, which made it safe to bring fires inside, have been in use since the Middle Ages, and they are also as beloved a home feature as ever. It has been apparent for many decades, however, that traditional masonry fireplaces don’t actually provide a significant amount of heat to the home. Good news for all lovers of fire is that there have been innovations which have improved fireplace efficiency and provide other benefits, as well. The following are among the best modern fireplace improvements.
Fireplace Inserts
Benjamin Franklin actually came up with a type of fireplace insert that improved efficiency and safety, but modern versions are far better. What is a fireplace insert? It is essentially a well-designed wood stove that fits inside a fireplace firebox, and it transforms the fireplace into a viable source of heat. Fireplace inserts are typically installed inside masonry fireplaces, but they are also sometimes made to fit inside prefabricated fireplaces.
A fireplace insert should be installed by a professional who is factory trained; this will ensure best results in the areas of both efficiency and safety. A professional installer will also be able to evaluate whether the chimney flue needs to be replaced.
Fireplace inserts are cost-cutting appliances because, first, they prevent heated air in the home from escaping up the chimney and, second, they pay for themselves and more. Fireplace inserts provide enough heat for homeowners to turn off central heating. In addition, the environment created by a fireplace insert results in wood burning more slowly while putting off significantly more heat.
Heat Exchangers
Heat exchangers capture combustion gases generated by a gas or wood fireplace and burn the gases, producing more heat. Whether built-in or top-mounted in an existing fireplace, heat exchangers blow the additional heat into the home, either through natural air flow or by the use of a fan.
Pellet Fireplaces and Stoves
Pellet-fueled appliances are the most environmentally friendly of all heating appliances for the following reasons and more:
- Pellet stoves and pellet fireplaces burn wood waste that is highly compressed in the shape of small pellets. The wood used in the pellets would otherwise be thrown out.
- The pellets achieve almost perfect combustion. They are so efficient that very little ash is produced by pellet-fueled appliances.
- Efficiency ratings on pellet stoves and pellet fireplaces can be as high as 90% and above.
With rare exception, these unique appliances can only burn pellets. When a pellet stove or fireplace is operating properly, you pour the pellets in the hopper that leads to the burn pot and don’t need to tend to the fire again unless you want to adjust how slowly or quickly the pellets are fed into the fire or many hours later, when more pellets need to be added.
Convenient Gas Fireplaces
Homeowners have increasingly been choosing gas-fueled fireplaces. Gas fireplaces are incredibly convenient. Getting a fire started takes moments, and all that is usually needed is to flip a switch, adjust a thermostat, or use a remote control. Due to ease of use, gas fireplaces are popular for the purpose of zone heating. When you are zone heating, you turn off the central heating system and rely on other heat sources located strategically in the home, such as gas fireplaces.
Contact our professionals today for a fireplace upgrade, for any of these modern fireplace improvements, or simply to schedule an annual inspection. We take pride in helping our customers keep the home fires safely burning.
Northeastern Chimney, Inc.
37 Cody Street, West Hartford, CT 06110
Phone: 860-233-5770