As a homeowner, it is always a good idea to research how to run your house more efficiently. A great way to save money on heating, while making your home more energy efficient, is to have a professional install a fireplace insert into your existing fireplace. There are various brands and styles of inserts, but the first thing you will want to do is decide which type of insert is best for you – wood, pellet, or gas.
Types of Inserts
- Wood: Many people love wood fireplaces because of their old-style charm and may feel that starting a fire with the flip of switch takes away from that. You can save energy and maintain the genuine fireplace atmosphere by investing in a wood-burning insert. You can continue burning logs, while having a more modern & energy efficient system that will save you money in the long run.
- Pellet: With a pellet insert, you will be able to burn pellets made of recycled materials, such as wood shavings, corn, peanut shells, and things similar. Because of this, it is an environmentally-friendly option and you will save on heating bills. They also will create less of the residue that results from wood-burning, such as creosote.
- Gas: A gas insert will function with the flip of a switch, so if you are looking for the highest level of convenience, then this is the option for you. Real flames will burn on decorative wood, so you can still maintain the classic look of the fireplace, while saving energy and keeping more cash in your pocket. Not to mention, there is almost no residue build up or negative pollutants entering the air in your home.
The Right Pick for You
After becoming educated on the types of inserts, it is important to analyze which investment would be right for you. While an insert will save you money in the long run and prove to be a healthier option for the planet, it will have initial purchasing and installation costs, making it a decision that you will not want to rush into. Here are some things to consider when making this important decision.
- Consider how much time you have to spend on maintaining a fireplace. If you are busy, a gas option might be the best fit, as it requires the least amount of maintenance.
- If you want a fireplace that will bring you back to an older time when you use it, a wood insert might be a good fit, allowing you to burn logs as you would with a regular fireplace.
- If you are more “green-minded” and want an option that will be best for the planet, all of the choices will be better than a traditional fireplace. You will have to consider which option fits in best with your lifestyle. If you have a lot of burnable material that could be recycled into pellets, then consider the pellet option.
Whatever choice you make will be a good one. With any type of insert you will be saving both energy and money. Consult a professional like the ones at Wells & Sons today that can discuss options and help you find the perfect fit for your home and family.