Wood-burning fireplace inserts convert traditional fireplaces into high-efficiency heaters while keeping the charm and ambiance of a beautiful fire. These unique systems provide your living space with optimal comfort, all while offering a host of benefits. If you’re considering upgrading your existing fireplace with an insert, below are five key factors you should consider about beforehand.  

Choosing a Fireplace Insert

1. Fireplace Features

Wood stove inserts provide a number of unique features, and different models are better suited for different homes. Some are thermostatically controlled, like Blaze King, to give you the ultimate level of control over your comfort. You’ll also want to consider heating capacity; if you need to heat a larger space, choose a model with a higher BTU output. Features such as high and low heat ranges and different fan speeds can also enhance your comfort level during colder weather.

2. Time & Cost Savings

If you have a fireplace that needs work but aren’t sure how to proceed, an insert is a worthwhile option to consider. The new insert will be a air tight fire box slid into your current opening and have a vent pipe attached carrying the exhaust up the chimney to a cap. Cricket on the Hearth can install an insert in just one half day.   The  new, efficient wood insert will also help you save on energy costs by controlling  the burn rate better than a traditional fireplace with glass doors would.

3. Aesthetic Quality

Wood-burning fireplace inserts can come with a number of aesthetic features to match any interior design. For instance, glass doors on a Jotul insert can be divided into arched frames or “clean face” where the view of the fire is unobstructed.  All stoves can be painted with high temperature paint but there are a variety of colors, and factory finishes which can all be selected to match your room’s unique look.

4. Condition of Existing Chimney

 A chimney should be inspected and cleaned before an insert is installed.  Any build up of creosote must be removed to prevent a chimney fire and keep loose debris from falling down onto your new insert. This is an especially important step for new home buyers and sellers.   Your new wood insert will solve the problem of any crumbling or cracks in your old fireplace, since these flaws will become aesthetic complements to your new fireplace once the new liner is run up to the cap from the stove. A new  chimney liner cap will be installed to seal off the old structure from animal and weather infiltration.

5. Size & Orientation

Inserts are available in a broad range of sizes. The choice will be limited by the size of your existing opening so it is helpful to shop with measurements you’ve taken at home.  Once you have your current opening size then heat output and aesthetic features will guide your choice. It’s an exciting process. Start today at Cricket on the Hearth in Penfield!

If you’re thinking about upgrading your home with a fireplace insert, turn to Cricket on the Hearth in Monroe County, NY. Offering leading brands such as BLAZE King® and Jotul®, this trusted, family-owned company has been keeping homes throughout the community warm and cozy for more than 50 years. Learn more about their selection of inserts online now or call them now at (585) 385-2420.