jeudi 28 janvier 2016

What To Consider When Shopping For Fireplace Inserts

By John Olson


If you want to give your home a makeover or make a non-functioning fire place work again there are ways that you can do this. Fireplace inserts may be just what you need to breathe new life into an old piece or update it so that it looks more fitting for your current room design. You do need to be careful about which model you choose. Here are some tips for you that can make it easier for you to choose the right one.

There are usually two main types of inserts. There are ones which allow a unit to be used again and ones that are decorative. Decorative models can be used to hide unattractive fireplace interiors and are often less expensive than functional models would be. This is because they do not need the same level of insulation or heat resistance that an insert used for burning would need. Some of these can be quite attractive and can be well worth the cost if you don't want to build fires in your home.

Drafts are common in older homes and many of these come from a chimney. An insert can help block these drafts and keep heated or cooled air from escaping. You may want to speak with someone in Fort Worth to find out which type of insert will be best for you if you want to make your home more airtight.

The most common fuel sources are natural gas and wood. In the past, most people burned wood in their homes and these provided heat and light. These types of fires can burn very hot and very large. You need to make sure there is a flue or chimney that has not been blocked if you want to continue to use wood. This is because you need a place for combustion materials and smoke to get out of your home. Natural gas units need a vent that will remove carbon monoxide gas.

If you are converting a wood-burner to one that uses natural gas you will also need to make sure that you have a gas line connected. This will mean working with a licensed installer as improper gas connections can be quite dangerous. The person selling you the insert should be able to give you the name of a licensed and qualified installer in your area to contact.

In the past electric models did not look good but this has changed. You should decide whether you want the appearance of fire or if you want the insert to act as a heater. This will help you determine which model you will ultimately install in your home.

Safety is always important when there is fire involved. When you have small children, however, it becomes even more important. Look for inserts that have exteriors that stay cool or models that have completely enclosed doors. Many of these are made of glass so you can still enjoy the look of your fire. You may even want to install a baby gate around your hearth so a child cannot approach the fireplace itself.

After narrowing down your choices you can start shopping. Don't be afraid to look online as well as in different stores. You may find it is easier to go directly to a store however as you can ask about the different features of the various models and find out if there is any feedback from individuals who have purchased a particular model in the past.




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