Gas Fireplace Inserts - Your Choice for Savings, Ease and Efficiency

Gas fireplace inserts are not only economical, but are also highly efficient. With electricity bills soaring high every day, more and more people are turning towards old ways of heating up their living rooms and any other area fitted with a regular fireplace.

Most of us who do not have a gas fireplace usually have a wood burning fireplace in our homes. Now you might be wondering if you have to replace the old fireplace system fitted in your house to take advantage of the gas fireplace system. The reality is that gas fireplace inserts can be fitted right into your regular wood burning fireplace, transforming the system into an economical, eco-friendly and energy-saving heating unit.

Gas fireplace inserts can be fitted right into a traditional masonry unit or prefabricated factory unit. They usually come with a thermostat or a remote control. Some even have an automatic shut-off system with plugs built right into the walls. Their prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and quality.

Some features you should keep in mind when buying gas fireplace inserts:

Efficiency Ratings

Efficiency ratings are an important feature of glass fireplace inserts. Most gas inserts have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating just like a standard gas furnace which measures the amount of heat produced by the fireplace. The higher the rating the better the efficiency of the fireplace will be and the more heat it will produce.

Different models should also come with another kind of rating called the AFUE - Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rating determines how much of the gas is being used to make heat, it can be compared to a car's gas mileage figures. AFUE takes into account all the energy factors as the system cycles on and off and gets up to a targeted temperature.

Another efficiency rating is the steady state efficiency rating. This is used to rate the efficiency of the system as it remains at a constant temperature.

Remember to keep these ratings in your mind when buying a gas fireplace insert. Compare different ratings and make sure they are form the same scale. Usually the steady state rating should be higher than the AFUE rating as it takes into account the efficiency from start up until it reaches the desired temperature.

Direct Vent Fireplaces

Gas fireplace inserts either can have a direct vent system or a vent-free system. A direct vent system does not require a masonry chimney on the home's outside, but rather can be ventilated safely through the wall's exterior by placing a vent there. This means that even if you do not have an old masonry fireplace system you can have a direct vent fireplace installed right into the wall.

Direct vent fireplaces have revolutionized the heating system a step further, saving energy and increasing productiveness. As the fireplace is sealed the combustion air is provided from the outside making the heating system totally independent of the air inside. This also helps to keep the air inside healthier as it becomes free of any contamination by byproducts of the combustion making the unused fuel free from circulating inside the home.

Direct vent fireplaces have no drafts and provide no heat loss. They are capable of running on a 90% efficiency rate.

Vent-Free Fireplaces

These fireplace are usually fitted into the wall without ventilation to the outside. They use the air inside the room for combustion converting it into warm air for heating up the area. These fireplaces also have a 90% efficiency rate but there is some debate over the differences between direct vent and vent-free fireplace, some arguing that the air quality generated by a vent-free fireplace is less cleaner requiring more ducts and other outlets for fresh air to circulate in the room. At the same time, the literature provided by the manufacturers of vent-free fireplaces states that they exceed all guidelines when it comes to air quality.

Gas Logs

Gas fireplace inserts usually come with a gas log set which is installed into a cast iron or steel heat exchange. They also include a fan to circulate the heat better and are sealed in the front with a glass door. They usually come with three different kinds of logs:

1. Vented logs - These provide a more realistic looking fire with burning wood just like a wood burning fireplace but with less heat.

2. Ventless logs - These can produce a high level of heat making them more efficient, and the flame tends to be yellower.

3. Partially vented logs - These provide a look and efficiency that sort of takes up a middle ground between vented and ventless logs.

You can choose from any of these three kinds of logs that suites your needs best.

Decoration & Style

Gas fireplace inserts come in different shapes, sizes and styles. This gives them an extra advantage as you can pick the exact style to match your area. They can come in exotic looking or antique styles to modern ones bringing excitement to any room or place. Some gas fireplace inserts even come with tiles or bricks for the surrounding area making decoration easy. They may also have an option of frames that can be fitted with easily removable tiles of your own choice so you can change the color and look of your fireplace whenever you like.

Gas fireplace inserts have truly revolutionized the heating system in most homes that have adopted it bringing comfort, ease, savings and efficiency that is unmatched. Be sure to look for new deals at the market this winter for beautiful styles and give your home a nice warm look and feel.

Sources:

1. Bobvila.com, "Selecting a Gas Fireplace." Bobvila.com.

2. Erric Morris, "The Benefits of Gas Fireplace Inserts." EzineArticles.