The fireplace is a very American tradition. Nothing compares to that feeling of sitting by the fireplace on cold winter nights with a cup of hot chocolate in hand and the company of friends and family; It is that comfortable and relaxed.
However, this architectural structure also has its drawbacks. On the one hand, it is a culprit for heat loss, and on the other hand, it can be too expensive to bear. But there is a solution to this dilemma if you still don’t want to give up on building a home, and this item is called the fireplace insert.
What is a fireplace insert? It is a fireproof box that is encased in cast iron or steel and bordered with insulating glass. This product builds a sealed combustion system, with cast iron or steel that shuts off the heat inside.
Various types of inserts include a blower that forces warm air back into the room through its front vents. Once properly assembled, the item can become a very competent heater compared to a standard home. It can run on coal, gas, electricity, propane, or wood.
This type of plug-in is the easiest to use to date. No combustion is required to operate it and it does not need the help of the vent. It is not necessary to obtain a permit to use it.
It comes with a small heater and when turned on you can see its reflective and flashing lights creating the flame simulation. The size and intensity of the flame can be adjusted and it can also be used with or without the heater.
It can be mounted easily and all that is needed is for the item to fit properly in the fireplace space. The costs of using an electric heater often depend on the electricity tariff. However, there is a difference between this item and the electric fireplace. The latter is manufactured as a complete unit which includes a cape. The inserts have similar parts to a standard electric fireplace, and their parts and procedures also work the same. However, there is no distinction between the units of generated power that these devices can deliver.
However, one good thing about the article is that it acts as an excellent substitute for standard wood firewood, but with greater benefits; You don’t have to worry about ventilation or chimney maintenance. Also, if you want to see a genuine fire instead of a simulation one, you can remove the insert at any time and make an ancient fire with the wood.
The item comes in a variety of designs, so if you decide to purchase one, you can choose a design that will suit your home interiors. If you want something minimal and elegant, you can always go for an item with a completely black design. If you like shiny things, a product made of chrome will definitely suit your aesthetic preferences, while the brass type will suit antiques lovers.
Benefits of using an insert
A traditional home can be a burden due to the expensive maintenance it requires and it can also cause air pollution. Installing a fireplace insert is an effective means of improving its appearance and, at the same time, its functions by making it a reliable supplemental heat source.
Here are some of the benefits it brings:
It is ecological
No combustion is needed, therefore, you will have a cleaner environment. Also, you don’t need to collect firewood just to keep the fire going and you don’t need to clean the chimneys either. Most electric fireplaces only require minimal dusting and tidying up of the firebox glass.
Lower heating and cooling costs
Since it can plug your chimney, heat or cold air will not be able to escape from the fireplace through the chimney. Your doors can also prevent the appearance of downdrafts caused by high winds that carry outside air into the fireplace.
Maximize heating capacity
Additional heat can be enhanced by the product. The insert door, for example, which is hermetically closed, allows the fire to burn for a long time at higher temperatures, which translates into higher heat outputs. Several types of this item also come with a blower to help direct the emitted heat into the room.
Meanwhile, the electric insert can be operated with or without heat, making it a versatile product that you can use all year round.
Enhances the ornamental value of the fireplace
There was a time when the appearance of the article was quite dull and lacking in imagination; it was just a large, lumpy cast iron box that looked unsightly placed inside the fireplace. These days, consumers are more likely to choose a model that suits their visual preferences.
An insert like the electric fireplace type takes inserts to a whole new level by means of LED logs that feature flickering embers to provide an excellent simulation of traditional fireplace flames. Now you don’t have to worry about ash, air pollution, ventilation, or chimney cleaning.
Setting up the item is pretty basic. No need to have handyman skills on hand to assemble it. All you have to do is plug the insert into a conventional 120-volt outlet and place it in the center of your home.