Fireplaces and Inserts That Burn Wood

Masonry fireplaces that burn wood and fireplaces that were made in a factory are probably the two types of fireplaces that an average household in the United States will have the most experience with. It is both delightful and calming to take a seat in front of the fireplace and take in the atmosphere created by the crackling wood and the brightly blazing flames. The holiday seasons of Christmas and Thanksgiving bring back many warm and fuzzy memories of good friends from years gone by. But in terms of the overall heating capacity of your home, how effective are fireplaces like these?

There are a few elements that, in the case of a typical fireplace, whether it is a brick fireplace or a factory-built fireplace, contribute to the fact that these lovely pieces of art are more concerned with their appearance than their performance: between 10 and 20 percent in terms of total efficiency. When the fireplace in your house is not in use, leaving the damper open can let hot air to escape via the chimney.

The open hearth lowers the temperature within the firebox, which in turn decreases the burning process’s overall efficiency. By installing a fireplace insert that encloses the firebox and reduces the size of the chimney, it is possible to make the fire a more effective source of heat for the residence, with an overall tested efficiency of between 60 and 80 percent. Inserts for fireplaces may not have the same allure as conventional wood-burning fireplaces, but they do provide the ease of not having to tend to the fire or clean up ashes like you would with a traditional fireplace.

How much space can be heated by a fireplace insert?
Depending on the size of the device, fireplace inserts may heat anywhere from 800 to 3,000 square feet of space. You will want to make sure that the dimensions of your insert correspond to the area that needs to be heated. By installing a fireplace insert that burns solid fuel, you may reduce the expense of your other forms of heating by ten to forty percent. Burning wood in a fireplace with an insert is more efficient because of the enclosed construction. This allows you to get the most heat out of your fire at the lowest possible cost.

Inserts that burn wood come with a number of additional advantages.

They may burn for anything between three and five hours before requiring additional wood to be added. When properly burnt, a typical house may be heated for about $922 per year with firewood as the fuel, making it one of the most cost-effective heating options available in many areas. If you cut the wood yourself, you could even get it for free, but if you buy it, you’ll be helping to support local employment opportunities. An open fireplace produces a greater quantity of harmful gases and particles than a fireplace with a combustion chamber that is designed more efficiently.

If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Arnold and other affordable services.

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