Fireplace Planet

High Efficiency Fireplace Inserts

High Efficiency Fireplace Inserts: Burn, Baby, Burn 

       When it comes to heating your home, efficiency is certainly a top priority.  You don’t want to waste any heat, especially if you live in a cold area where you need all the heat you can get.  High efficiency fireplace inserts come in several varieties, so you can be sure to get an insert that meets your needs and fits your style.

      Gas burning fireplaces are high on the list when it comes to fireplace efficiency.  Using a natural gas or propane gas connection, the fireplace releases gas into the firebox to create the fire.  With an efficiency level near 100%, the high burn temperature ensures that nearly all gas is burned off and not wasted.  This high burn rate is also important regarding safety.  With a ventless gas fireplace, you can be assured that the fireplace insert burns off the gas and prevents it from entering your home.  If the fireplace does have a vent, any excess gas will be released through the chimney.

      Another highly-efficient model is the electric fireplace.  This type of insert runs off electric power, so there is no concern for gas, smoke or other chemicals.  The efficiency level of the electric fireplace insert is also near 100%.  This is because every bit of electric power goes toward warming your home.  Although the heating power of an electric fireplace is not as strong as some other models, it is still an effective heat source.  In small rooms, an electric insert may be enough to keep the room warm and comfortable.  In larger rooms, an electric fireplace can be a great heat source in addition to a central heating unit. 

      If you have access to wood and the ability to burn it, a wood burning fireplace is also a very efficient product.  Unlike an open fireplace, a wood burning insert insulates your fire to allow it to burn hotter and longer.  The efficiency level of a wood fireplace is still very high because of its design.  It holds in heat and allows the room’s natural currents to spread it and create warmth.

      Many features of fireplace inserts contribute to them being extremely efficient.  Blowers, for example, increase the range that a fireplace can spread its heat.  Manual and automatic thermostats and remote controls allow you to better control the heat output so that there is no wasted energy.  Fireplace insert designs are continually being improved to ensure that they don’t lose any of their integrity.