When looking through your different fireplace options you will see keywords such as wood burning inserts. But what is the difference between a fireplace and an insert? Typically, a fireplace consists of an opening in your wall that has a vent to remove smoke from the fireplace. However, a fireplace insert can be placed within an existing masonry fireplace, or any kind of fireplace for that matter, allowing you to change out the design of your room. Inserts can typically burn wood, gas, or pellets.
Benefits of Purchasing a Fireplace Insert
While wood burning inserts deliver the benefits of a traditional fireplace, there are extra perks they also provide. Not only will you enjoy the heat of the fireplace, you will also be adding energy efficiency to your home. Purchasing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency model can have an efficiency rating of up to 60-80%.
Using Your Fireplace to Its Full Potential
When it comes to your wood burning fireplace there are many tips out there, whether safety tips or tips on which model is the most efficient for your home. However, below are some tips that will make sure your fireplace is being used to its full potential and that you are getting the most out of your money.
* Purchase your wood locally. This way you are positive you are within your states ordinances which may not permit out-of-state wood.
* Make sure you are preparing your wood properly. If you are cutting your own wood for your fireplace then ensuring that it is split, stacked, covered, and stored properly will make a difference when it comes to actually burning the wood. Making sure that your wood is kept dry will keep it from becoming difficult to light as well as keeping smoke out of your home.
* Looks up tips and hints to lighting the perfect fire. Many articles provide information on how to light a fire that uses less wood, or making a fire that burns hotter.
* Another way to get the most out of your fireplace is to make sure you have circulating air are the fire. This will not only help you to light a better fire faster, it will also keep other rooms in your house warmer because the heat will be moved throughout the house.
Consider having wood burning inserts installed to give you flexibility of fireplace and room design and also ensure an efficient us of your wood burning energy consumption.
