For Fireplace Insert Installation in Edmonton, We’re the Company To Rely On
For expert fireplace insert installation in Edmonton and the surrounding area, look no further!
With our knowledge and dedication to quality service, we serve as a trusted partner for enhancing your home’s warmth and ambiance with safety and efficiency in mind. Whether you’re upgrading an older fireplace insert or having one installed in your existing open fireplace for the very first time, our skilled team brings meticulous attention to detail to the entire process – start to finish.
Count on us to deliver professional guidance and installation that will transform your fireplace into a beacon of style and efficiency. Call now with questions or reach out to us online today.
What Is a Fireplace Insert?
A fireplace insert is a heating appliance designed for homeowners with existing fireplaces who want to improve energy efficiency, enhance safety, and/or elevate aesthetic appeal. An insert is designed to be retrofitted into a fireplace cavity – think of it as a kind of fireplace within a fireplace. Essentially, the new, modern fireplace appliance utilizes the location and ventilation of the old, open fireplace to bring new benefits into your home.
Our inserts are designed to fit snugly into the opening of your traditional fireplace, and they come in different sizes to match the dimensions you need. Trust us for installation to ensure the fit and efficiency of the unit.
Oh, and no worries – you aren’t giving up the appeal of a flickering flame when you upgrade to a fireplace insert. They just have a sealed combustion chamber which contains your fire and directs its lovely, ambiant heat into the room…rather than allowing it to make its escape up the chimney and out of your living space.
What’s the Difference Between a Wood Insert & a Gas Insert? Which Is Best for Me?
Now, inserts give options. They can be fueled by wood or gas, depending on what you desire – and installing an insert offers a prime opportunity to convert the fuel type of your fireplace if desired as well. Each type of insert will operate a bit differently depending on its fuel type, but all are engineered to run efficiently, often including a built-in blower or fan to help circulate heated air in your space.
Wood and gas inserts do present some differences, which should be considered to determine which option would serve you best. At the end of the day, it truly is a matter of preference.
Wood Fireplace Inserts
Wood inserts are designed to burn seasoned firewood logs, but do so in a more efficient and controlled manner than a traditional open fireplace. This means that you’ll need to maintain a supply of firewood – good news if you enjoy the exertion and self-sufficient process of maintaining your own fuel supply or have ready access to firewood on your property…but perhaps an inconvenience if you don’t.
For some, the aesthetic appeal of a wood-burning fire is simply unmatched. You’ll have the same natural flame, crackling sound, and home-y aroma as with a traditional wood-burning fireplace – just with more heat in your space. It really is a fantastic fireside experience.
Wood inserts generate substantial ambient heat, so they heat large spaces well, but they are more hands-on than gas models, as your fire will need to be fed and tended, and ashes will need to be cleaned out regularly.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
A gas insert is fueled by natural gas or propane and is highly efficient. Because they produce fewer particles than wood-burning units and boast safety features (like automatic shut-off valves), they’re very safe in terms of emissions and fire risks. They also offer a range of convenient features in terms of style and design.
With the convenience and cleanliness these inserts offer, they’re an attractive option for homeowners who tend to be often on-the-go or enjoy simplicity in maintenance. Rather than building and tending them, gas fires are ignited and extinguished with the flip of a switch or push of a button. Not only does that mean you have instant heat, it also means you don’t have to wait for the flames to die down to leave home or turn in for the evening.
Their maintenance needs are also lower than those of a wood-fueled unit: they require less cleaning and eliminate the need to procure, store, and handle firewood. Another fun convenience? Many offer adjustable flame height and heat settings.
Which is best?
Which type of insert is best is really determined by which is best for you.
- If you enjoy the ambiance of a real wood fire, have access to firewood, and think the maintenance is a small price to pay for – or even a perk of – having a wood fire, then a wood insert may be for you.
- If you prioritize convenience, want instant heat, and crave customizability, a gas insert might be the better option.
Consulting with our team of professionals can help you assess your needs and priorities, review your home’s heating requirements, and determine which type of insert best aligns with your goals for comfort, efficiency, and aesthetic experience.
What are the Benefits of Converting a Fireplace to an Insert?
Converting a traditional, open fireplace to an insert offers lots of potential benefits to your home’s efficiency and safety, as well as your enjoyment of your fireplace.
- Increased Heating Efficiency. One decisive benefit of installing a fireplace insert is the boost of efficiency they provide. Open fireplaces are notoriously inefficient. Lots of heat generated by your fire escapes through the chimney of an open fireplace, whereas an insert has a sealed combustion chamber and insulated doors to minimize heat loss and transfer more heat into your living space. This can mean your energy bills lower as your comfort level increases!
- Enhanced Safety. That sealed combustion chamber doesn’t only make things more efficient…it also makes things safer. Sparks, embers, and carbon monoxide are significantly more contained than in an open fireplace. Inserts are designed to meet or exceed building codes in terms of clearances, protecting your home to the highest degree (pun intended) possible.
- An Opportunity for Change. Having an insert installed allows homeowners to choose the fuel that best fits their preferences. Sick of hauling wood and want to experience the convenience of a gas unit? Now’s the time to make the switch!
- Ease of Operation. Inserts are easier to operate and maintain than traditional fireplaces. Gas inserts require minimal cleaning and can be controlled from your armchair with a remote. Wood inserts involve more maintenance tasks, but are generally more manageable than open fireplaces.
- Upgraded Appearance. Inserts come in many styles and finishes to please even the most discriminating home designer.
All in all, converting a fireplace to an insert is a smart investment for those wanting the benefits an insert can provide. It can improve the comfort and functionality of your fireplace while reducing energy costs and environmental impact, and our seasoned pros can help ensure a seamless conversion that checks all your home heating and design boxes.
Can I DIY Fireplace Insert Installation?
Installing a fireplace insert requires some technical knowledge and proficiency. It’s also important that whoever installs your insert adheres to safety codes. It’s strongly recommended that a professional technician, rather than an independent DIY-er, complete fireplace insert installations for a number of reasons:
- A professional installer can expertly assess your fireplace and chimney condition, recommend suitable inserts, and assure that the appropriate groundwork is in place for installation.
- Installing a fireplace insert requires understanding the intricacies of venting systems, electrical connections (for some units), and proper clearances from anything combustible. Experience is invaluable to guarantee efficient operation, helping secure the benefits of your fireplace insert.
- When installing combustion appliances, improper work can lead to serious safety risks such as fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, or structural damage. Both manufacturer specifications and local building codes must be followed.
- Installation requires specialized tools and equipment – saws, drills, and possibly masonry tools for modifying the fireplace opening. Access to these tools and proficiency in using them safely is essential.
- Compliance with some manufacturer’s warranty requirements may only be met if you hire a certified installer.
Hiring a professional installer can save you valuable time – and in the end, money too – while providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing your system is set up properly top to bottom. A good installation is the foundation for enjoying your fireplace insert at optimized safety and functionality for years to come.
We’re Here for You: Invest in Your New Fireplace Insert Today
We love helping people transform their homes so they can enjoy them to the fullest – that’s why we’re committed to serving you through the process of selecting and installing your home fireplace insert.
Our customer reviews speak loudly to our high level of expertise, reliability, and service. They show that upgrading your home doesn’t have to be a headache.
Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the warmth, comfort, and beauty of an upgraded fireplace with confidence. Reach out today to explore what’s possible when you invest in comfort and style!
Installing a fireplace is a pretty big project that is best handled by folks with years of installation experience under their belts. Technuicians at Fireplaces by Weiss-Johnson are ready to help.