Gas fireplaces have increased considerably in popularity during recent years. Often-cited factors for this trend include the facts that they are much simpler to operate and to clean than traditional wood-burning fireplaces and that they are usually also much cheaper to operate. Different types of gas fireplaces are available on the market, mostly as pre-fabricated products for easy installation in the home: there are gas logs -simulated pieces of wood that include a gas burner-, free-standing gas fireplaces or heaters and finally gas fireplace inserts. The inserts are designed for installing the gas fireplace into an existing fireplace location, either within a building wall or attached to it (“zero clearance”). We will take a look at three relevant topics in turn: how does a gas fireplace insert work, what are the typical price tags attached and where to turn for specific gas insert products.
How do gas inserts work? As stated before, a gas fireplace insert is built into an existing fireplace cavity which was usually used before as a wood-burning fireplace. This conversion is for all practical purposes permanent: in order to use wood as fuel again, all gas fireplace parts would have to be removed – it is not possible to switch between wood and gas use within a single fireplace. The gas insert consists of simulated logs built into a metal housing which is closed in the front by glass doors, except for the case of ventless gas inserts. Most efficient gas fireplace inserts include a fan to create an air current which removes heat from the firebox. Another important point to consider is that the chimney of the existing wood fireplace needs to be relined with a vent approved for use with gas fireplaces. This could either be a direct vent, which both delivers the combustion air into the firebox and removes the exhaust air through a second pipe. Or it could be a natural draft vent, which uses room air for combustion and depends on the upward draft from the hot exhaust to create a continuous air flow through the fireplace. Ventless or vent-free fireplace inserts are also available. As their name implies, they do not require a chimney, but instead are basically an open fire within the room.
The centerpiece of the gas fireplace installation is the gas burner, which is either supplied with natural gas from an existing house installation or with bottled propane or natural gas. A major reason for converting an existing fireplace for gas use is the increased convenience in operation compared with a wood fireplace. Efficient gas fireplace inserts come equipped with several options for controlling the fire – among them thermostats, wall switches and remote controls.
What does a gas fireplace insert typically cost? While it is difficult to give a definitive answer due to the wide variety of available products, an average standard unit will sell in the range between $1000 and $4000, requiring another $1000 for professional installation. It is important to note that direct vent constructions are typically more expensive than naturally vented fireplaces, adding another $500 to the overall price. Gas fireplace inserts prices for ventless units are significantly cheaper, starting in the $500 range.
Three major manufacturers of gas fireplace inserts are Lennox Hearth Products, FPI Fireplace Products International, especially with their Regency product line and Napoleon Fireplaces. It is difficult to say which are the best gas fireplace inserts, as this decision really comes down to individual preferences.
To sum it all up, gas fireplace inserts are most likely the best choice for the owner of an existing wood fireplace who wants to enjoy the true “fireplace atmosphere” while experiencing the added comfort and reduced cost of a gas fireplace.
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