Nothing takes the chill out of a cold room quite like a fireplace. For all their warmth and charm, however, they do have disadvantages. Traditional fireplaces require diligent cleaning, maintenance and supervision. Dealing with heavy pieces of wood can be difficult, and the smoke created by an open fire can aggravate allergies and asthma. If you find that these issues detract from your enjoyment of owning a traditional wood fireplace, fireplace inserts may be a solution. Fireplace Inserts in Bethesda are available in three different types.
Electric Fireplace Insert: Electric inserts are among the easiest to install and use; position it in your existing fireplace and plug it in. Many even come with remote controls. While they don’t always produce a realistic flame like other options, some have artificial log arrangement that glow like burning logs, and some actually create the illusion of flames to help simulate the experience of a cozy fire. They’re also a clean option because they don’t produce creosote. The main disadvantage will be a higher electric bill. Click here for more information
Gas Fireplace Insert: Gas inserts allow you to enjoy real flames produced by propane or natural gas. They have high efficiency ratings and they’re a clean source of heat. They also require little maintenance; a yearly inspection by a professional should keep them safe and running well. Gas inserts come in two varieties: direct-vent and ventless. Direct-vent inserts draw in air from outside to keep the flames burning, and exhaust combustion gases and water vapor into the air outside. They’re a safer option than ventless units, which, as the name implies, don’t use any vents but come with sensors to monitor the air in your home. Some states don’t allow the use of ventless units.
Pellet Inserts: This type of insert burns pellets made of compressed sawdust or agricultural waste, so they use a renewable source of energy. They produce even temperatures, and the intensity of the heat is easily controlled by adjusting the amount of pellets released by the hopper. They produce less creosote than burning logs, but your chimney still needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Fireplace inserts can be a convenient alternative to wood fireplaces. Discuss your options with a professional before deciding which type of insert best suits your heating needs.
