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Gas fireplace inserts are designed to be placed inside an existing masonry fireplace and uses the existing fireplace and chimney to hold the unit and support venting.
What is the difference between a gas fireplace and an insert?
A gas insert is installed within an existing masonry, wood burning fireplace. A gas insert is smaller than a gas fireplace to allow it to fit inside of the opening of an existing wood burning fireplace. A gas insert can get much hotter on the outside (no, not that hot) than a gas fireplace.
Is a gas fireplace considered an insert?
A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there. Usually a wood burning fireplace built with the home will get an “insert” put inside of it.
How does a gas fireplace insert work?
Gas inserts sit inside a metal box contained within a larger metal box that goes into the existing fireplace. Heat is generated in between these two boxes and then heat is emitted from the firebox. Since gas inserts produce radiant heat and a steady stream of warm air, they are a great option to heat the home.
Are gas fireplace inserts worth it?
A gas insert can easily serve as the primary source of heat for your home, while using 50% to 90% less gas than gas logs and up to 75% less gas than a gas furnace.
Do gas fireplace inserts need a chimney?
gas inserts is that a built-in gas fireplace doesn’t require an existing fireplace or chimney. So, if you don’t have an existing wood-burning fireplace, this is your only option. Vented gas fireplaces exhaust the air through an exterior opening in your wall.
Can I install a gas fireplace insert myself?
To make this upgrade to your existing fireplace, you can install a gas fireplace insert. Since this process requires working with vent pipes, electrical, and the gas supply, we recommend working with a professional instead of doing it yourself.
What does a gas fireplace insert cost?
A gas fireplace inserts costs about $2,000. The price of installation runs from $2,300 to $10,000, depending on factors like personal style, extra gas plumbing and necessary duct work. Need a fireplace taken out? The cost to remove a fireplace or chimney ranges from $4,000 to $10,000.
Can you put a gas insert in a wood burning fireplace?
Yes, you can convert an existing wood burning fireplace to gas, but it must be that — an existing wood burning fireplace. Wood burning appliances, such as wood stoves, cannot be converted to gas.
Do gas fireplace inserts have blowers?
No, not all gas fireplaces have a blower. Fireplace blowers are more common with gas fireplaces than with wood-burning fireplaces, but not all gas fireplaces are designed with a fireplace blower. So if your gas fireplace doesn’t have a blower and you want one, you can have it installed but expect to pay extra.
Do gas fireplaces heat a room?
Overall, gas fireplaces are highly efficient when it comes to heating a room. Once a fire has been burning for some time, it’s likely to heat a room rather quickly. The type of gas fireplace you have is likely to affect the fireplace’s ability to heat a room efficiently.
Do gas fireplace inserts need electricity?
In addition, all direct vent gas fireplaces are sealed, keeping emissions out, and are vented to the exterior of your home using the natural buoyancy of warm air (warm air rises), meaning no electricity is needed to operate your gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert safely.
Is it OK to leave a gas fireplace on all night?
The short answer is this: gas fireplaces that are fully vented and have safely and properly sealed glass fronts are fine to be left alone to run continuously.
Are gas insert fireplaces safe?
Most ventless gas fireplace inserts are considered safe for homeowners because they include an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns gas off before carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels in the room.
Why do I need a fireplace insert?
A fireplace insert is a sealed box that is placed (inserted) into an existing masonry fireplace. As a result, the old inefficient wood fireplace is upgraded to a new high-efficiency wood, gas, or propane fireplace that will produce more heat and use less fuel.
How long do gas fireplace inserts last?
As with most things, how long your fireplace insert lasts will depend on how well you take care of it. However, when properly maintained, a fireplace insert can last 20-30 years or more, making them a great investment in the future of your home.
Does a gas fireplace insert need a hearth?
Gas fireplaces are considered gas appliances, not true fireplaces. Some gas fireplaces are built with “zero-clearance” fireboxes, meaning you can put combustible materials right up to the sides, front and bottom. Not all gas fireplaces are zero-clearance, however, and some may require a hearth.
How do you measure for a gas fireplace insert?
Length: The distance from one side of the fireplace to the other. Measure the length at both the opening and back of the firebox. Height: The distance from the floor of the firebox to the top. Measure in the front and back to ensure an optimal fit.
How long does it take to install a gas fireplace insert?
A ventilated gas fireplace can take at least two days to install. Non-ventilated, electric fireplaces (and chimneys) can generally be installed in less time.
