Many people are purchasing older homes and these often come with fireplaces. Some may be functional while others may not have been used for years. If you want to revitalize these beautiful architectural features fireplace inserts may be just the things you need to do so. Here are some tips that you can use to choose a model that will meet your needs the best.
One thing to consider is what your plans are for your fire place. You need to decide whether you want to increase its functionality or whether you are more interested in getting it to work again. If you are only interested in making your hearth area look good you may find that your available selection of inserts is much larger than if you need to pick one that can be used.
Drafts are common in older homes and many of these come from a chimney. An insert can help block these drafts and keep heated or cooled air from escaping. You may want to speak with someone in Fort Worth to find out which type of insert will be best for you if you want to make your home more airtight.
The most common fuel sources are natural gas and wood. In the past, most people burned wood in their homes and these provided heat and light. These types of fires can burn very hot and very large. You need to make sure there is a flue or chimney that has not been blocked if you want to continue to use wood. This is because you need a place for combustion materials and smoke to get out of your home. Natural gas units need a vent that will remove carbon monoxide gas.
Natural gas inserts also need a fuel source. If you already heat with gas it should not be complicated to run a line to your fireplace. It may be more complicated if you currently heat with another fuel source. You will also need to find a qualified natural gas installation company to work with since an improper line or connection can be dangerous.
You may also want to go with an electric insert. These can be fantastic if you do not want to rely on wood for fuel or run natural gas lines. You can find models that look realistic and which even have built in heating elements as well.
If you have small children you will want to make sure that your fireplace is safe. In this case you may want to choose a model that is completely enclosed or which has doors that can be shut. If you are able to, you may want to run a particular model and then touch the outside to see how warm it gets. This can help minimize burns or accidental injuries.
After narrowing down your choices you can start shopping. Don't be afraid to look online as well as in different stores. You may find it is easier to go directly to a store however as you can ask about the different features of the various models and find out if there is any feedback from individuals who have purchased a particular model in the past.
One thing to consider is what your plans are for your fire place. You need to decide whether you want to increase its functionality or whether you are more interested in getting it to work again. If you are only interested in making your hearth area look good you may find that your available selection of inserts is much larger than if you need to pick one that can be used.
Drafts are common in older homes and many of these come from a chimney. An insert can help block these drafts and keep heated or cooled air from escaping. You may want to speak with someone in Fort Worth to find out which type of insert will be best for you if you want to make your home more airtight.
The most common fuel sources are natural gas and wood. In the past, most people burned wood in their homes and these provided heat and light. These types of fires can burn very hot and very large. You need to make sure there is a flue or chimney that has not been blocked if you want to continue to use wood. This is because you need a place for combustion materials and smoke to get out of your home. Natural gas units need a vent that will remove carbon monoxide gas.
Natural gas inserts also need a fuel source. If you already heat with gas it should not be complicated to run a line to your fireplace. It may be more complicated if you currently heat with another fuel source. You will also need to find a qualified natural gas installation company to work with since an improper line or connection can be dangerous.
You may also want to go with an electric insert. These can be fantastic if you do not want to rely on wood for fuel or run natural gas lines. You can find models that look realistic and which even have built in heating elements as well.
If you have small children you will want to make sure that your fireplace is safe. In this case you may want to choose a model that is completely enclosed or which has doors that can be shut. If you are able to, you may want to run a particular model and then touch the outside to see how warm it gets. This can help minimize burns or accidental injuries.
After narrowing down your choices you can start shopping. Don't be afraid to look online as well as in different stores. You may find it is easier to go directly to a store however as you can ask about the different features of the various models and find out if there is any feedback from individuals who have purchased a particular model in the past.
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