Not all fireplaces and chimney systems are created equal. Depending on the age of your home and/or the overall condition of your fireplace and all of its parts, you could be sending some serious money right up the chimney during the heating season; it’s estimated that a typical homeowner can send up to 8% of valuable heated air flying straight out the chimney. If reading this statistic has you even the slightest bit scared about using your fireplace as a heating source when the weather turns cold, don’t write it off just yet. The good news is you can transform your existing fireplace into an efficient room heater simply by adding a gas insert to it.
What Can a Gas Fireplace Insert Do For Me?
An insert is the answer to making your old fireplace more efficient without having to replace it, and, most of the time, they can be retrofitted to your existing fireplace’s opening seamlessly. Adding an insert will only slightly (in most cases) change the overall look of your fireplace; however, it can transform it from a net energy loser to a helpful tool in keeping those skyrocketing heating costs at bay during these cold winter months.
Can I Afford an Insert for My Fireplace?
You’re probably sitting there wondering how much an insert is going to set you back. This is an understandable train of thought, as the vast majority of home improvements always boil down to money. To be completely honest, inserts are anything but cheap. Nevertheless, they are affordable. Inserts can run anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the time of year and your geographic location. This is an all-inclusive price, which includes installation and a new specialized chimney liner designed specifically for your particular unit.
Can a Gas Insert Help Me Re-Imagine My Fireplace?
If you’re thinking about purchasing a gas fireplace insert, there are a few options available to you. You can choose from traditional or contemporary designs that complement your home décor. All offer superior heating solutions, some of which come with the convenience of turning your fireplace on or off with either the flip of a wall-mounted switch or the push of a remote controlled button.
Who Doesn’t Like to Save a Little Money When Possible?
Because fuel prices are in a constant state of flux, any savings measurements are really just a moving target. Generally speaking, a homeowner who opts to have an insert installed is looking at an annual savings of anywhere from $75-$250 dollars. While this may not sound like a tremendous amount of savings considering the upfront costs of the insert itself, the savings over the long haul can and will really add up over the lifespan of the insert.
Your home is an investment, and, as such, any decision you make needs to include at least a small measure of foresight. The certified professionals at Environmental Chimney Service are always here to help. We offer a wide variety of chimney services in North Carolina regarding the new build, maintenance, and repair of chimneys. We take great pride in our work, and endeavor to provide each of our clients a chimney that is environmentally safe for your family. Call us today or click here to schedule your appointment online!