The Wonderful Benefits of Fireplace Inserts

Are you using a “standard” masonry fireplace in your Florida home? If so, you’re missing out on some key benefits that come from a handsome fireplace insert. Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share some facts you’ll be happy to know.

What is a fireplace insert?

A fireplace insert is a pre-built “fireplace in a box” that’s ready to be installed right into the firebox of your existing masonry fireplace. You use it basically the same way you use your current fireplace.

Why masonry fireplaces create problems

As beautiful to look at as masonry fireplaces are, they don’t score very high on the performance scale, particularly in three areas:

1. Open design allows for many backdrafts and the loss of the home’s warm and cool air.
2. Highly inefficient for heating, with as much as 90% of the heat they produce never being used in the home.
3. More expensive to use because more fuel is needed to run them.

How fireplace inserts work

The closed-combustion system used by modern fireplace inserts prevents the common problems of open masonry fireplaces. These powerful appliances retain up to 85% of their heat and make it available to the room. This means far less fuel is needed to achieve efficient heating.

Downdrafts and backdrafts are greatly reduced because the insert system is a closed system. This means less draftiness and losses of conditioned interior air. It also means less chance of wind gusts coming down the chimney and blowing smoke and embers all over the room.

Gas fireplace inserts

A gas insert will work perfectly in a wood-burning masonry fireplace. Your installation technician will hook the unit up to your natural gas or propane source, and you’re in business.

Wood fireplace inserts

Wood inserts burn the same logs as your masonry fireplace, only they burn them cleaner and more efficiently.

The EPA and emissions

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set down some very stringent emissions standards for wood and gas fireplace inserts. All insert manufacturers comply with these standards, resulting in burns that are far more efficient and cleaner than what a masonry fireplace is capable of.

This is great news for people wishing to create a minimal environmental footprint and do their part in helping to keep our air clean and healthy.

Beauty

Modern inserts are available in a range of styles, colors, finishes and sizes. Adding one to your home will bring a touch of elegance and beauty to any room while quickly becoming a centerpiece for entertaining and just relaxing by the fire.

Fireplace insert installation

Your new insert should be installed by licensed installers who know how to do the work in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with state and local regulations for building and fire safety.

Is it time to upgrade an old, underperforming fireplace?

Doodlebuggers specializes in the sale and installation of premium wood and gas fireplace inserts. We’ll help you find the perfect model and then install it correctly.

Reach a fireplace expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.

Visit one of our showrooms:

• In Pensacola: 7555 Highway 98 West, Suite A
• In Destin: 36054 Emerald Coast Pkwy. #100