There’s no better feeling than sitting next to a warm fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa while looking at the snow-covered streets outside.
However, while traditional wood-burning fireplaces may look good, their heat efficiency is not that great at all.
If you want more than just looking at pretty flames, getting a gas fireplace insert is the best option. For those who aren’t fully versed in the essentials of fireplaces in Ottawa, we”ve created this resource to explain how gas fireplace inserts work and what benefits gas fireplaces provide.
What Are Gas Fireplace Inserts? How Do They Work?
A gas fireplace insert is a closed-combustion firebox that’s installed into your existing fireplace to improve the fireplace’s efficiency.
Since the gas fireplace insert fits into your existing fireplace, this type of fireplace unit it simple to install. Gas fireplace inserts can make a big difference when it comes to heating.
We’re using the term “gas fireplace insert” in this article, but to be clear, fireplace inserts can actually burn wood, pallets or gas. Gas fireplace inserts are the best choice for many reasons:
- Least complicated fireplace inserts to install
- Options of direct vent, a natural vent or no vent at all
- Install a blower to further improves efficiency
Many people confuse gas fireplace inserts with zero clearance fireplaces. While these fireplace derivatives might seem the same, the difference is that zero-clearance fireplaces can be installed on a wall or a cabinet, while fireplace inserts work only with existing fireplaces.
Gas fireplace inserts come in many different sizes, styles, venting options, and, of course, a range of prices.
Benefits of Using Gas Fireplace Inserts
Fireplace inserts don’t detract from your existing fireplace’s looks; in fact, they can actually improve the aesthetics of your living room, basement or other room where the fireplace is located.
Gas fireplace inserts improve the efficiency of your fireplace, helping you heat your home up faster and keep it warm while using less energy.
Here are some of the key benefits you can expect when installing a gas fireplace insert:
1. Gas fireplace inserts = increased energy efficiency
Most traditional fireplaces have a low efficiency rating of between 5 and 10 percent.
That means that most of the fuel burned by traditional fireplaces goes to waste.
On the other hand, gas fireplace inserts have a closed air-tight door system designed to prevent energy wasting.
You’ll find that after installation, the efficiency rating goes up to as much as 80%.
2. Gas fireplace inserts are better for the environment
Gas fireplace inserts produce far less harmful emissions than traditional fireplaces.
That means that you can warm up your home knowing that you don’t harm the environment.
Also, with gas fireplaces there will be no smoke inside your home.
3. Gas fireplace inserts can save you money on energy bills
Since most traditional fireplaces don’t provide enough heat, you lose a lot of money on wood needed to keep the fire going.
Gas fireplace inserts can help you raise the temperature inside your home without wasting energy.
That means that you’ll save a lot of money on energy bills, quickly offsetting your initial outlay. From there on out, it’s savings time on your gas and hydro bills.
4. Save money on home remodelling
If you’re planning on remodelling your home, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars to remove your existing fireplace and replace it with something else.
You can just get a gas fireplace insert and improve your home’s heating capabilities without having to buy new heating units or spend a lot of money on remodelling.
5. Gas fireplace inserts are simply beautiful
The bottom line is that you can still enjoy sitting next to the fireplace and get better heating in the process.
Gas Fireplace Inserts in Ottawa & Eastern Ontario / Western Quebec
Nothing feels better than kicking back next to a warm fireplace on a cold winter night.
Winters in Ottawa and across Eastern Ontario & Western Quebec are notoriously long and cold, but we Canadians have found so many ways to adapt to our surroundings and make the most of this great place to live.
A gas fireplace insert is definitely one of those ways.
Contact us today to find out more about Ottawa gas fireplace inserts and how we can install a gas fireplace insert in your home this winter.
