If there are problems with your fireplace in any way, letting those issues go unresolved for too long can become a potential fire hazard. This is not to mention the fact that un serviced traditional fireplaces typically are a major source of energy loss. If you are considering a fireplace renovation, there are serious reasons why you might want to consider holding off on fixing up your old traditional fireplace. New gas insert and wood insert options are available, each offering serious advantages over traditional fireplaces.
A gas insert fireplace is one that will hook up to either a city natural gas line or to a propane tank that you can refill as needed. The upside to a gas insert is never needing to worry about fussing with a log, or even a bag of wood pellets. As long as you have gas in your tank, you’ll be ready to start using the fireplace and enjoying heat. Of course, the downside to the gas route is an either real or perceived loss of aesthetics. Some would say that only a real burning wood is capable of giving that real earthy, homely effect. If you feel that way, there’s always a wood insert option.
Similar to gas inserts, a wood insert fireplace is your “best of both worlds” option in that it takes the ambience and aesthetic of a traditional wood burning fireplace but makes it more efficient. These newer forms of fireplace technology make it possible to have a specialised unit placed into the housing of your old fireplace that can actually burn real wood, but it does so in a more efficient manner. So, not only is a wood insert saving you money on the back end with reduced utility bills, but it will also be cheaper to purchase and install a brand new wood insert fireplace than it would be to fix an already existing traditional fireplace with age-related issues.
If you’ve been quoted to have your original fireplace fixed, you could be looking at an estimate ranging into the thousands of dollars. When you consider the idea of paying to repair your current fireplace, it just doesn’t make sense. Why would you want to leave an antiquated, drafty, and problematic fireplace in your home? Gas and wood inserts are efficient, cost-saving and modern solutions and they’re extremely affordable.