A Guide to Using a Gas Fireplace Insert

Many fireplace enthusiasts use their hearth as a source of heat throughout their homes. Unfortunately, this isn’t always effective for those with wood-burning fireplaces.

The EPA notes that traditional fireplace drafts can pull warm air through the chimney and cool down other rooms in your home. This isn’t just uncomfortable but can also increase your electric bill if you run the heater to make up for the lost warmth.

A gas fireplace insert can help stop losing heat and optimize your hearth. Read on to learn how to use one of these inserts ASAP.

What Is a Gas Fireplace Insert?

Gas fireplace inserts are features designed to fit into a pre-existing wood-burning fireplace. They offer gas-powered heating elements to the space. You will no longer need to heat up the hearth using actual wood but can rather flip a switch to create a flame.

Basically, they’re a simple way to turn a wood-burning fireplace into a gas alternative!

This makes them more effective, eco-friendly, and easier to use.

These inserts connect to your home’s gas supply line. When you flip the switch, you fuel them with natural gas or propane. They will then continue burning until you flip the switch off, at which point the flame will die and the hearth will cool until the next time you use it.

Gas Fireplace Insert Types

There are two main types of gas fireplace inserts: direct-vent inserts vs ventless inserts.

Direct-vent systems eject combustion gases outdoors through a vent pipe. This means that smoke and gas won’t ever release into your home. They’re completely safe to use, very unlikely to become a fire hazard, and maintain indoor air quality.

Direct-vent inserts are also legal everywhere across the US. Regardless of what type of home you have and where you live, this is a great way to heat up your home.

Ventless systems are cheaper and more energy efficient. However, they can lower indoor oxygen levels by retaining combustion gases indoors. As a result, some states and jurisdictions have completely outlawed them.

Regardless, a direct-vent system is almost always the right choice.

What Are the Benefits of a Gas Fireplace Insert?

There are several advantages that you can reap when you choose to invest in a gas insert:

• No need to install a completely new fireplace to switch over to gas
• Safer than wood-burning alternatives
• Emits a lot of heat for comfort and ambiance
• Retains a traditionally cozy aesthetic
• Tons of awesome options for interior fireplace decor (flames dancing on top of rocks rather than wood, different color opportunities, etc)
• Lowers your electric bill by keeping your entire home warm
• No need to buy or transport expensive lumber
• Made to meet EPA standards for eco-friendliness
• Can heat even large rooms between 1000 and 3000 square feet
• Extremely easy to use with a single switch

Gas inserts also have a lot of design versatility. This means that anyone can use them regardless of their fireplace shape or size.

The Basics of Gas Fireplace Insert Installation

If you’re getting a new gas fireplace, there’s no need for insert installation down the line. All you need to do is select one of the top gas fireplace options available. These already come with a gas insert that converts a wood-burning fireplace into a traditional-looking gas option.

However, you can also convert a wood-burning fireplace into a gas alternative at any time.

Doing so independently may sound like a good idea, but it’s extremely unsafe to do so. Fireplace installation professionals know how to connect your hearth to a gas line without causing a potentially fatal gas leak.

The bottom line is that you need to enlist expert help for the sake of your safety.

Incorrect amateur installation can also be ineffective. Even if you avoid a safety hazard, you still might hook up your fireplace incorrectly. It won’t work and you’ll need to call in experts for repairs anyway.

The price of installing your insert will vary depending on external factors. These factors include the size of your home, the size of your fireplace itself, and the volume of the space you’re looking to heat. Professionals can help you determine costs prior to installation so you aren’t blindsided by higher fees later.

How to Use Your Insert in Wood-Burning Fireplace Styles

Gas inserts are extremely for fireplace lovers to use post-installation. Once they’re up and running, your fireplace essentially runs exactly as a gas hearth would. You don’t need to put any wood in them unless it’s for the aesthetic.

Instead, all you need to do is flip a small switch that’s attached to the fireplace. This ignites the gas line and creates a contained flame. The flame is 100% real and will look exactly like the one that you’re used to.

Fireplace inserts also come in various styles. Talk to an expert about getting one with easy-to-control flame height adjustment. You’ll then be able to enjoy the fire while turning down the heat.

Enhance Fireplace Designs ASAP

While wood-burning fireplaces offer a traditional ambiance, a gas insert can help you make the most of your hearth. Now that you know how to use a gas fireplace insert, it’s time to begin installing the right features into your cozy fireplace.

Dreifuss is committed to helping you create a fireplace design, install it in your home, and optimize it for the best possible performance. Contact us today to discuss your individual needs.