Get More From Your Current Fireplace With a New Fireplace Insert Installed by Halligan’s Hearth & Home

What Is a Fireplace Insert & How Does It Work?

A fireplace insert is a self-contained heating unit designed to go into an existing fireplace. Unlike traditional open fireplaces, which can be inefficient and prone to losing heat up the chimney, a fireplace insert provides a more controlled and effective heating solution. With advanced features like fans or blowers, inserts maximize heat output and distribute warm air evenly throughout the room. This translates to reduced heating costs and a more comfortable living environment.

In addition to improved efficiency, fireplace inserts also promote safety and cleanliness. Many models come with glass doors and an enclosed design to help prevent sparks, smoke, and harmful emissions from entering the living space. This lowers the risk of fires and improves indoor air quality.

What Are the Benefits of Installing a Fireplace Insert?

For homeowners looking to modernize their existing fireplace or enhance their home’s heating performance, an insert offers a versatile and cost-effective option. Still, you may be wondering if it’s better for your home than making repairs or rebuilding your fireplace. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with an inefficient fireplace, but here are a few reasons why a fireplace insert may be the best choice for your home:

• Fewer drafts and heat loss. By keeping heat contained within the room, fireplace inserts significantly reduce heat loss through the chimney. An insert will also help seal any gaps to stop cold drafts from entering the home, ensuring a more comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
• Lower heating bills. A damaged fireplace can let all of that precious warm air escape and an insert will restore it to working condition. A properly working fireplace is a good supplemental heating source to support your central heating system when it’s in good shape. 

• Fuel flexibility. If you’ve been thinking about switching fuel sources, a fireplace insert is a great option that can allow you to use your preferred fuel without having to spend time and money on bigger renovation projects. 

• Great zone heating. Inserts are ideal for heating specific areas of your home, allowing you to create a cozy atmosphere in targeted rooms without heating the entire house if that’s what you prefer.
• Cleaner burning. Modern inserts – particularly wood-burning models – produce significantly less smoke and emissions than traditional open fireplaces, contributing to better air quality. Many modern inserts are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 
• Lower maintenance. Compared to traditional wood-burning fireplaces, inserts generally require less cleaning and upkeep, saving you time and effort.
• More design choices. Fireplace inserts can revitalize broken-down fireplaces, offering a sleek and contemporary aesthetic that complements modern home design. With a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes, inserts can be tailored to match your personal taste and interior decor.

What Are the Different Types of Fireplace Inserts?

Choosing an insert is just one part of the process. You’ll also have to decide what type of fuel you’ll use for your new fireplace insert. Currently, Halligan’s offers insert options that are fueled by wood, propane gas, and wood pellets.

Wood Inserts
When burned efficiently in a modern wood-burning insert, firewood can deliver significant heat output, making it a cost-effective option for heating a home. These inserts are designed to burn cleaner and more efficiently than traditional open fireplaces, reducing smoke, ash, and emissions. Firewood is a more environmentally friendly fuel, especially when sourced from sustainable forestry practices.

This choice gives you the ability to leave fluctuating gas or electric prices behind. While wood-burning inserts do require regular maintenance such as cleaning out ashes after each use and ensuring proper airflow, the benefits often outweigh the effort.

Propane Gas Inserts
Looking for an easy-to-use fireplace without having to deal with wood storage or cleanup? A propane gas insert could be just what you need. Propane gas is a convenient and efficient fuel source that produces less pollutants than others, so it’s the perfect choice if you have concerns about your carbon footprint.

Many homeowners also prefer these inserts because they’re very easy to use. Modern propane inserts can be conveniently controlled with a switch or remote, allowing users to quickly adjust heat levels and flame height whenever the mood strikes. Propane gas can also be used in areas where natural gas isn’t available or a viable option.

Wood Pellet Inserts
Composed of compressed sawdust and wood waste, pellets are a renewable resource that burns more cleanly and consistently than regular wood, producing significantly less smoke, ash, and emissions. Their high efficiency – paired with many inserts’ automated feeding systems – ensures a steady and controlled heat output.

Wood pellet inserts can operate for extended periods without requiring refueling, making them a convenient choice for continuous heating. Although they necessitate the purchase and storage of pellets, their environmental benefits, ease of use, and ability to provide consistent warmth have established them as one of the most popular insert options on the market.

Can a Fireplace Insert Be Installed in Any Fireplace?

Installing a fireplace insert can significantly upgrade your existing fireplace, but several key factors must be considered for a successful installation. The fireplace must be structurally sound and have enough room to properly accommodate the insert. The type of insert – wood, gas, or pellet – must also be compatible with the existing fireplace’s venting system. For wood or gas inserts, proper venting through the chimney is crucial for safety and efficiency. In some cases, modifications may be necessary to meet modern safety standards. For instance, installing a chimney liner might be required to ensure peak performance and comply with current regulations.

While masonry fireplaces generally fit inserts easily, prefabricated or factory-built fireplaces may have some limitations. If you’re not sure if your current fireplace can accommodate an insert, reach out to our customer service team and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Bring Your Fireplace Back to Life With a Fireplace Insert

Ready to elevate your home’s comfort and style? A fireplace insert is the perfect way to modernize your existing fireplace while providing efficient, reliable heat throughout the colder months. With options ranging from wood-burning to gas and pellet inserts, we’re here to help you find the ideal solution for your home. Reach out to us today at 610-296-8911 to take the first step towards a more efficient, beautiful fireplace.