A wood burning fireplace insert can offer both increased energy efficiency and are a relatively cheap and easy way to update the look of your home. If you go into any home that has a fireplace your attention is automatically drawn to the fireplace, the focal point of that room. So if you have an outdated dirty fireplace you may want to consider a fireplace insert. Updating the look of your home will obviously make it more attractive but will also help increase the value of the home should you decide to sell.
There are a number of models and styles to choose from but before you start shopping do some basic research into your existing fireplace. Make note and measure the size of the fireplace opening as well as how your existing fireplace is vented. Many fireplaces have the chimney run up through the roof while others will be a direct vent. A direct vent fireplace will vent out to the side of the building. Direct vent fireplaces are more energy efficient and easier to convert to a wood burning fireplace insert.
As you begin shopping around you may be overwhelmed with all the options and accessories available. If you're shopping in your local area create a file folder to keep all the models you like in one location. Even if your intention is to find something locally I suggest you do some research online, this is an easy and time efficient way to compare not only the different models and styles but also price. An important factor that many people do not consider when looking for a fireplace or fireplace insert is the cost associated with the venting, this in some cases, can be as costly as the fireplace or insert itself. Internet search tip: if you are looking for something specific for your fireplace, put quotation marks front and back of the word you are searching for, for example "wood burning fireplace insert" this will help refine your search.
To help homeowners adapt to their particular installation situation many manufacturers allow for either a flush mount or hearth mount installation in either masonry or factory built fireplaces. You can customize your insert by adding a cast iron surround kit usually available in painted finishes or porcelain enamel. One of the most popular fireplace insert accessory is the heat circulating blower, this will help distribute warm air throughout the room helping cut down on your heating costs.
There are a number of great sites to help you research wood burning fireplace insert so take advantage of this and gather as much information as you can. When you finally decide on a make and model, use the refined search method by typing in the model of the fireplace insert you're looking at into the browser followed by the word reviews and add quotations before and after. Like this "model x reviews". This will return searches for reviews for that particular model, read these reviews; customer feedback is the best source for honest information on products or services.
