The Chimney Pro Blog

Efficiency of Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

Efficiency of Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

Having a roaring fire burning brightly in your living room’s fireplace is a cozy, comfortable way to spend a winter evening. However, if you have a traditional masonry fireplace, only five to 10% of the heat produced stays inside the home. That’s because traditional wood burning fireplaces aren’t very efficient. They lose far more heat up the flue than they retain. That’s why they’re not very good for use as a main heating tool. However, the use of wood burning fireplace inserts can prevent heat loss and keep much more of the generated heat inside your home.

Inserts generate hotter and longer-lasting flames, plus they retain a higher percentage of heat. This is an eco-friendly approach to heat generation, as you’re not using as much gas or electric heat to keep your home comfortable during the winter, plus you’re using wood — a natural renewable resource. Because you’re not using your traditional heat source quite as much, you’re saving money on those monthly energy bills. In addition to those savings, you’re reducing your maintenance costs, as inserts don’t require as much TLC as your traditional heating system. Over time, you may face a repair bill, but always check your system’s warranty coverage from the manufacturer before paying out of pocket.

Read more »