Fireplace Inserts
Is a Fireplace Insert Right for Your Wilmington Home? We Can Help
Considering a fireplace insert for your Wilmington home? At Angerstein’s, we specialize in helping homeowners find the perfect heating solution for their needs, wishes, and budget.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing fireplace or add a new focal point to your living space, our range of wood, gas, electric, and pellet fireplace inserts offer something for every taste and need.
Reach out now or stop by our showroom to start exploring your design options – we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
Wood Fireplace Inserts
- You get an authentic fireside experience. Wood systems provide the traditional ambiance, smells, and sounds of a real wood-burning fire.
- Wood is a cost-effective fuel. Firewood can be an affordable and readily available fuel source, especially in rural areas – and if you season and store your own, it’s free!
- They offer high heat output. Wood inserts are closed-combustion chambers that can produce significant heat, making them effective for warming larger spaces.
- They’re eco-friendly. When using sustainably sourced wood, it can be a carbon-neutral heating option.
The big drawback of wood inserts is their high maintenance levels. Many want a fireplace, just without the hassle involved with storing wood, building fires, and scooping out ash piles. If that process doesn’t sound appealing to you, consider an alternative.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
- They’re convenient to use. Gas inserts are extremely easy to start and control – just push a button and/or use your remote control and, voila, you’ve got heat!
- They burn cleanly. Gas-fueled systems are known for producing fewer emissions compared to wood, resulting in cleaner air and less overall maintenance.
- They heat steadily and consistently. A gas fireplace provides consistent and easily adjustable heat output, ensuring high levels of comfort and heating efficiency.
- They’re low maintenance. All in all, gas systems require much less maintenance compared to wood-burning options…for a pretty similar experience.
One of the downsides of burning with gas is the loss of authenticity. Some find the low-maintenance payoff not worth this sacrifice. That said, newer models are looking more realistic than ever!
Electric Fireplace Inserts
- They’re incredibly easy to install. Really, all that’s required for electric fireplace installation is an outlet – just plug it in, and you’re all set.
- They’re a safer option. No open flames here, making them a safer option for homes with children and pets.
- They’re quite versatile. Electric options can be used with or without heat, offering a visual flame effect even in warmer months…and they’re easy to move around your home too.
- They’re very efficient. These will convert all the energy used into heat, making it an efficient heating option.
In terms of getting that classic and traditional fireplace ambiance, electric fireplaces aren’t going to win out, unfortunately. They’re the least realistic-looking, which is why many opt for gas, instead – they have that high convenience level, while looking a little more authentic.
Pellet Inserts
- They offer efficient heating. Pellets are highly efficient and provide a significant amount of heat per unit of fuel.
- They’re relatively eco-friendly. Made from compressed sawdust and other wood waste, pellets are a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel source.
- They’re low maintenance. While more maintenance than gas systems, pellets are much easier to manage than wood logs – offering a solid middle-ground option.
- Pellets are easy to store and handle. Pellets come in easy-to-handle bags and can be stored compactly, making them convenient for use and storage.
Some downsides of pellets? While lower maintenance than wood systems, they do require some cleanup and periodic servicing. They also are electricity-dependent and won’t work in the case of a power outage, so that’s something to consider.
What’s the Difference Between a Fireplace & a Fireplace Insert?
Traditional fireplaces are built into the structure of the home – often as part of the original construction – and typically feature an open hearth. When it comes to installing a new fireplace, it’s typically not a quick installation process. Rather, it demands construction or renovation work, including building a chimney for venting (the exception being electric fireplaces, of course). Once installed, fireplaces become a permanent part of the home’s structure.
The big issue with open fireplaces is that they’re known for their lack of efficiency, with significant heat being lost up the chimney. That said, their traditional ambiance is hard to beat.
Fireplace inserts are self-contained units designed to be installed into an existing fireplace opening and feature a closed combustion system with glass doors or panels – which then makes them more efficient in terms of heating. Installation is relatively easy, with the units simply retrofitting into the existing fireplace and requiring minimal construction work.
The main reason homeowners opt for these is so they can turn an old, inefficient fireplace into a more effective heat source. In addition, these can often make fuel conversions easier for those looking to switch from wood to gas.
How Does a Fireplace Insert Work?
So, you understand that fireplace inserts are more efficient…but how do they work exactly?
A fireplace insert works by enclosing the fire in a sealed environment. Because the fire is contained within this closed combustion chamber, it allows the insert to generate and retain more heat, which is then distributed into the room. And many inserts are equipped with blowers or fans to help circulate warm air more effectively.
In addition, the enclosed design of a fireplace insert reduces the risk of sparks or embers escaping into the room, enhancing the overall safety of the appliance.
Can I Install a Fireplace Insert Myself?
In a day and age where you can find how-to videos and DIY articles for just about anything with just a few clicks of your keyboard…sure – it’s technically possible.
- That said, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. For the safety of our customers, we’ll always recommend hiring a professional. Here’s why:
- Safety: Incorrect installation can pose significant safety risks, including fire hazards, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Complexity: The process involves proper fitting, sealing, and connection to existing chimneys or vents, which can be complicated.
- Compliance: Local building codes and regulations often require professional installation to ensure compliance.
Ready to call on our pros? We’re here to help – reach out now.
Trust Our Experts
Deciding on the right fireplace insert can transform your home into a warm, inviting haven. With our expert guidance and extensive selection, finding the perfect match for your Wilmington home has never been easier.
Visit us or contact our team today to explore our options and get personalized advice. At Angerstein’s, we’re dedicated to helping you create the cozy, efficient living space you’ve always dreamed of.
Call or reach out online now.
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302-996-3500
Visit us or contact our team today to explore our options and get personalized advice.
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Angerstein’s exceptional customer service is well-known, and we take pride in the fact that we are a member of the Better Business Bureau of Delaware. Come in to meet with one - or many - of Angerstein’s knowledgeable sales associates for help with your home improvement project soon.
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You can always go the free-standing stove route for another home heating option. Check out all the available options in our Design Center.