04 May What You Need to Know Before Buying a Gas Fireplace Insert
Gas fireplace inserts function similarly to a standard gas fireplace except that they are installed inside of an already-in-place fireplace. When the firebox inside a factory-built fireplace is no longer usable, or if you want to revamp a masonry wood-burning fireplace, installing a fireplace insert with a blower is an ideal option. Understanding that a gas fireplace insert may only be installed into an existing wood-burning fireplace is also essential. At Kozy Heat, we offer an extensive selection of gas fireplace inserts that match your heating and interior design needs.
Some important things to know about gas fireplace inserts before you make a purchase include:
Easy to Install
Fireplace inserts are easy to install with an active gas line installed in the existing fireplace. This involves slipping the insert into position and adding black metal shrouds to conceal the gaps between the existing fireplace and the insert edges.
Convert From Wood to Gas Easily
It is easy to upgrade a wood fireplace to a gas fireplace with a gas insert without opening up the wall or demolishing the existing brick, stone, or tile.
Come in a Variety of Styles
You can get a gas fireplace insert with remote and blower in various styles. This includes numerous options that range from traditional with the appearance of wood-burning logs to more modern and sleeker linear box versions that have fire glass and art.
Require a Surround
Gas fireplace inserts are provided in fixed sizes, which means there is a gap between the inserts and the fireplace edge. This arrangement often requires a shroud. Fireplaces come with great decorative safety surrounds and screen fronts to keep your family safe and cover up any imperfections.
Installation Considerations
For a gas fireplace insert to function, it requires a gas line and, at times, a supply of electricity to provide power to the unit’s ignition module and blower. If your fireplace already has a gas line and nearby power source installed, then it can be easily upgraded with a gas fireplace insert with blower and remote. But if there is no electric line near your existing fireplace, you can still operate your fireplace with a millivolt option that requires no electricity to start.
Venting Options
Gas fireplace inserts may use a direct vent, B-vent, or vent-free system. The direct vent system expels hot gases and utilizes the air outside for combustion. The B-vent system pulls in air from the room for combustion and expels exhaust through a pipe in the chimney. The vent-free system does not have a chimney or venting system. However, some states have outlawed vent-free systems due to health hazard concerns.
For information about the gas fireplace insert with remote options we offer at Kozy Heat, call us today at 800.253.4904, reach us through our contact form, or find a local fireplace store.
