# Boost your fireplace’s efficiency with a gas insert (part 1)

- Link: https://hearthsidepatio.com/gas-inserts/boost-your-fireplaces-efficiency-with-a-gas-insert-part-1/
- Published: 2019-12-09T04:37:28-05:00
- Author: hearthsideri

Does your home have a masonry built, open-burning wood fireplaces? If so, you may
wonder if you can improve the efficiency of your fireplace with a new insert. The
answer is yes!

An insert is a great upgrade that will transform your wood fireplace into a beautiful
heat producer. Here’s how. Masonry built wood fireplaces can exhaust as much as 
24,000 cubic feet of air per hour to the outside, which in turn draws in cold air
in through the home’s doors and windows. Because they are only -15 to +15 percent
efficient, they are considered highly inefficient.

A fireplace insert fits directly into your existing fireplace, greatly enhancing
its performance and beauty. There are three types of fireplace inserts – available
in multiple designs and fuel types – each with distinct benefits.

**Gas Fireplace Inserts**
Operated by the flip of a switch or remote control, gas
fireplace inserts burn natural gas or liquid propane, offering the greatest level
of convenience. There’s no ash to clean up or need to feed the fire with wood. When
used as zone heaters, direct vent gas fireplace inserts can pay for themselves in
a matter of a few years.

![](https://hearthsidepatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/EscapeI35FB_Gas_Insert.
jpg)

_Heat & Glo Escape 35FB Gas Insert_

**Wood Fireplace Inserts**

If you don’t want to part with the crackle and aroma of burning wood (understandably
so), EPA-certified wood fireplace inserts are a smart choice. Because they have 
advanced combustion technologies, they’re among the most efficient wood-burning 
options available. Some units can heat for more than 10 hours on a single load of
quality wood, while expelling minimal pollutants into the environment. And because
they burn so completely, you’ll have minimal ash to clean up.
**Pellet Fireplace
Inserts**

Pellet inserts are powerful heat sources if you’re tired of paying top dollar for
heating with fossil fuels like fuel oil and propane. With state-of-the-art technologies,
many have programmable thermostats that will adjust heat output to your liking. 
Pellet inserts produce very little ash to clean up and some units even have automatic
cleaning cycles. Heating with pellets is a green choice, as pellets are a renewable
and made from byproducts like sawdust and wood chips.

_Coming up next in Part 2: Choosing the right insert for your home. Performance,
installation, and fuel. _