Fireplace inserts are a type of fireplace that can be installed in an existing masonry fireplace. They improve heating efficiency by capturing and redirecting heat into the room and they are a great solution to a drafty or inefficient heat source. Fireplace inserts burn cleaner than a traditional wood fireplace and from an efficiency standpoint, they can be a great investment.
The cost of a fireplace insert can vary widely as there are a wide range of add-ons, some practical, others preferential. But the unit's base cost will depend on which fuel option you choose: wood, gas, electric, or pellet.
Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts
National Average: $2,200
Basic models may start around $1,000, while high-end options, labor cost of professional installation, and additional features can climb to $4,000 or more. Installation costs are additional and vary based on complexity.
Pros:
- Lower Fuel Costs: A wood-burning fireplace insert is often more cost-effective than a gas unit or an electric model.
- Traditional: Wood-burning inserts maintain the ambiance of a real wood fire.
- Reliable: Provide heat output even during a power outage.
- Long-Term Savings: With a local and sustainable wood source, wood insert heating costs can be economical over time.
Cons:
- Installation Costs: Fireplace insert installation can be expensive, especially if a chimney liner or venting system is not already in place.
- Labor-Intensive: Requires effort to procure, store, and maintain wood.
- Emissions and cleaning: Creosote buildup and particulate matter create air pollution, but it is much less than a traditional fireplace. Annual chimney inspections and cleanings by a professional are recommended.
Gas Fireplace Inserts
National average: $3,600
Gas fireplace insert costs typically range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more, excluding gas fireplace installation. Gas inserts require vent pipes on top of having varying features, such as remote control and programmable thermostats, which can influence the overall cost.
Pros:
- Convenient Fuel Source: Both natural gas and propane are convenient and readily available fuel types.
- Efficient Heating: Direct vent gas fireplace inserts are generally considered to offer the highest efficiency rating.
- Flame pattern: The real flame offers a cozy visual aesthetic.
Cons:
- Higher Initial Cost: Gas inserts can be more expensive upfront because you may need to connect the fireplace to gas, upgrade gas lines, or have a gas line installation. Speak to your local gas fireplace installer to learn how these extra expenses will affect your budget.
- Dependence on Gas Supply: Requires a connection to a gas line, limiting placement options. If you have to buy a gas tank, the price ranges from $400 for an above-ground 100-gallon tank up to $4,500 for an underground 1000-gallon tank.
- Lacks Ambience: Unless you opt for an added audio system, you won't have the crackling of a wood stove.
Electric Fireplace Inserts
National Average: $1,000
Basic electric inserts have the lowest average cost range and can start as low as $200, while more advanced and realistic models with additional features may climb to $2,000. Installation is usually straightforward, as these inserts often plug into standard electrical outlets.
Pros:
- Low Initial Cost: Electric inserts are often more affordable upfront.
- Easy Installation: Typically easy to install, often requiring only a standard electrical outlet.
- Clean: The electrical power source is the greenest fireplace insert model available.
Cons:
- Higher Operational Costs: To match the heat output of other styles, electric fireplace inserts may need to be run longer thus costing more over the long term compared to other fuel sources.
- Visual Realism: While modern models mimic flames well, some may find the visuals less realistic than gas or wood-burning options.
- Zone-heating: Most electric fireplace inserts will only adequately heat a 400-square-foot space.
Pellet Fireplace Inserts
National Average: $3,000
Pellet stove inserts can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more. These stoves use pellet fuels, a type of fuel made from compressed wood chips and sawdust, a byproduct that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The low moisture content of the wood pellet fuels makes for an efficient energy source. Installation costs depend on factors such as venting requirements.
Pros:
- Automated Fuel Feed: Pellet inserts often have automated feeding systems, making them more convenient than wood.
- Better for Storage: Wood pellets take up less space than a cord of wood and require less labor to utilize.
- Cost-Effective Heat Source: Even if pellets cost more than wood by the pound, operation costs will break even as pellets are such an energy efficient source.
Cons:
- Electricity dependent: Most pellet fireplace inserts require electricity so in a power outage, you're out of luck.
- Pellet Access: Pellets may have varying cost and availability depending on the region. It can be tricky to get stuck in a pellet fuel shortage.
- Maintenance Needs: Pellet inserts require regular maintenance, adding to long-term costs.
FAQ
What are the benefits of installing a fireplace insert over keeping a traditional open fireplace?
Fireplace inserts have greater energy efficiency because they trap and circulate heat, reducing heat loss through combustion gases going up the chimney. They also burn fuel more efficiently in the combustion chamber, leading to less creosote buildup and lower emissions. This makes them safer, easier to maintain, and can help lower your heating bills over time.
Will an insert change the look and feel of my fireplace?
Yes, installing an insert will change the appearance of your fireplace. Instead of an open firebox, the insert is a self-contained unit that fits within the hearth. While inserts may lack the traditional charm of an open fireplace, the types of fireplaces and various designs can match your home’s style.
Is it worth the investment to install a fireplace insert if I already have a traditional fireplace?
If you use your fireplace regularly for heating, an insert can provide energy efficiency, significant energy savings, and more consistent warmth. They also reduce maintenance and increase safety compared to traditional fireplaces. However, if you mainly use the fireplace for ambiance, keeping your existing wood-burning fireplace may be sufficient.
Can I install a fireplace insert myself, or should I hire a professional?
While it’s possible to install a fireplace insert yourself, it's generally less of a safety risk to hire professional installers. Proper installation involves making sure the insert is vented correctly and meets local building codes. A professional can also guarantee it's safely integrated into your home’s heating system and avoid potential hazards.
