Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

Wood burning fireplace inserts work great to convert your old fireplace into an efficient heating system. The problem with fireplaces is that they are very inefficient. Most of the heat created in the fireplace is wasted and goes up the chimney.

These fireplace inserts are built with a steel shell that absorbs a greater amount of the heat to radiate in your house. Additionally, decorative faceplates are used to give your fireplace a modern look.

The biggest difference between a fireplace insert and a wood stove is that the insert is actually placed inside of the existing masonry fireplace opening, whereas as woodstove is set in front of the fireplace opening. This gives your fireplace a more compact and streamlined look.

If you are looking to rehabilitate that old inefficient fireplace, a fireplace insert is your best option.

Fireplace Insert Price

If you are looking to rehabilitate your old fireplace, you are looking at a price range of between $1000-$2500 for a quality wood burning fireplace insert.

The good news is that if you burn a lot of wood, this cost will probably eventually be warranted in the amount of firewood that you purchase over the life of the home. These inserts will actually heat your home effectively, unfortunately the same can't be said for a normal fireplace.

Here are some quality EPA certified wood fireplace inserts:

30% Off Tax Credit for Fireplace Inserts

Here's the good news- if you are in the United States and are thinking about rehabilitating that old fireplace, there is now a 30% off tax credit up to $1,500 that can be used for any EPA certified wood stove or fireplace insert until December 31, 2010.

This is huge deal for anyone thinking buying a fireplace insert, this federal consumer tax credit is designed to encourage energy-conscious purchases. If you are thinking about converting that old fireplace, make sure you take advantage of this huge discount.

Recommendation

Here's the deal- a fireplace insert is the easiest and best way to turn your fireplace into an efficient heating system. Are there trade-offs? Sure, the ambiance created by an open fireplace simply can't be recreated with an enclosed insert.

However, if you are looking to create a more modern look in your home, the decorative fireplace insert plates may suit you better than the old fireplace anyway.

In terms of heating efficiency, you can't beat the warmth that the insert will give you compared to the traditional fireplace. If you are in the US, just make sure you buy one before December 31, 2010 to take advantage of the tax credit.

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