How to Revive Your Old Fireplace
If you have an old fireplace that you're not using, you don't have to settle for an empty hole.
There's a way to bring the life back to your old fireplace. And it's more affordable and easier than you think.
We are talking about fireplace inserts of course. In this article we'll cover 5 of them, starting from the quickest and the easiest to install and going down the list.
Don't feel like reading? Watch the video instead:
1. Ethanol Grates
Ethanol Grates consist of an ethanol burner and a grate for insulation and stability.
In photo: The Bio Flame 13-Inch Round Ethanol Fireplace Insert
An ethanol burner is a vessel that holds liquid ethanol fuel, usually rectangular or round. This vessel has an opening at the top - this is where the flames come from.
Grates provide insulation, stability, and protection from the heat that comes from the burner.
Ethanol grates are the easiest and quickest way to revive your old fireplace. There is no installation of assembly. You literally just unpack them, add ethanol fuel and stick them inside of your fireplace. Light up the flame and your are done! Your fireplace has new life.
Upsides:
- real flames
- affordable
- quick & easy
- no installation required
- clean flames without any emissions
Downsides:
- have to remember to add more fuel
2. Electric Log Sets
Electric log sets usually consist of a log set imitation, flame imitation, and an electric heater. They complete the look and mimic the real fire, and provides heat.
In photo: Dimplex Revillusion 25-Inch Plug-in Electric Log Set
Electric log sets can be super fast and easy to install if you have a power outlet near your fireplace and you can easily hide the cord. Otherwise, you might have to hire an electrician to bring that electrical connection to your fireplace opening.
Like ethanol grates, electric log sets don't require any installation. Plug them in and you have "fire" in your fireplace again!
Upsides:
- affordable
- quick & easy
- no installation required
- flames work with or without heat - turn it on when you need it
- no emissions, no maintenance
Downsides:
- flames are not real, so depending on the quality of the insert you choose, they can look more or less realistic (See: Realistic Log Sets)
- if you don't have an outlet nearby, you might have to hire an electrician
3. Electric Fireboxes
An electric firebox is an electric fireplace that's shaped like traditional masonry fireplaces and is designed to fit inside existing fireplace openings. The gaps can be covered with trim that is included with your purchase or you can use your own.
In photo: Dimplex Revillusion 36-Inch Built-in Electric Firebox
Electric fireboxes are a step above the first two options. They do require installation: you will need an electrician to hardwire them in. But the final result looks more finished. You essentially get a brand new fireplace.
Many high-quality electric fireboxes have realistic flames with multicolor options and give off enough heat to warm up 500-1000 sq.ft. The flames work without heat too which allows more usage of your new fireplace since it won't overheat the house.
Upsides:
- finished look
- flames work with or without heat - turn it on when you need it
- no emissions, no maintenance
Downsides:
- require installation by an electrician
- cost a little more than the first two options
4. Gas Log Sets
Gas logs consist of log imitation and a gas burner.
Gas log sets are similar to electric logs sets when it comes to installation but instead of an electrical connection you need a gas hookup, so you would need to hire an HVAC technician to help you install them.
In photo: Grand Canyon Weathered Oak Indoor Gas Log
Other than that, gas log sets are easy to install. Just hook them up to a gas source and slide them inside the fireplace opening.
- Contemporary Gas Logs
There is a contemporary version of gas logs that is also referred to as "contemporary gas inserts" sometimes.
Contemporary gas inserts are very similar to gas logs: it is a gas burner but without logs. Instead it has a flat surface to add fire glass for a more contemporary look.
In photo: Real Fyre Contemporary Vent-Free Gas Fire Glass Set Insert
Upsides:
- real flames
- realistic look
- traditional and contemporary options
Downsides:
- require installation by a licensed HVAC professional
- for vented models - need to insure proper venting
- for ventless gas models - need to make sure local regulations allow it
5. Gas Inserts
Gas inserts are similar to electric fire boxes in their structure and just like gas logs they have a gas burner and can be vented or ventless.
Since it is an entire firebox, a gas insert completely changes the look of your fireplace including the background.
Gas inserts can come with log set imitation and contemporary fire glass.
Gas inserts produce more heat than other fireplaces inserts, but they are generally more expensive and require professional installation.
Upsides:
- real flames
- realistic look
- more heat than the first 4 options
Downsides:
- require installation by a licensed HVAC professional
- for vented models - need to insure proper venting
- for ventless gas models - need to make sure local regulations allow it
- expensive
There you have it, 5 types of inserts to choose from. This can be a quick, easy, and fairly inexpensive project. For a few hundred bucks, you can have a warm fire in your fireplace again.
I hope you found this article helpful.
If you have questions or need help deciding on the best insert for you: give us a call at 866-713-2399 or email us at support@modernblaze.com. We are happy to help!
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