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Do you own a wood-burning fireplace, but aren’t loving the work and commitment required to operate it? There’s no denying a crackling fire enhances the atmosphere of your living space, especially when the weather is chillier, but if the effort of building and maintaining fire (plus all the clean-up afterwards) is putting a damper on your evenings, then it might be time to consider some updates.
One great option comes in the form of a gas fireplace insert. These units can be installed directly into your existing fireplace, leaving you with an easy and effective way to enhance your fireplace experience for many years to come.
Check out some of the many benefits of switching to a gas insert, then be sure to reach out to the team here at Lords Chimney with any questions or concerns. We’d love to help you out with it all!
Ready to reap the benefits of a gas insert? We don’t blame you – check out all you have to gain below.
Are you known for your DIY skills? If you tend to be handy around the home, you may be wondering if installing a gas insert is something you can do without the help of a professional sweep.
This isn’t something we recommend. Inserts are often advertised as being easy to install, but that doesn’t mean this process shouldn’t be completed by a professional. There are gas lines that need to be handled, as well as various other factors that will likely come into play, and all of these things should be done by someone who has been trained and educated. DIY attempts can lead to some dangerous scenarios for you and your household.
And don’t forget to make sure your sweep is Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified, too! This ensures they put in the time and effort to be the best they can be by studying a long list of materials and taking an extensive exam. This certification needs to be renewed every 3 years, too, so rest assured, your sweep will always be up-to-date on any new industry news or advancements.
At Lords Chimney, we sell Peterson Real Fyre gas logs. These logs are known for their versatility, and they pour much less pollutants into the air than real wood logs. Whatever your needs and preferences are, whether that’s natural gas, liquid propane, vent-free, or vented, we’re certain we can find the perfect choice for you! In fact, vented options come in over 40 different realistic-looking style options, so you’re certain to find the right fit for your home, no problem.
Here at Lords Chimney, we love setting homeowners up with the fireplace system they’ve been dreaming of. We’re home to Texas’s only CSIA Master Chimney Sweep, Lee Roff, we’re certified with National Fireplace Institute (NFI), and we’re members of National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG).
We pride ourselves on always putting your safety and satisfaction first, and we’re known for always staying on top of the latest techniques and technologies in the trade. Ask around or do an online search to see our reviews, and you’ll quickly realize that we’re highly esteemed throughout our service area. There’s no crew better to trust!
Whatever your gas fireplace or insert-related needs are, we want to help. We can even discuss options for installing one of these systems outdoors!
Give us a call or contact us online today, and we can get this process started. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
At Lords Chimney, we always strive to offer our customers the best when it comes to our products, services, and anything you might need along the way for your chimney and fireplace. If you are looking to have a new fireplace installed, but you don’t know where to start, our team is here to help.
A masonry fireplace is built into your home’s existing structure, and it offers a classic and timeless aesthetic for your home. They are heavy, sturdy structures, so once they are in, they are there to stay. If you want an option that stands the test of time and a true focal point in your living space, then this is a good route to take.
However, they are typically more expensive to put in, and it will take a long time too. Once it is done, you will have a system that could bring countless enjoyable evenings. Did you know fireplaces also increase the value of your home? So it will likely sell a lot quicker when you decide to move. All in all, a masonry-built fireplace is a great option.
If you are looking for something less expensive and permanent, then a factory-built fireplace is a better option for you. They come as a complete set, and when installed correctly by a CSIA certified professional, it can last for many years. They will likely need to be replaced eventually, but this is the perfect scenario for someone who isn’t sure or want to fully commit to a masonry fireplace.
Another great option that many homeowners are investing nowadays is the fireplace insert. If you already have a factory-built or masonry fireplace, but you are wanting to change fuel types or upgrade to a more efficient unit, then an insert is the way to go. They are especially ideal for someone who might want to turn a wood-burning masonry fireplace into a gas-fueled one.
Many homeowners have been investing in gas options. Because gas is highly efficient, better for the environment, and it is extremely easy to use. Homeowners are more likely to invest in a gas unit nowadays. With a gas unit, you just flip a switch and you’ve got a fire! There is simply no beating the convenience of gas. We even offer gas logs, so you’ll get that realistic look you are hoping for in a wood-burning appliance.
Don’t let another year pass by without getting the fireplace of your dreams in your home. Our team is qualified, experienced, and certified, and we love helping our customers all throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. There is no better team out there, so give us a call today! Get the care and attention you deserve by depending on us for all of your fireplace and chimney needs.
Not all fireplaces are created equal; while all heating appliances create warmth and add ambiance to your home, they type of fireplace you have can make a big difference on how you use and maintain your fireplace.
Fireplaces can be divided into three major categories. While there are still many variations – and even hybrids – within each group, understanding more about your specific fireplace can help you make smarter burning and maintenance decisions.
Masonry fireplaces, also known as open hearth fireplaces, are made completely of bricks or stone and mortar. These massive structures are custom built and can weigh as much as six to seven tons! Because of this enormous weight, masonry fireplaces should be monitored for signs of shifting or cracking; as a home settles – as all homes do – a large masonry fireplace may be vulnerable to damage.
Since all masonry fireplaces are custom built, you can design a fireplace that perfectly meets your heating needs as well as your décor style. Likewise, because masonry is made to last with regular maintenance your masonry fireplace can heat your home for years to come.
Inserts are closed system fireplaces that offer homeowners increased energy efficiency, as well as a wide variety of fuel sources and sizes. Fireplace inserts can be installed as stand-alone units; however, they are extremely popular with those looking to change their existing fireplace to a new fuel source – such as switching from wood to gas – or to make their masonry fireplace more efficient.
If you are installing a new insert into an existing hearth, you may need to have your fireplace relined. Relining the flue ensures that the flue is correctly sized for your fireplace, as well as helps prevent or repair many drafting problems.
Factory built or prefabricated fireplaces came onto the market about 25 years ago; because of this, they are rarely seen in older homes but are extremely common in new construction. Prefabricated fireplaces are popular because of their ease of installation and much lower cost than a masonry fireplace. When installed correctly and properly maintained, prefabricated fireplaces can last for up to 25 years or longer.
There are a number of considerations homeowners should be aware of before purchasing or installing a prefabricated fireplace. First, it is important that manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use are followed exactly, especially in regard to clearances. If a chimney is installed too close to wood, it can cause the wood to ignite at as low as 200 degrees. Likewise, many prefabricated fireplaces are only certified as decorative heating appliances; this means they are not likely to produce enough warmth to heat a room, let alone a home. Lastly, prefabricated just plain wear out. While some models can last as long as 25 years with proper maintenance, over use, damage, or regular wear and tear may necessitate replacing a unit sooner.
Determining what kind of fireplace you have can help you better understand how it works and make smarter decisions with maintenance and upkeep. If you have questions about what kind of fireplace you have or are interested in purchasing a new heating appliance, contact Lords Chimney today!