Owens Chimney Systems, Inc. Is Your Go-To Buck Stove Product Dealer in the Charlottesville, NC Area

Which Appliance Is Right for Me: Fireplace, Insert, or Stove?

Picking a heating appliance for your home is a big decision. You want to be sure that it’s something that suits the needs of your household, while still being nice to look at – the hearth is the center of the home, after all! But, with so many options between similar appliances, how do you know which one to invest in?

And while the professionals here at Owens Chimney can certainly help with a lot, even we can’t tell you which appliance will work best for your lifestyle and overall heating goals! We can, however, give a bit more information about each of these different units – fireplaces, inserts, and stoves – so that you have a better understanding of what to expect with each one.

Here’s a brief overview of these three, similar, yet ultimately very different, flame-producing appliances:

• Fireplaces: Traditional and generally open-facing, fireplaces are exactly what you picture when someone speaks of an indoor fire. A unit that maintains a roaring flame, while delivering the combustion fumes and fire exhaust up and out of a traditional chimney structure. Gas fireplaces, though, usually feature an enclosed combustion chamber and have alternate ways of venting, making them an excellent choice for homeowners interested in versatility of placement in their homes.
• Inserts: Like the name suggests, inserts are appliances that are specifically designed to be installed into an existing masonry fireplace. Utilizing specific and exact measurements and dimensions, these models require that traditional chimney setup and act as a way to drastically improve open fireplaces since, like gas fireplaces, they utilize a glass covering.
• Stoves: Traditionally seen as freestanding models, both gas and wood stoves are now available in a variety of different forms. Due to their design and the materials used during construction, stoves are known for creating an exceptional amount of heat that can warm even larger spaces. And while stoves of the past all have a rather industrial presentation to them, these days, there are so many options for metal, finishes, and other customizable elements.

Still have some unanswered questions? Interested in speaking with someone? Someone from the Owens Chimney Systems team would be more than happy to schedule a time to chat with you. We’re here for you throughout this whole process, so please don’t hesitate to reach out; no question is too small! You can fill out this form through our website and someone will get back to you shortly, or give us a call at 704-554-9595 to get started today.

How Much Does it Cost To Install a New Hearth Appliance?

That’s a great question. Unfortunately, it’s also one that is a little too tough to blatantly answer with a simple price range. Not only do you have to think about the product itself – the size, materials, additional required elements, etc. – you also have to consider the labor needed to get everything installed and set up properly.

Depending on your current setup and its overall condition and accessibility, that will also factor into your final costs. If, for instance, a tech needs to get in to remove an old appliance (or one that hasn’t been maintained properly), the service costs of cleaning out the hearth and its surrounding area will be higher than if this was the first installation.

Basically, it is just too difficult for us to provide pricing for any of our various products and services simply because it can vary so greatly. However, just because we don’t advertise any of our costs does not mean that we’re trying to hide them, either. We’re always more than happy to discuss any of our prices with customers – established and potential alike – once we learn a little bit more about your specific and unique situation.

If you’re interested in working with us to have a gorgeous new Buck Stove fireplace, insert, or stove installed in your home, give us a shout! Feel free to get in touch either right here through our website, or by calling 704-554-9595 and we’ll be happy to talk shop and discuss approximate estimates.

What Type of Venting Does My Fireplace, Insert, or Stove Require?

Honestly, without someone from our team going in and getting a nice close look, it’s virtually impossible to know. For example, let’s say you just bought an old home with a gorgeous, original wood-burning chimney. Considering the kind of chimney, you might assume that it is outfitted with the traditional terra cotta clay tiles that form the system’s venting flue, but depending on when the house and its chimney were built, there is a slight chance that it doesn’t have a liner at all.

However, it’s also possible – especially if the house has been renovated in the last few decades – that your chimney might be lined with something more modern, like stainless steel.

On a similar note, while traditional, open-facing fireplaces – especially those that are wood-burning – obviously require the classic chimney-through-the-roof setup, not all flame-producing appliances even have or need the capability of venting. Or, if they do require some sort of venting system, it might not necessarily look the same. Many modern fireplaces and stoves, for instance, feature direct venting where they’re installed in such a way that they’re able to release their combustion fumes through a hole in the wall or ceiling and directly to the outside.

Why Is Preventive Maintenance So Important for All Hearth Products?

You’ve probably seen this talked about on several pages on our website, but establishing a preventive maintenance routine is the single most important thing you can do to care for your fireplace, insert, or hearth. The reason for this is because nearly all chimney damage can be prevented…as long as the right measures are in place.

Regular services like chimney cleanings and inspections are the only way for you to know – with 100% certainty – that all is in its rightful place and functioning as it should be. In a lot of cases, by the time chimney damage becomes noticeable, it’s already too late and the repairs will likely be costly.

We always recommend you work with your chimney technician to set up a schedule, so that way, you never have to worry about getting on the books again for the following year. Once those recurring appointments are scheduled, all you have to do is keep an eye on the calendar every time the new year comes around.

We’d be happy to help you get set up! To contact someone from the Owens Chimney Systems team, fill out this appointment request form, or give us a call at 704-554-9595.

Do I Have To Work With a Professional, Or Are There DIY-Friendly Hearth & Chimney Projects I Can Attempt?

Unfortunately, as much as we love DIY renovation projects and exploring new hobbies, servicing your fireplace or chimney is simply not a great opportunity to try it out. Due to their immediate contact with flames and the elements that induce combustion, these kinds of appliances are inherently dangerous. Not to mention dark, dirty, and deceptively complex.

It may seem like a good idea to rip out your current fireplace facing or try to get a peek at the flue liner to check out its condition, but trust us: it’s not worth it. Aside from potentially harming yourself (and/or opening your home and the rest of your family to a variety of different dangers), you could also incur significantly higher repair expenses than if you had simply decided to work with a pro in the first place.

Ready To Build the Living Room of Your Dreams? Get Started By Scheduling With Owens Chimney Systems Today!

If you’re ready to get back to ultimate relaxation, it’s time to give Owens Chimney Systems a call. We’re proud to carry the finest hearth products and appliances from manufacturers like Buck Stove and we’d love to help you find the fireplace, insert, or stove you’ve been dreaming of.

To get started or learn more, simply reach out online or give us a call at 704-554-9595.

 

Regency/Hampton offers some of the best, most appealing, and most efficient fireplaces and stoves available on the market today. Give us a call to check out the options.