You love your fireplace or at least the idea of your fireplace. For many homeowners, putting up with the status quo is par for the course where fireplaces are concerned. This doesn’t have to be the case, however. If you’re not satisfied with the subpar performance or efficiency of your existing fireplace, then maybe it is time for an upgrade for better fireplace heating efficiency and summer is the best time to do it. Why? Because our technicians are not as busy during the summer and we can be in and out of your house from first call to finishing the installation faster so you can get on your busy summer schedule. You’ll take the worry out of that iffy fireplace and be more than ready for that first cold snap.
FIREPLACE INSERTS
If you’re not familiar with fireplace inserts (both wood- and gas-burning), they’re a fascinating way to upgrade your existing fireplace without expensive construction costs associated. A fireplace insert, quite literally, is inserted into your existing fireplace (hence the name). They can be vented up and out of your existing chimney (if you have one), and some models don’t even require any venting at all. When installed by a certified and trained professional such as the ones at Owens Chimney Systems, your unit would be far more efficient than your drafty old fireplace, as it would seal off the draft altogether while at the same time keep more heat inside your room where you want it! They can easily cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000, however, this price can be quickly recouped through significantly reduced monthly heating bills; some models can virtually pay for themselves in 2-3 years.
STOVES
If your space allows for it, a stove (wood- or gas-burning) from an industry-respected manufacturer like Regency or Hampton would be a wonderful addition to keep you warm on those cold winter nights. We carry an assortment of stoves, with looks ranging from classic to contemporary; one is sure to catch your eye. These units are low in emissions and energy efficient as well, enabling you to put more of the heat where you want it and send far less of it up the stovepipe. This will once again save you a significant amount in energy costs.
Still unsure? Try the Regency Fireplace Design Center to help you pick out just the right fireplace or stove for you and your home to meet your heating and decor needs.
WHY SUMMER IS THE BEST TIME TO UPGRADE
This is a question we’ve been asked many times over the past month or so. Summer is the prime time to replace your existing fireplace with an energy efficient fireplace insert or freestanding stove because this is the time of year when you’re not actually wanting or needing to use the equipment. Imagine if you will, it’s December and there’s a definite chill in the air. You want to light a fire in your fireplace, but you remember that it’s not working properly. Rather than lighting the fire anyway and risking the safety of you and everyone in your home, you walk over to the thermostat and just turn it up a few degrees higher. You just cost yourself far more in increased energy costs than you would’ve had you been able to walk over to your new insert or stove and get the fire going (gas units would merely require the push of a button to get started).
If you’re in the market to upgrade your current fireplace unit with an insert or stove, please don’t hesitate to give the professionals at Owens Chimney Systems a call today. We’re here to help you in any way we can with your fireplace and chimney system needs. You can always count on us!