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For Wood Fireplace Insert Installation Near Chicagoland & Algonquin, Trust Leonard & Sons

When it comes to fireplace installation services, there’s a lot to consider: fuel type, appliance type, location, efficiency ratings…the list could go on. Fortunately, we’re here to help with it all. Are you confident that a wood fireplace insert is right for your home? Trust us for wood insert installation services near you – we serve Chicagoland, Cary, Woodstock, Algonquin, and more.

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How Does a Wood Insert Differ From a Traditional Wood Fireplace?

What is a wood fireplace insert? It’s essentially a new firebox that is inserted into your existing fireplace setup. Which may leave you wondering…how is a wood insert any different than an open wood fireplace? Well, a wood insert differs from a traditional fireplace in several ways. First and foremost…

Fuel Consumption

  • Open fireplaces can use quite a bit of wood to keep a fire maintained and burning strong.
  • Wood inserts burn wood more efficiently, requiring less fuel to produce great levels of heat.

Design & Aesthetic

  • Open fireplaces are classic-looking with a wide firebox and traditional ambiance.
  • Wood inserts look quite similar, ensuring you can maintain that well-loved, old-time feel – the firebox just may be a bit smaller, and they come with glass doors to better ensure that boost in efficiency.

Safety Features

  • Open fireplaces can pose risks of sparks, embers, and smoke entering the home.
  • Wood inserts are usually considered safer, as the sealed design prevents sparks and embers from escaping – great for homes with kiddos and curious and pets.

Efficiency Levels

  • Open fireplaces are known for struggling a bit when it comes to heat output. A lot of warmth is sent up and out of the chimney, leaving your household chilly, your heater working overtime, and your energy costs go up.
  • Wood inserts are closed combustion systems and convert significantly more energy into heat that is poured right back into your living space, so you can lower those monthly bills without going cold.

Maintenance

  • Open fireplaces require frequent cleaning, scooping of ash, and regular upkeep due to higher levels of soot and creosote buildup.
  • Wood inserts still require those maintenance tasks, but are typically easier to clean due to boasting a more controlled and efficient burn.

What’s the Wood Fireplace Insert Installation Process Like?

Wood insert installation should always be done by a professional. The process is fairly simple when you hire a team of knowledgeable chimney technicians to get the job done right. In fact, most wood fireplace insert installations can be done in just one day. Here’s how things typically go:

  • Inspection and prep. An inspection of your existing fireplace and chimney will be completed to ensure everything is in good condition and compatible with the insert. This includes checking for cracks, blockages, or structural issues.
  • Insert selection. The homeowner will need to choose a wood insert that meets their specific heating needs and wishes, as well as fits their fireplace dimensions and complies with EPA efficiency standards.
  • Chimney liner installation (if needed). Sometimes a new liner will be required to meet certain appliance standards. We can install a stainless steel chimney liner to ensure your system works just like it’s supposed to.
  • Insert installation. The wood insert will be carefully positioned into the existing fireplace opening, with any leveling and securing being done as directed per the manufacturer’s requirements.
  • Sealing and finishing. Any gaps between the insert and the fireplace opening will be sealed with heat-resistant materials to ensure an airtight fit.
  • Testing and final inspection. The technician will test the insert to ensure proper operation, including airflow, draft, and heat output, as well as do a thorough overview to ensure every box is checked.

Can a Wood Insert Save Me Money on Heating?

Yes! Wood inserts are designed to retain heat and boast super high efficiency ratings – which results in more warmth being poured into your living space. And since you’ll be able to easily get cozy around the hearth, turning down your thermostat during those cooler nights shouldn’t be a problem at all.

All that workload taken off your HVAC system will reduce potential wear and tear, too, extending its lifespan and minimizing the need for costly repair work later on.

In addition, firewood, particularly if locally sourced or harvested yourself, is often more cost-effective than fossil fuels. And many wood inserts are designed to burn efficiently for 6-10 hours on a single load of wood, meaning less fuel is needed over time compared to your old open fireplace.

So, yes – while a wood insert requires an initial investment for the unit and installation, the long-term savings on heating will easily outweigh this cost over time.

Are Wood Fireplace Inserts Safe?

As long as you’re booking annual inspections and maintaining and using the system appropriately, yes – wood fireplace inserts are generally considered safe for use, especially when compared to an open traditional fireplace.

What makes these systems safer is:

  • …their enclosed design. Wood inserts feature sealed fireboxes with glass doors, preventing sparks, embers, and logs from escaping into your home.
  • …their venting capabilities. Efficient heating means efficient venting, ensuring no smoke, gases, or buildup is escaping out into your living space.
  • …their efficiency levels. A cleaner, hotter burn results in less creosote production, which means your system should face less risk of chimney fires – and remain safer, overall.
  • …their extra features. Some models have optional safety features like temperature monitors or automatic shutoff mechanisms.

 

Just be sure to hire an expert for your installation needs. Using a professional installer ensures that the unit is securely and correctly fitted, minimizing risks while burning. In addition, book annual inspections to ensure all is working as it should with every burn season.

What Type of Wood Should I Use in My Insert?

As we’ve mentioned, using your system appropriately will result in a safer burn, so…what does that mean exactly? Well, for one, using the right type of wood in your wood fireplace insert is essential for efficiency, safety, and maximized heat output.

The biggest rule in wood-burning fireplaces: Only burn well-seasoned firewood in them.

What does “well seasoned firewood” mean, exactly? Properly seasoned wood has been dried for at least 6-12 months, reducing its moisture content to below 20%. This is because dry wood burns more efficiently, producing more heat and less creosote buildup – which results in a safer, better maintained system.

The best way to know if your firewood is properly seasoned is to buy a moisture meter. These affordable devices are simply stuck into the wood piece, after which they give a reading of how much moisture is in the log.

If you don’t have a moisture meter, look for wood that has grayish ends and cracks in the grain. It should also be relatively lightweight (as there’ll be less water to weigh it down) and should make a hollow, clunking sound when two pieces are struck together.

And yes – this means you shouldn’t be throwing trash, wrapping paper, cardboard boxes, plastic silverware, paper plates, napkins, or anything other than seasoned wood into your fires.

Make Us Your Trusted Partner for Local Wood Insert Installation Services

Leonard & Sons is the team to hire for wood fireplace insert installation near Chicago and Algonquin. Let us help you create a cozier, more energy-efficient living space that you can enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and take the first step toward upgrading your fireplace with a beautifully installed wood insert.

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