Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Which Gas Fireplace Insert Is Best?

Whether you are looking to change fuel sources or are shopping for a new insert for your existing fireplace, there are dozens of makes and models to choose from. However, all these choices can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available.

One of the questions we often receive from customers is “What is the best gas fireplace insert?” While the “best” insert often is the one that perfectly meets your family’s heating needs, the following guide can help when shopping for your next gas fireplace insert.

Three Choices for Venting

Gas fireplace inserts can be divided into three main categories based on how they vent: direct vent, natural vent, and vent free. The type of system needed for your home will depend on a few things.

1. where the new fireplace insert will be located
2. whether or not there is an existing fireplace,
3. or the heating needs the fireplace needs to meet.

Based on those answers, one of these options might be the right fit.

• Direct vent: Direct vent fireplaces vent the byproducts of combustion from the gas fireplace directly to the exterior of your home. This venting system means that traditional chimney systems are not needed and the fireplace can be placed on any shared exterior wall. Because direct-vent fireplaces pull air and vent directly to a home’s exterior they are considered to be the safest option for gas fireplace inserts.
• Natural vent: Natural vent fireplaces use traditional chimneys to vent the hot air and gasses created by a gas insert. Natural vent fireplaces [http://homebuying.about.com/cs/gaslogs/a/vented_gas_logs.htm] are most commonly used when installing a new insert into an existing firebox, such as when converting a fireplace from wood burning to gas. While natural vent inserts can be used in instances where the firebox is damaged, they should not be used in case of damage to the chimney structure itself; this can prevent the insert from drafting properly and prevent the fireplace from working safely.
• Vent-free: Vent free gas fireplaces do not require outside air for combustion of venting. This allows them to be placed nearly anywhere in the home, regardless of proximity to a chimney or exterior wall. While vent-free fireplaces are popular to use as a supplemental heat source, they should not be run continuously as this can deplete the oxygen in a home. To use vent free gas fireplaces safely, limit use to a few hours at a time and open a window in the room where the fireplace is in use.

Which gas insert is best?

There is no one “best” gas fireplace insert. You need to find an insert that is best suited for your home. Because of this, it is important to work with a fireplace expert when choosing a new gas insert for your home. At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we carry a variety of high-quality brands in various sizes and styles, giving our customers maximum choices when selecting a new gas fireplace insert. For more information on finding the best gas insert for your home, contact our expert staff today!

Want To Be A Chimney Expert? We Are Hiring!

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we are proud to serve mid-Michigan, northern Ohio, and northern Indiana as the area’s premier fireplace, chimney, dryer vent, and air duct care company. For more than three decades, we have worked to protect our friends, family, and neighbors through chimney care and maintenance and fire prevention. Right now, our company is growing!

We are currently hiring! Clean Sweeps of Michigan is looking for dependable and dedicated employees to become chimney experts. Whether you have experience in the chimney field or not, the right candidate will receive training in order to provide our customers with quality chimney care and exceptional service.

What does a chimney sweep do?

Working as one of the chimney experts at Clean Sweeps of Michigan involves a wide range of tasks, roles, and responsibilities. Depending on the day our chimney sweeps are sweeping chimney and flues to remove soot, creosote, and other buildup, inspecting fireplaces and chimneys for signs of damage, installing new heating appliances, or repairing masonry damage. Likewise, our chimney sweeps play an important role in helping to educate our customer’s chimney maintenance, fire safety, and more.

Becoming a chimney sweep does not require previous work experience in the field. However, there are requirements that new chimney sweeps will be required to meet. Candidates should be able to safely function on roofs and ladders as well as in enclosed spaces. Likewise, they should be able to use hand tools, power tools, and be able to take measurements and make calculations.

One of the most important job requirements for a new chimney sweep is the ability to pass certification and supplier exams after training. Clean Sweeps of Michigan is proud to employ Chimney Safety Institute of America chimney sweeps; being able to successfully complete the education and testing process is extremely important.

About Clean Sweeps of Michigan

Clean Sweeps of Michigan was founded in 1980 in Clarklake. Since then has been dedicated to providing quality fireplace and chimney services to mid-Michigan, northern Indiana, and northern Ohio. Our staff works hard to stay up to date with the latest safety advancements and trends in the fireplace industry, creating ongoing education opportunities through numerous professional guilds and organizations. We are also actively involved in the local community. Our team loves to support number of local sports teams and business groups.

Our Application Process

The application process for Clean Sweeps of Michigan is fast and easy to follow. Our application can be found here. Completed applications should be returned by mail or in person to the Clean Sweeps of Michigan office.

Clean Sweeps of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer; it is our policy to provide equal employment to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, sex, religion, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Clean Sweeps of Michigan also maintains a drug-free workplace.

Clean Sweeps of Michigan is expanding, and you could be the right candidate for the job! For more information about the application process or current openings, please contact us today.