Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Look Into A New Fireplace Or Insert This Holiday Season

The holidays are a season for family and friends to gather together and celebrate. For many families, this includes spending time in front of a roaring fire. This year, make sure your home is holiday ready by looking into installing a new fireplace or insert!

Whether your current fireplace is out of date, has a fuel source you don’t like, or needs repairs that prevent you from using it, installing a new fireplace insert can help you enjoy your fireplace system again. With a wide variety of sizes and styles available at Clean Sweeps of Michigan, our staff can help you find the perfect insert for your home.

All About Inserts

Fireplace inserts are not a one size fits all fireplace! Modern inserts come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet both the heating needs of your home while still fitting in with your home’s décor. Likewise, inserts burning different fuel sources are available; whether you prefer pellets, gas, or traditional wood, it is possible to find an insert for your home. Inserts are able to burn safely and efficiently by using closed system combustion. Doing this minimizes fuel waste while maximizing heat production, making them one of most efficient fireplace options available.

Inserts can be installed as new fireplaces as well as in the place of an existing masonry fireplace or insert. According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association, installing an insert in the place of an existing open hearth masonry fireplace can help reduce energy bills – sometimes by as much as 40%.

Benefits of a New Fireplace Insert

A new fireplace insert is a cost-efficient way to upgrade your home and get the most out of your fireplace system. The following are three benefits of installing a new fireplace insert.

1. Environmentally friendly. New fireplace inserts following the strict emissions requirements set by the EPA. This minimizes the smoke, particulate emissions, and other air pollution created by fireplaces. Minimal air pollution can make fireplace inserts a good option for families with members who have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
2. Energy efficient. Fireplace inserts are extremely efficient due to their closed system combustion. This minimizes fuel waste while maximizing heat production; less heat is lost up the chimney and more is projected into the room. Inserts may in some cases even be more efficient than gas fireplaces.
3. Variety of choices. Fireplace inserts are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and with various fuel sources. This means that families can find the perfect insert for their specific heating needs. Likewise, there are a number of different styles available ranging from sleek and contemporary to rustic and traditional.

This holiday season, get ready to make memories around the fireplace with a new insert for your home. For more information on fireplace inserts and how to get a new insert installed in your home before the holidays arrive, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

Now Is The Time To Get A Gas Fireplace!

Fireplaces are one of the most desirable features your home can have. In fact, according to the National Association of Homebuilders, fireplaces are the second most requested home feature for both buyers and builders. Having a functional, modern fireplace in your home can add value – as well as enjoyment for your family!

Whether you have a wood fireplace that is underutilized, want to add a heating feature to your home, or have an existing out-of-date gas fireplace, now is the perfect time to get a new gas fireplace.

Why choose gas?

While many homeowners associate fireplaces with burning wood, gas is an increasingly popular choice.

The following are five reasons to switch to a gas fireplace this summer:

1. Increased efficiency.
   Gas fireplaces and inserts are the most efficient heating appliances on the market today. Most gas fireplaces burn with as much as 90% efficiency. This ensures that the gas being used is heating your home, not being lost up the chimney.
2. Save time and space.
   Wood and pellet heating appliances require more upkeep than their gas counterparts. Switching to gas can reduce the amount of time spent cutting, stacking, and storing fuel and the space used to store wood and pellets.
3. Decreased air pollution.
   Burning gas produces little to no smoke and emissions. Because of this, gas fireplaces are ideal for families with respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma, that wood smoke may aggravate.
4. Ease of use.
   Gas fireplaces are extremely easy to and can literally provide heat at the push of a button! This makes them ideal for busy families who want to enjoy their fireplace whenever possible, even if for just a few minutes at a time.
5. Choices in styles.
   There is no one size or style for gas fireplaces. Instead, homeowners can pick from styles ranging from the traditional to the ultra-modern. It is even possible to customize the “wood” of the gas logs in the fireplace!

Types of gas fireplaces.

There are three main types of gas fireplaces. The type of gas fireplace you choose often depends on factors such as heating needs or the presence of any existing fireplaces. The following is a brief explanation of the pros and cons of the three types of gas fireplaces.

• Vented.
  Vented gas fireplaces use existing chimneys to vent and draw in outside air. These fireplaces are often used when a fireplace is converted from wood to gas. However, the chimney may need to be relined if the fuel source is changed.
• Direct vent.
  Direct vent gas fireplaces use a small, two way pipe to vent directly to the outside of your home. Since the chance for carbon monoxide or gas buildup is virtually eliminated, they are extremely safe. Many direct vent fireplaces need to be installed directly on an exterior wall.
• Vent free.
  Vent free gas fireplaces do not require any outside venting. This allows them to be installed and used virtually anywhere in your home. Manufacturer’s instructions for use should be carefully followed to prevent a negative impact on air quality.

Don’t wait until fall to start thinking about a new gas fireplace. Contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today for more information on installing a new gas fireplace in your home!