The Anderson Blog

Understanding the Differences Between Fireplaces & Fireplace Inserts

A new fireplace or a fireplace upgrade can make a wonderful difference in the comfort level of your Pennsylvania home. There are two ways to accomplish this:

  1. With a manufactured fireplace
  2. With a fireplace insert

Anderson’s Chimney Sweeps & Masonry Services of New Cumberland, PA, would like to explain a little about the differences between fireplaces and fireplace inserts to help you make the best choice for your home.

Fireplace insert installations in Gettysburg & Hanover, PAFireplace inserts

If you love the aesthetics of your traditional masonry fireplace but don’t love its draftiness and poor performance, a new fireplace insert may be just what you’re looking for.

An insert is a factory-built appliance that can run on either gas or wood fuel and is designed to be placed right into the firebox of an existing masonry fireplace.

Fireplace insert benefits

  • A lot more heat than your masonry fireplace was producing. Some insert models can create and retain five times the amount of heat that an open masonry fireplace produces.
  • Fewer downdrafts and backdrafts, thanks to a closed-combustion system that blocks air exchange.
  • Fully insulated for safety and stable heat retention.
  • An array of fabulous styles and finishes that will enhance the décor of any room.
  • No chimney to build – the insert vents through its own pipe that runs up the existing chimney.

Manufactured fireplaces

There are three primary reasons for looking into purchasing a new manufactured fireplace:

  1. Your home has no fireplace of any kind.
  2. You’re tired of the inefficiency of your masonry fireplace or older manufactured unit.
  3. You want a custom installation in a specific location.

Modern fireplaces are built in a factory and come ready to be installed in a wall within your home. They can run on gas or wood and bring many of the same benefits as fireplace inserts.

Manufactured fireplace benefits

  • High heat production
  • Heavy-duty insulation
  • Minimal draftiness
  • Gorgeous visual appeal
  • Versatile installation in many different rooms

Wood fireplaces require a drafting chase that’s built on the outside of the home. Gas fireplaces vent through their own pipes. Some gas fireplaces require no venting, but these models are prohibited in many regions within the U.S., so check first before you buy.

Installation & Maintenance

Manufactured fireplaces and fireplace inserts should be installed only by experienced technicians who do this kind of work every day. You want a licensed and insured professional who knows how to install your new unit safely, correctly and in compliance with Pennsylvania state and local code requirements.

The key maintenance for wood-burning appliances is having built-up creosote removed at least once a year by a certified chimney sweep. Gas fireplaces require little maintenance other than a periodic cleaning and wipe-down.

Both types of appliances should be professionally inspected once a year.

Licensed fireplace and chimney inspections can cover:

  • All parts of the fireplace
  • Chimney liner
  • Chimney cap or chase cover
  • Bricks and mortar
  • Chimney footing
  • Smoke chamber
  • Fireplace damper

Along with these and other parts of a modern system, trained inspectors can diagnose and resolve problems with chimney leaks, drafting, odors, animals in the chimney, and more.

Fireplace showroom in Carlisle & Hershey, PAIs it time to start enjoying a new fireplace?

If you’d like to see some of the top models of new fireplaces and fireplace inserts, visit our showroom, Keystone’s Fireplace & Stove, at 6621 Carlisle Pike in Mechanicsburg, PA. We’ll help you find the perfect model for your home, and our field crew will properly install it for you.

Speak with a fireplace expert by phone, or get in touch through our contact form.


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