PRACTICAL AND VISUALLY APPEALING, FIREPLACE INSERTS ARE THE IDEAL SOLUTION IN MANY SITUATIONS
The beloved old open fireplace has had its day. While it served as the primary heating source in our homes for centuries, today it's considered a major contributor to fine particle pollution, leading to bans in many areas. What can be done? If you're considering a way to repurpose it differently, inserts for existing fireplaces—especially pellet-powered ones—might be the right choice for you. In this article, we'll explore some of the best solutions.
WHY TRANSFORM AN OPEN FIREPLACE INTO A CLOSED ONE
If you're renovating your home and have an old open hearth, you might be tempted to bring it back into use. However, if you plan to leave it as is, it's better to reconsider.
An open fireplace should now be regarded as a decorative element, to be used sparingly due to its pollution levels. In fact, many Italian regions have environmental regulations that prohibit or limit the use of open hearths.
Therefore, if you're looking to renovate your home with energy efficiency in mind, the open fireplace should be converted into a closed one, preferably pellet-fueled.
But why choose an insert over a traditional glass-fronted fireplace?
HOW TO INSTALL A PELLET FIREPLACE INSERT
An insert is specifically designed for easier and quicker installation compared to a standard closed fireplace. Here's why:
- The height and depth of an insert are significantly reduced compared to traditional closed fireplaces.
- The flue outlet connects directly and easily to the existing chimney with a flue adapter.
To install a pellet fireplace insert, consider the following steps:
- Transportation;
- Placement of the insert into the existing hearth;
- Installation of the flue adapter;
- Initial ignition;
- Creation of the drywall filler.
An important note: before considering installing an insert:
- It's advisable to request an inspection to determine the power needed to achieve the desired comfort in your home;
- If the open fireplace hasn't been used for a long time, you should have a professional check the existing chimney, as it might be obstructed or need cleaning.
THE BEST PELLET INSERT MODELS FOR EXISTING FIREPLACES
When choosing a good pellet insert model, keep these features in mind:
- An environmental quality rating of 4-5 stars, ensuring high efficiency, low emissions, and the ability to use your insert at any time, even during high pollution alerts;
- A quality level that qualifies for state incentives, such as tax deductions (ecobonus and renovation bonuses) or the Thermal Account;
- As quiet an operation as possible (see this article if you want to learn more about pellet product quietness);
- A clean, minimalist design that easily matches your living room's style.
QBox is a pellet insert available in two sizes, 60 and 70 cm wide. I recommend it because it offers a range of features that clearly distinguish it from competitors.
THERMO INSERT: WHEN TO CHOOSE IT
An interesting solution to transform the old fireplace into a true heating machine for the entire house is to insert a thermo insert (also known as a hydro pellet fireplace) into the hearth. The dimensions are larger compared to a standard air insert, so masonry work will be a bit more extensive.
The advantages of a thermo insert are numerous:
- With a single product, you heat not only the room where the insert is installed but all the radiators in the house.
- You can "retire" the boiler during the winter months, resulting in significant cost savings.
The thermo insert shown below is a Vivo 90 Hydro, available in 18 and 24 kW versions.
DUCTABLE PELLET INSERTS
Ducting is a system to transport the hot air produced by the fireplace or stove to other rooms in the house through wall pipes. There are also ductable insert models. As with the thermo insert, installation work is a bit more involved compared to a standard air insert.
However, the usage is certainly more versatile, and the savings on heating costs are more substantial.
