HeatNGlow Fireplaces, Quadrafire Dealer: The Place

Home > Fireplaces > Fireplace Certifications

Turn Your "Heat-Sucking Hole" into a Heat Producer

A typical wood-burning fireplace is a beauty to watch but for most of us that lovely fire is sucking out more heat than it is producing. Once the temperature hits freezing the draft of the fire pulls more heat out of the house than it puts in causing your furnace to kick on. The effect is somewhat like a bonfire…your front side is hot but your backside is cold! So, the room with the fireplace is warm but the bedrooms upstairs are freezing. So what are your choices? That depends on both the budget and the effect that you are looking for.

The chart below lists the choices from the least expensive (and the least efficient) to the choice with the bigger initial investment but with the best payoff in heat and efficiency. So, let’s begin….

Assuming you want to still burn wood

Fireback	Made of cast iron or stainless steel, a fireback stands upright at the back of the fireplace absorbing and reflecting heat into the room	Efficiency: Unknown Cost: $225 and up
Hearth Heater	A series of hollow metal tubes which replace or go under the grate. The tubes heat up and direct the heat into the room. A blower attachment helps move the warmth. Usually used in conjunction with glass doors.	Efficiency: From 10% to 30% when used with glass doors Cost: $600 and up
Glass Doors	Can help stop the drafts from the flue. Can cut down on the possibility of sparks leaving the firebox. Doors with dampers included can limit or control the air flow to the fire	Efficiency: From 10% to 30% when used with a hearth heater Cost: $350 and up for a good quality door.
Wood Burning Inserts	A new firebox that fits within the old fireplace. It uses the existing chimney to vent by connecting with a liner.	Efficiency: Up to 80% Cost: Base prices start at $1000 with most ending up in the $2,500 -$3,500 range depending on choices made
Vented Gas Logs	Gas logs that are installed into your existing firebox. The damper is often held partially open with a damper clip	Efficiency: Low Burns 55,000 to over 100,000 BTU with most going up the chimney. Most often used with Glass Doors Cost: $100 - $1100 More expensive units tend to be more efficient, may include remote controls.
"Ventfree", "Unvented", or "Room Vented" Gas Logs	Gas logs that are operated with the damper shut.	Efficiency: 99% Cost: $250 - $1100 Downside: All vent into home. Many notice odor and moisture.
Gas Insert	A new firebox that fits within the old fireplace. It uses the existing chimney to vent by connecting with a liner. Often includes a blower. Can be operated with a thermostat to maintain set temperature in an area.	Efficiency: up to 80% Cost: Average price between $2,000 -$3,500

Alternative Fuels

Electric Logs	Just set them and plug them in. Some have heaters included	Prices start at $150
Electric Inserts	Works the same as the gas or wood units but is a true ventfree. Will usually put out about 4,500 BTU’s of heat	Prices are less than gas or wood units and without the labor costs of installation.
Gelled Fuel	Use small cans of gelled fuel to produce a flame. Usually burn 2-3 hours.	Case of 24 cans is $99

The Place located at 2377 Medina Rd. Medina, Ohio 44256
The Tractor Place is located in the rear building at 11204 Rt. 82 North Royalton, Ohio 44133
Medina (330) 239- 4000 The Tractor Place (440) 237-4806 Email:info@yourplace4.com Email The Tractor Place @ TheTractorPlace@sbcglobal.net