Count On Us for Wood Fireplace & Insert Installation Services Near You in Pittsburgh
Looking for a qualified team to install your new wood fireplace or insert in Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon, Squirrel Hill, Wexford, Shadyside, Butler, Oil City, Ellwood City, or somewhere else close by? We’d be glad to help you out.
What Are the Benefits of Wood-Burning Fireplaces?
Why do many homeowners opt for a wood-burning system over a more convenient gas option?
Ambiance
When it comes to deciding on a fuel type, there’s no denying the wood options tend to win out in terms of ambiance. As realistic as gas systems are getting, it’s hard to replace the genuine smells and sounds of a crackling wood fire.
There’s just something about the act of building up flames and adding wood logs throughout the evening that invites a classic and timeless atmosphere.
If that’s the overall feel you’re hoping to create with your fireplace, then going with a traditional wood option would be the best route for you.
Cheap, Renewable Fuel
Wood is a cheap fuel that’s easy to access. No setting up gas lines or worrying about gas leaks… just have a pile of logs nearby that’s seasoned and ready to go, and you’re all set for the rest of the evening.
And if you have a property where you can season and store your own wood, even better! With a little effort on your end, you won’t have to purchase fuel or worry about running out anytime soon.
Reliable Resource
Some fireplace options require electricity to operate, but wood fireplaces will always offer a reliable heat source in the event of a power outage. That means when your lights and heating system fail you, you’ll still have somewhere to turn for warmth and comfort. You can even use it to cook food if needed.
Wood Fireplace or Wood Insert? What’s the Difference?
The choice between a wood fireplace and a wood insert depends on your specific needs and preferences.
A wood fireplace is a more traditional option, but it’s also more open, which can result in more heat lost up the chimney.
A wood insert is a closed-off option designed to fit into your existing fireplace. It’s more efficient than a traditional fireplace and is designed to send more heat into your living space. Wood inserts also tend to produce less smoke and are better for the environment due to their high efficiency levels.
In the end, if you already have an existing fireplace and want to increase its efficiency, a wood insert may be a better option. If you’re aiming to prioritize ambiance and aesthetics over heat output, though, a traditional wood fireplace would be the better fit.
Questions? We’d be happy to go over the pros and cons – just reach out!
WOOD FIREPLACE
- more traditional
- more of an open design
WOOD INSERT
- fits into existing fireplaces
- more of a closed-off design
- more efficient
What Is Seasoned Firewood? Can I Burn Wet Wood?
Seasoned firewood is wood that has been cut, split, and dried for an extended period – typically six months to a year or more – to reduce its moisture content. Freshly cut, or “green,” wood can contain up to 50% moisture, while properly seasoned firewood has a moisture content of 20% or less. This drying process makes all the difference in how well your wood burns. Seasoned wood ignites easily, produces more heat, and burns cleaner and more efficiently than green or wet wood. You can often identify seasoned firewood by its darker color, cracked ends, lighter weight, and the hollow sound it makes when two pieces are knocked together.
Burning wet or unseasoned wood is strongly discouraged, and at Top Cat Chimney, we see the consequences of it all the time. When you burn wood with high moisture content, much of the fire’s energy is wasted evaporating the water instead of producing heat, which means less warmth for your home and more smoke. Even worse, wet wood produces excessive creosote – a highly flammable, tar-like substance that builds up inside your chimney and is one of the leading causes of dangerous chimney fires. Wet wood also contributes to more soot, harder starts, and a smoky, unpleasant burning experience overall.
To protect your home and get the most out of your fireplace, always burn properly seasoned firewood and store it in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings are equally important for removing creosote buildup and keeping your system running as safely as possible.
Work With a Chimney Company Near You That Puts Customers First
If you need a team of sweeps that will put your needs, preferences, budget, and safety above all else, we’re it. Our certified, licensed, and experienced technicians would love to help you with all of your chimney services, as well as install any new products or appliances you need.
Give us a call today or you can conveniently book online. We’d be happy to serve you soon.
We invite you to talk with us about installing your new gas fireplace or insert. We’re ready to get the job done for you.