We Provide Wood Stove & Fireplace Insert Installation Near Vestavia Hills & Birmingham
Customers have long trusted Birmingham Chimney Services for our chimney sweep and repair services. We bring that same dedication, quality, and dedication to safety to our wood stove and insert installation services. Let us upgrade your fireplace or add a wood stove today to ensure you’re getting the heat you deserve. Our team is here to keep your home as warm and safe as possible.
Buck Stove : Model 81NC
Regency : Model F2450
Why Do Locals Trust Birmingham Chimney for Wood Fireplace Installs?
Why trust us when installing a new wood stove or upgrading your wood fireplace?
- We have a wide selection of products to choose from. From classic to contemporary designs, we have models perfectly suited to your home’s aesthetic and heating needs.
- We’re certified and experienced installers. Our team will install your stove or insert correctly to maximize efficiency and ensure safety.
- We offer maintenance and service plans. Keep your wood-burning appliance operating at peak performance with our comprehensive maintenance services, including cleanings, inspections, and repairs.
- We provide thorough safety inspections. We conduct in-depth inspections to ensure your stove or insert is functioning as safely as possible, so you can enjoy your wood system worry-free.
- We troubleshoot and customize specific to your needs. We provide custom solutions and expert advice tailored to your home, budget, and heating needs.
Is a Wood Fireplace Insert More Efficient Than a Wood Fireplace?
When you picture a fireplace, a traditional open-hearth wood fireplace often comes to mind. Yet, while these are undeniably charming and classic, they’re also notoriously inefficient as a heat source. Wood fireplace inserts, on the other hand, have become a popular upgrade because they combine the nostalgic feel of a wood fire with modern heating performance.
So, to answer the question, yes – wood fireplace inserts are typically more efficient than wood fireplaces.
Think of this way: an open masonry fireplace typically has an efficiency rating of only 10-20%. That means for every unit of heat produced, 80-90% of it is lost up the chimney. A wood fireplace insert, on the other hand, is essentially a high-efficiency wood stove that is custom-fitted into an existing fireplace opening. These inserts are built with insulated fireboxes, tight-sealing glass doors, and secondary combustion systems with efficiency ratings of 65-80% or higher – several times the performance of an open fireplace.
In addition, many units come equipped with blowers that circulate heated air into the room, making them effective as supplemental or even primary heat sources in colder climates. By contrast, the radiant heat from an open fireplace is limited to the immediate surrounding area.
Another key consideration is emissions. Traditional fireplaces release a large amount of smoke and particulates into the air. Wood inserts, however, are designed with secondary burn systems that ignite the gases and particulates that would otherwise escape. This results in a cleaner burn, less creosote buildup in the chimney, and reduced impact on outdoor air quality.
For homeowners who enjoy the look of a fire but want more than just ambiance, upgrading to a wood insert is one of the smartest choices they can make.
Insert Install Before
Insert Install After
What Are the Benefits of Burning With Wood?
For centuries, wood has been one of humanity’s primary fuel sources, and even in today’s age of modern heating systems, wood remains a popular choice. From economic savings to renewable energy advantages, the benefits of wood heat go beyond simply enjoying a cozy fire.
- Wood is a renewable energy source when harvested responsibly. Unlike fossil fuels, trees can be replanted, and forests can be managed sustainably. Using wood from local sources not only reduces transportation emissions but also encourages responsible land stewardship.
- Heating with wood can be more economical than using gas, oil, or electricity. This is especially true in regions where firewood is abundant, and homeowners who harvest their own wood save even more. For those with high utility bills, supplementing with wood heat can significantly cut costs.
- Relying on wood reduces dependence on the grid or imported fuels. This independence is especially valuable in rural areas prone to power outages or in times of energy shortages. A well-maintained wood stove or insert can provide consistent heat regardless of electricity or natural gas availability.
- Today’s EPA-certified wood stoves, inserts, and fireplaces are designed for efficiency. They use advanced combustion technology that extracts more heat from less wood, burns cleaner, and produces fewer emissions. This means you get more warmth and comfort without wasting fuel.
- When burned efficiently, wood can be considered “carbon neutral.” The carbon dioxide released during combustion is roughly equal to the amount the tree absorbed during its lifetime. While not perfectly emission-free, modern wood appliances significantly reduce particulate emissions compared to traditional open fires.
- There’s an undeniable emotional benefit. Few heating methods replicate the ambiance, smell, and sound of a crackling wood fire. It creates a sense of warmth and comfort that enhances quality of life. Many families find gathering around a wood fire to be a cherished ritual, offering not just heat, but atmosphere and relaxation.
With modern appliances making wood burning cleaner and more efficient than ever, wood remains a timeless and valuable fuel source.
How Important Is It To Use Seasoned Firewood?
Very! In fact, the type of wood you burn directly affects how well your fireplace, stove, or insert performs, as well as impacts the likelihood of damage down the line. Among the most important factors is whether the wood is “seasoned.”
What happens if you burn wet or unseasoned wood?
- You get less heat, since most of the fire’s energy goes into evaporating water.
- You’ll get more buildup because wet wood burns incompletely, producing more smoke and therefore more creosote.
- Starting fires will be more difficult, as green wood resists ignition and tends to smolder.
- Unseasoned wood releases more particulates and pollutants into the air, so your carbon footprint will be bigger.
How do you know if your wood is seasoned? Well-seasoned wood has distinct characteristics:
- Cracks and splits appear at the ends.
- The color is more faded or gray compared to fresh wood.
- It feels lighter than green wood because it has lost water content.
- When struck together, seasoned logs make a sharp “clunk” rather than a dull thud.
- The aroma is less pungent and sappy.
Can I Season My Own Firewood?
Definitely! Just remember that seasoning takes time and requires proper stacking and storage. Here are some key tips:
- Cut logs to an appropriate length, so they fit easily in the firebox.
- Split the cut logs into smaller pieces to expose more surface area.
- Stack wood off the ground on pallets or logs, with the split sides facing outward.
- Leave space in your wood stacks (between rows) for air circulation.
- Cover the top, using a tarp or roof to protect the stack from rain (but leave the sides open for ventilation).
- Give the wood at least 6-12 months to season properly. (Dense hardwoods, like oak, may take up to two years.)
For accuracy, many homeowners use handheld moisture meters to test firewood. A reading under 20% indicates seasoned wood ready for burning.
Trust Us for Wood Fireplace Services & Enjoy the Timeless Comfort of a Crackling Fire
Enjoy the natural warmth and beauty of wood heat, plus save on energy costs with a wood burning stove or fireplace insert. Let us help you create a cozy and comfortable living space you can enjoy for years to come. Contact us today to explore our options and schedule your installation or service.
Would you rather opt for a more efficient gas-fueled system? You’ll love our selection of fireplaces, inserts, and more.