Not too long after we moved in, we discovered that the peach room fireplace chimney needed a new liner (thanks, home inspectors!!). This chimney had a clay tile-lined flue. Essentially, the installed clay tiles were breaking down due to soot accumulation and moisture. Without this liner, smoke would deteriorate the chimney walls and significantly increase our chance of a chimney fire.
After reaching out to a few different places, we learned that it would cost us $10K to have a new chimney liner installed. I was devastated. We had just purchased this house and there was no way we could afford to invest this amount of money into it immediately.
We had three choices:
- Don’t use the fireplace at all. Nope.
- Pay $10K to install a new tile chimney liner. Ugh.
- Convert to a gas fireplace insert which, in our case, was literally half the price: $5K for the cost of labor and insert.
Based solely on finances, converting to a gas fireplace insert was obvious. Gas fireplace inserts are designed to fit existing fireplaces and are fueled via a copper gas line. We were pleased to learn that a gas insert would be far more efficient in heating our space than a wood-burning fireplace.
Even after we settled on a gas fireplace insert, I still had reservations about the look of an insert. I admit I had a preconceived notion, and I had concerns I wouldn’t find one I liked. The team at Heat & Glo was able to show me a selection of inserts that fit within my vision of the space. We ultimately selected the Escape gas insert fireplace because the style looked the most realistic.
After selecting the insert, the Fireside Hearth & Home team installed the insert in just one day.
The big question: What sets this fireplace apart? Convenience.
Fireplaces check off all of my boxes. Not only do they add visual and literal warmth to a space, but they also create an instant ambiance. The ritual of building a fire fulfills all of my senses, from the crackling sound to the smell of the wood burning. I love it all.
But… you cannot beat having a fire at the push of a button. The Escape kicks out a ton of heat with zero effort on my end.
We use our Heat & Glo fireplace in the peach room daily in the colder months. We turn on the fireplace first thing in the morning and it often helps heat the adjacent office and dining room. It provides a lovely ambiance and goes beyond just looks to help keep everyone comfortable.
Who is this product for?
There are lots of options out there for fireplaces. For us, it was an easy decision based on finances and undesirable alternative options. If you are looking to convert or install a fireplace of your own, the pros at Heat & Glo can answer all of your questions.
Editor’s Note: This post is sponsored by Heat & Glo. The compensation we receive in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight we use to purchase props, hire a photographer, write/edit the blog post, and support the larger team behind Wit & Delight.
While we receive compensation in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow us to continue to develop dynamic unsponsored content. Thank you for supporting our partners!
Kate is currently learning to play the Ukulele, much to the despair of her husband, kids, and dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.