If you’re not sure about installing a fireplace (or fireplace insert), you will want to look beyond the ambience and the heat because you can get those with a dog or a cat.
In all seriousness, fireplaces have a couple of overlooked benefits that might make the decision easier
Biomass Tax BenefiT
If you’re considering a wood-burning fireplace or insert and you’re wondering if you’re even allowed to burn them during poor air quality days, the answer is YES. You can. And you can feel good about it as long as you have an EPA-approved wood fireplace or insert.
When you burn wood, you’ll benefit not only from increased efficiency and significantly fewer emissions than in the past, but you’ll also enjoy a sweet $2,000 federal biomass tax credit! That will help offset the purchase and installation costs.
The tax credit only applies to fireplaces that burn wood (a “biomass”). It does not apply to gas-burning fireplaces. If you love the aroma and crackle of a real wood fire, the tax break is a happy benefit and could tip the scales in favor of a wood-burning fireplace.
And over time, the fireplace will pay for itself with… drum roll…
Increased Energy Efficiency
Today’s wood- and gas-burning fireplaces are incredibly efficient. They often feature blowers that help disperse the heat, although that only adds about 10-15% more heat. Their construction - including the glass fronts - radiate a lot of heat into the space. Using a ceiling fan will help push the heat into the farther reaches of the home so you can turn down the thermostat.
Even a relative newcomer to the scene - electric fireplaces - can put out up to 10,000 BTUs of heat - this is intended to be supplemental heat since electric fireplaces are largely decorative. They are efficient and none of the heat goes “up the chimney” - but don’t expect the powerful heat you get from a wood- or gas fireplace or insert.
If you have a two story home and the upstairs stays frigid while the downstairs is roasting, consider a minor renovation like adding a pass-through vent from the ceiling above the fireplace to an upstairs room. Then, just let physics do its thing and let the hot air rise. This will also help regulate the temperature near the fireplace.
Increased Home Value
This one’s a little trickier because you have to install the fireplace that the market wants, if you’re planning on selling soon (and yes, you will recoup that money).
Today, gas fireplaces and especially inserts are the hottest sellers. People love the convenience, the cleanliness, the safety, and the low maintenance. Putting a gas fireplace in a home will definitely boost its value.
Wood burning fireplaces and inserts are popular among homeowners who have access to free firewood (mountain communities, for example), who love the rustic quality of a real wood fire, and who need serious heat output that’s enough to heat an entire home.
Not everyone wants to deal with a wood-burning fireplace, however. Many gas fireplaces put out heat that’s close to what a wood fireplace can do - as long as they burn natural gas. Propane-fueled fireplaces will not burn as hot as natural gas, and definitely not as hot as wood.
The takeaway is, know thy buyer so you get the most ROI.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that adding a fireplace (especially gas) can add up to 12% to the home’s value. Adding a second fireplace to a home adds a huge sense of luxury - think about adding one to the primary bedroom, basement rec room, or even the kitchen!
Of course, if you’re planning on staying, get what YOU like! Buyers can always switch from wood-burning to gas, or vice versa, with an insert.
Heat Even if the Power Goes Out
If you’ve lived in Colorado for more than one winter, you know that we all have to be ready for the inevitable power outages. Heavy snows, high winds, overhanging branches, etc. sometimes conspire to leave entire neighborhoods or towns without power for hours or even days. And then what? If you have a natural gas furnace you might think it doesn’t need electricity. Actually, it does. Electricity powers the blower motor, ignition, and controls, meaning a gas furnace will not function during a power outage!
Both wood and gas fireplaces or inserts can be operated without any electricity. The blowers won’t work but that’s okay - they only add 10-15% heating potential anyway. Gas fireplaces manufactured today feature electronic ignition that can be operated by battery (most are connected to electricity but have battery backups).
Speaking from experience, camping out by the fireplace when the power is out makes a potentially bad situation pretty tolerable if not enjoyable!
Final Thoughts
Between the Biomass Tax Credit, increased efficiency, increased home value, and the ability to heat your home even during the nastiest blizzard, you have four great reasons to add a fireplace or fireplace insert to your home.
The best way to determine which one is right for you is to swing by the showroom. We have dozens of wood- and gas-burning fireplaces in stock and we’re happy to discuss the pros and cons of each so you can make an educated decision.
