Get matched with top fireplace pros in Hohenwald, TN

Deciding whether to buy a prebuilt fireplace kit or build one from scratch comes down to aesthetics, available space, and budget. Many homeowners like the convenience and lower cost of prebuilt options—around $1,500—versus the involved planning and construction of a larger fireplace. Another bonus: you can usually move prebuilt units. Custom projects are more common when homeowners have access to a larger budget and more area in the yard to place the fireplace.

You can research your fireplace insert or retrofit by checking out the EPA wood stove database. The database includes information, such as a model's emission rate, efficiency, and carbon dioxide output.

The burn time of pellets in a pellet stove depends on factors such as stove size, heat setting, and pellet quality. A full hopper of pellets can last anywhere from 12 to 48 hours. Lower heat settings will extend burn times, while higher settings will reduce them. It's important to choose high-quality pellets because they burn more efficiently and produce less ash, maximizing the stove's burn time and overall performance. Regularly monitoring the pellet level ensures consistent heat output and optimal efficiency from your pellet stove.

Fireplaces can theoretically help you save on heating bills if you lower the temperature throughout the rest of your home and heat only a single room that you occupy using the fireplace. However, in most cases, homeowners won’t save any money on heating bills. Gas and electric fireplace inserts could actually lead to a spike in your respective energy bills if you use them frequently, and if you don’t keep up with chimney maintenance and repairs, your traditional masonry fireplace could actually be a source of heat loss in the winter.