What is a Fireplace Changeout? How Can it Benefit Your Historic Home?

There is nothing better than the romance and ambiance of a historic home. The architectural beauty is what most people who choose historic homes are looking for. The chimney and fireplace, in and of themselves, tell a story of history and add value to the house. With these old historic homes come the added responsibility of keeping them safe to operate. We will discuss in detail the benefits a restoration will bring to the chimney.

Expected Benefits of a Restoration Or Changeout Project for Your Fireplace.

• Improve Safety

  • This is an important one. Many original fireplaces were built well before modern codes were established.
  • You will have to consider Cracked fireboxes or liners.
  • Chimneys without liners. Common in the 18th and 19th-century homes.
  • Creosote build-up and poor draft.

• What can be done to improve safety?

  • Convert to a gas insert or sealed wood stove.
  • Improves indoor air quality
  • Reduces the risk of a chimney fire.
  • An insert will bring the entire system up to current safety codes.

• Improve Heating Efficiency
  

• • Many traditional fireplaces are inefficient. There are many modern options:
  • Wood or pellet inserts can produce a good amount of heat.
  • Gas inserts can be up to 75-90% efficient.
  • Electric fireplaces offer the look of a traditional fireplace with no heat loss.

• Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs
  

  • Owning a masonry fireplace often requires regular maintenance. This can be quite costly. Here is a list of repairs and maintenance that you need to consider.
  • New flue liner. Over time, liners can crack and need replacement.
  • Frequent sweeping. Annual sweeping is needed to prevent creosote build-up.
  • Repointing Brick. Cracking and chipping can occur with age and need to be repaired.
  • Chimney caps and crowns are required and must be inspected annually.

What does a new insert or system prevent?

• Adding a new insert will reduce any ongoing chimney maintenance.
• Reduce smoke, soot, and ash.
• Storage of wood will not exist.
• Avoid structural repairs as the chimney ages, which can be pretty expensive.

Increase The Value of the Home

• Home buyers love the character and the look of a fireplace; however, it is a heavy lift. Changing out your fireplace can add to a buyer’s appeal.
• Ease of operation.
• Repairs, if any, are minimal in cost.
• Preserves the historical charm.
• Adding modern-day punctuality.

Professional chimney companies such as Advanced Chimney recommend an annual chimney sweep and inspection to ensure your fireplace operates efficiently and safely.

We are one of the few chimney companies in Southwestern PA with a CSIA-certified lead technician on every truck, and every one of our employees is highly trained before they enter your home. You can count on us to be thorough, reliable, professional, considerate, and clean – that’s one thing that hasn’t changed since the company was founded decades ago.

Ready to get an appointment on the books? We’d be happy to serve you! To schedule, give us a call or reach out on our website today.