Few things say the holidays are here than a roaring fire. It’s iconic. However, as many fireplace owners know, these appliances aren’t as efficient as other heating systems. But, with the right upgrades, you can improve your fireplace’s heat output and safety, making it more reliable as a heater and ensuring everyone enjoys a cozy, memorable holiday season. Here are some essential upgrades we recommend.

Install a Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are one of the most effective upgrades to make your fireplace more efficient. Traditional open fire fireplaces see 80-90% of the heat they produce go up the chimney. Warm air in the home is also pulled into the chimney, making the traditional wood fireplace a poor option for home heating.

However, a fireplace insert is a sealed unit that fits inside the existing fireplace, transforming it into a highly efficient heater. Inserts are available for gas, wood-burning, and electric fireplaces. Wood-burning inserts are ideal for people who want to maintain the ambiance of a traditional fireplace, but gas and electric inserts are cleaner and more convenient.

Add a Heat Exchanger

A heat exchanger can dramatically increase your fireplace’s heat output. They capture heat that would otherwise escape through the chimney and redistribute it into the house. Heat exchangers come in various designs, including blowers and tubes, to suit your kind of fireplace.

Upgrade to a Glass Door

Adding a glass door to the fireplace enhances safety and efficiency. As mentioned, open fireplaces lose most of their heat up the chimney, and an open fireplace can allow the warm air in the house to escape, even when the fire’s not burning.

A glass door minimizes heat loss and prevents sparks and embers from shooting out into the room, creating fire hazards. For best results, experts recommend getting tempered or ceramic glass to withstand the high temperatures, while providing a clear view of the flames.

Invest in a Chimney Cap & Damper

A fitted cap and damper can enhance safety and efficiency. Chimney caps prevent rain, snow, animals, and debris from getting into the flue and causing blockages or water damage.

A modern, airtight tamper at the top of the chimney can reduce heat loss when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Switch to a Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces are growing in popularity because they mimic the cozy, traditional atmosphere of a wood-burning fireplace but are cleaner, easier to use and maintain, and more energy efficient.

Unlike traditional fireplaces, direct-vent systems pull air from the outside for combustion and expel gas through a sealed vent. This design prevents indoor air from being drawn out of the home, making it a safer and more efficient option.

Upgrade the Hearth

The hearth isn’t only a decorative feature — it plays a role in heat efficiency and safety. Upgrading to a heat-reflective hearth can help radiate more heat into the house. Choose a hearth made of fire-resistant materials like stone, brick, or tile to prevent fire hazards.

Install Fireproof Insulation

Adding fireproof insulation around the fireplace can improve safety and heat retention. This upgrade minimizes the risk of heat damage to nearby walls and ensures that more heat goes into the home instead of up the chimney.

Add a Mantel Shield

If your fireplace has a mantel, installing a mantel shield can protect it from heat damage. Mantel shields redirect heat away from the mantel, preventing warping, cracking, or discoloration.

Regular Maintenance & Inspections

While not an upgrade, getting annual maintenance and inspections by a trained professional can improve safety and efficiency. A certified chimney sweep will check for creosote buildup, obstructions, and damage that could impede performance and increase the chance of a fire.

Upgrading the fireplace can transform it from a charming home centerpiece into an efficient home heating system.

For more upgrade tips or to get your fireplace ready for the holiday season, call Keystone today.