When to Repair vs. When to Upgrade your Fireplace
Deciding Between Fireplace Repairs and a Fireplace Upgrade
An old masonry or manufactured fireplace that keeps needing repairs might be one that’s not worth keeping. It might be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. But if the problems with your current fireplace are minor, it may be best to schedule a little repair and maintenance work and not pay for a major fireplace upgrade.
The Chimney Guys of Pataskala, OH, would like to give you a few things to think about in deciding between repairing or replacing your fireplace.
Benefits of keeping your current fireplace
Whether it’s a wall unit or a traditional masonry fireplace, if only a few repairs are needed and your main problem is how it looks, there are some good options.
Fireplace renovation
A fireplace and firebox renovation with new firebricks and refractory panels will improve your fireplace’s aesthetic appeal while making it safer and more efficient.
Fireplace surround
A gorgeous fireplace surround will give new life to the hearth area. Custom-built surrounds can feature stone, rock, granite, marble, wood and other handsome materials.
Repair work
Have fireplace repairs made as long as the cost isn’t prohibitive. Ask your fireplace technician about ways to increase the efficiency and performance of your unit without spending an arm and a leg.
Benefits of replacing your fireplace
Here are two scenarios:
Scenario 1: You have an open masonry fireplace you’re no longer crazy about.
Although nostalgic and attractive, masonry fireplaces aren’t usually very good at heating a room. This is because they lose most of their heat right up the chimney.
The solution is to upgrade to a powerful gas or wood fireplace insert that will fit into your current fireplace’s firebox. Key features of fireplace inserts:
- Far more heat
- Far fewer drafts
- Venting through its own pipe
- No chimney to build
- Gorgeous design styles
Scenario 2: You have a wall-installed manufactured fireplace that needs too many repairs.
Older manufactured fireplaces, particularly “builder’s grade” models that come with new homes, don’t have the latest efficiency technology and reduced-emissions systems of their modern counterparts. Plus, as they age, they typically need increasing repairs to keep them safe and running right.
If you want to replace a manufactured fireplace, you can have the new appliance installed most anywhere in your home – it doesn’t necessarily have to go where your current fireplace is.
Benefits of a new gas or wood manufactured fireplace include:
- Better heat performance
- Lovely styles, designs and finishes
- Closed burning system to reduce drafts
- Very efficient use of fuel
For either scenario above, consider a gas log set
Gas log sets are fully contained and ready to be placed into the firebox of any existing fireplace. If the current fireplace runs on wood, pellets or electricity, a gas hookup will be installed for the log set.
Why gas log sets appeal to many homeowners
- The “logs” resemble real firewood’s irregular shapes and bark patterns
- Easy to operate
- No mess, no hassle
- Low maintenance – wiping down and an annual gas safety check is about all that’s needed
Call your Ohio fireplace experts for repairs and upgrades
Whatever you want to do with your current fireplace, The Chimney Guys is ready to help. We provide complete fireplace repairs, and we install new fireplaces, inserts and gas log sets in and around Pataskala, OH. Reach us by phone or get in touch through our simple contact form.
