Question: Do fireplace doors help with chimney draft?
Glass fireplace doors open and close to reveal an open masonry fireplace. They will often accompany wood, fireplaces or gas log sets inside of wood fireplaces. Frequently, we have folks asking about purchasing glass fireplace doors to help with the cold downdraft. Fireplace doors are perceived as an affordable option instead of a fireplace insert. Folks frequently ask us, “How do I stop cold air from coming down my chimney?”
Answer: No, glass fireplace doors do not help with draft.
In our experience, fireplace doors are a great aesthetic option, but do little to improve efficiency. They are also more costly than most folks expect and accomplish very little to warm up your living room.
Glass fireplace doors are not completely sealed. – Yes, fireplace doors can close. No, fireplace doors are not airtight. Glass fireplace doors will not keep your home any warmer, but they do make your fireplace look pretty! If you do not want heat and only want to improve your fireplace’s design, glass fireplace doors will meet your needs.
Glass fireplace doors can be dangerous if closed while your fireplace is in operation!
In our experience, folks in Pennsylvania often value bone warming heat in the dead of winter. Fireplace doors can not be closed while the fireplace is in operation. Never close your glass fireplace doors when operating a wood fireplace! Misguided consumers have been injured because they incorrectly assumed that glass fireplace doors can be closed during operation of a wood fire.
The glass used for fireplace doors is not UL tested or approved. If you want to, “close a door” while burning wood, then purchase a wood fireplace insert or pellet fireplace insert. Depending on your goals, you can also make use of propane, natural gas, or electric fireplace inserts to fill your fireplace and stop the cold draft. Check out our Fireplace Upgrade Companion to learn more!
Glass doors do not open on gas fireplace inserts. If you need to open a gas fireplace insert, please contact an NFI certified service professional to get service
Other options to get your fireplace to provide more heat:
1) Conduct a Level 2 Chimney Inspection with a CSIA certified chimney sweep to make sure your chimney is safe.
2) If you plan to NEVER use the fireplace again, stop the cold chimney draft with a damper or insulation.
3) Create more heat by installing a fireplace insert.
What fireplace fuel type is the best for my home?
Quick guide to help you decide which fuel type is best for your fireplace insert.
Pellet Fireplace Insert
Pellet fireplace inserts serve homeowners that enjoy having consistent deep without having to frequently refill the hopper. Pellet heating appliances are wonderful for anyone who needs a warm home while they are away for most of the day. Pellet works great in a basement to provide tons of heat. If you don’t mind a more furnace-like flame, pellet is a great option. If you can’t be home to maintain a wood fire, but want the heat and savings provided by wood fuel, pellet heats unlike anything else on the showroom floor. The added convenience of pressing a button and the pellet fire automatically starting is hard to ignore for busy parents, professionals and homeowners.
Wood Fireplace Insert
Wood fireplace inserts are a great option for folks who are home often enough to refill the firebox every 2-5 hours depending on burn rate. If you have wood available on your property and can easily split and store it, wood fireplace insert is the best option for your home. Wood is all about committment and preparation. If you want to spend time during the summer and fall preparing for the winter
Gas Fireplace Insert
Gas fireplace inserts provide heat with extreme convenience making them an excellent option if you just want to “turn it on” and “turn it off” with the touch of a button. Gas is the most convenient fuel type and is the best option for most homeowners. If you have natural gas access, choosing gas is a no brainer option. Propane tends to be a bit more expensive and is typically utilized for people who do not have access to natural gas.
Natural Gas Fireplace Insert
Natural gas fireplace inserts are the most cost efficient fuel type, but have limited availability depending on natural gas availability in your area.
Propane Gas (LP) Fireplace Insert
Propane gas fireplace inserts are a great option if you can’t get natural gas, but still want the convenience of a gas fireplace insert.
Both natural gas and propane gas fireplace inserts come in many of the same varieties. The only difference is the fuel type and fuel cost between propane and natural gas. (We have a guide on Pennsylvania Fireplace Fuel Costs, if you want to get more info.) Most gas fireplace inserts have a conversion kit available for less than $150 to easily convert from Natural Gas to Propane if needed. Learn more about what it costs to get a gas fireplace installation in 2024.
Electric Fireplace Insert
We see folks purchasing electric fireplace inserts who are unable to get the other fuel types, have a limitation through an HOA or want an affordable fireplace option without a need for serious heat. Electric fireplace inserts seal off the fireplace and add some simulated ambiance with minimal heat output. Electric fireplace inserts are much better than glass doors in many cases for reducing a cold craft in your open fireplace.
Electric fireplaces create about 5,000 BTUs of heat or about 400 sq feet of heating area (a very small space.) Compare this to gas fireplaces that create upwards of 35,000 BTUs of heat or about 2,800 sq feet of heating area.
All that is required to install an electric fireplace is a basic electric connection. The heat in an electric fireplace is created by a heating element simialr to a space heater and distributed with a blower. Very little maintenance is required, but you will need to listen to a blower when the electric fireplace is on.
The goals you have for your fireplace project will determine the fuel type you choose. It is our hope that years from after you get your fireplace installation, you are still thrilled by your investment. We want you to feel confident and understand the type of person purchasing each type of fireplace insert. If you have any questions, please reach out to The Stove Shop. We are here to help!
