Open hearth fireplaces add a warmth and ambiance to any room in the home. Over time, however, homeowners may want to upgrade the look of their fireplace without investing in a major remodel.
One of the easiest ways to change the look of your open hearth fireplace without cleaning out your savings account is by installing new glass doors on your fireplace. Below are just a few of benefits to installing glass doors, such as an upgraded look, improved safety, and greater efficiency.
1. Increased efficiency
Although open hearth fireplaces are beautiful, they are also incredibly inefficient. Most open hearth fireplaces operate with as little as 10% efficiency, meaning the vast majority of the heat created is lost up the chimney. Glass doors, however, better absorb and radiate heat in to the room. Likewise, by enclosing the firebox the firewood can be more completely burned, saving you money on wood.
2. Lower heating and cooling costs
While dampers are able to partially seal off the chimney from the rest of your house, they are not able to prevent all the heated or cooled air from escaping. Because of this, your HVAC system may have to work overtime to compensate for the conditioned air lost or the unconditioned air entering your home.
Adding glass doors can prevent this energy loss by creating another layer of protection between your home and the outside air. This often results in lower energy costs, especially when using the now more efficient fireplace as a supplementary heating source in the winter.
3. Reduce downdrafts
Dampers can protect your home against downdrafts – when they are closed. When the fireplace is in use – especially during windy conditions – you may experience smoke blowing back into the home because of downdrafts. Keeping fireplace doors closed will prevent smoke, soot, ash, or embers from blowing into your home because of downdrafts.
4. Modern style
If your masonry fireplace looks dated, remodeling it might seem like a daunting process. In addition to the hassle of living in a construction zone for weeks – or longer – remodels can be expensive and may include hidden expenses. Rather than dealing with the annoyance of a complete remodel, consider adding glass doors as a way to easily and cost effectively upgrade your fireplace’s style. Glass doors are available in a wide variety of styles from the traditional to the contemporary, as well as at a variety of price points to fit any budget.
5. Safety
Open hearth fireplaces are beautiful but can pose a safety hazard, especially when there are young children or pets in the home. Adding glass fireplace doors can act as a baby gate barrier between the fire and any curious hands or paws.
In addition to protecting your family members, fireplace doors can also protect your home. When the doors are closed, sparks and embers are contained in the firebox and are not able to blow into the room or onto any carpets or furnishings.
With so many benefits to glass fireplace doors, consider adding them to your open hearth fireplace. Contact Pristine Sweeps today to find the perfect glass doors for your fireplace!