How to Measure for a Fireplace Insert

If you are in the process of remodeling your home, you might be considering updating your old fireplace. An electric or gas fireplace insert can be the perfect option for more energy efficiency.

However, before buying one of these inserts, you will need to know the measurements of your old fireplace.

How to Measure Your Fireplace Cavity

Measuring your fireplace is essential before buying a new fireplace insert. Fireplace inserts are installed directly in existing fireplace openings. For better results, the insert needs to match the space as perfectly as possible.

For accuracy, you must consider three crucial dimensions of your fireplace: the height, depth, and width. We also recommend investing in a high-quality measuring tape and writing down all the measurements to avoid mistakes.

Here is how to measure fireplace inserts:

1. Start by measuring your fireplace’s height. Do this from top to bottom several times to get the most accurate measurements.
2. Proceed to measure the width of the fireplace opening. You should do this from left to right and in different parts to get more accurate measurements. Cross-check the width if necessary before the next step.
3. Finally, it’s time to measure your firebox’s depth. Do it from front to back a couple of times to get the best accuracy of the interior width. 

You should also consider measuring the room in which you’ll be installing the insert. This will help you choose a fireplace insert with the correct BTUs (British Thermal Units). The BTUs measure the capacity of a fireplace insert to warm up your room, depending on its size.

Once you have measured your room, multiply the number you get by 20. It should give you an accurate idea of the minimum BTUs required by a fireplace insert.

For instance, a room that’s 500 sq. ft will need a minimum of 10,000 BTUs.

Benefits of a Fireplace Insert

Installing a fireplace insert is an excellent way to update your old fireplace without making major structural changes to your home. Adding an insert is also a way to change the fueling of your fireplace for something more environmentally friendly and with better heat capacity.

For instance, gas and electricity are safer than traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

Here are the benefits of updating your fireplace with a fireplace electric insert:

• Electric fireplace inserts provide a safer option for families with pets and small children. They don’t use fire in any way, so the risks of burns or fires are drastically reduced.
• These inserts are easier to manage than traditional wood-burning fireplaces. Electric inserts include features that allow you to control them through remotes or even smart home devices.
• Electric inserts require less maintenance to last for long periods. You also do not need to clean yours after every use because it will not produce any waste.
• They are easier to operate and a lot more affordable. Besides helping you save money, electric inserts will also help you save time.

Here are the advantages of choosing a gas insert:

• Gas fireplace inserts are designed to mimic wood-burning fireplaces. They use gas to create flames and ceramic logs to make them more realistic.
• They have superior heating capacity compared to other fireplace and stove models. They surpass electric inserts in power and have better energy efficiency than traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

Find the Perfect Fireplace Insert for Your Home with CAPO Building Specialties

Are you looking to update an old fireplace with a brand-new fireplace insert? Look no further than CAPO Building Specialties.

We have inserts from the most reliable brands, from Enviro to Pacific Energy and more. Check out our Electric Fireplace Inserts and Gas Fireplace Inserts collection and find the perfect one for your needs!