When it comes to maintaining the functionality and aesthetic appearance of your wood-burning fireplace, occasional repairs and replacement components are necessary. But have you ever considered replacing the entire inside of your wood-burning firebox?

It might sound like a silly question because you automatically begin to think about the cost of such a major masonry repair. But, if your wood-burning fireplace is no longer heating your home safely and efficiently, replacing it could save you money in the long run.

What if I told you there was a fireplace replacement out there that is guaranteed to produce more heat, taller flames, cleaner air, and also cost less in installation and labor costs than other fireplace replacement options? It’s called PriorFire, and the team at Ozark can set Greene and Benton Counties up with installation services.

If we have piqued your interest at all, stick around, and we’ll discuss your options of wood-burning fireplace replacements – and why a PriorFire Retrofit System might be a good choice for you.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace the Inside of Your Wood-Burning Fireplace?

There are many reasons to consider replacing the inside of your fireplace including: 

• Damaged Firebox: Your firebox is made up of firebricks, which are heat-resistant. They should never show signs of deterioration such as gaps, cracks, or chips. Significant damage can even compromise the structural integrity of the firebox.  
• Rust or Corrosion: The metal components in and near your firebox include the damper, smoke shelf, and grate. If any of these things come in contact with moisture, they can begin to rust and corrode, impacting the overall functionality of your fireplace. 
• Inefficient Heating: If you notice a significant amount of heat escaping through the chimney, or if your fireplace is no longer providing sufficient heat, it may be time to take the idea of replacing it more seriously. If your current fireplace doesn’t perform its job correctly, find something else that will.
• Smoke or Draft Issues: Any amount of smoke spilling back into your home is a concern. If you are experiencing this problem, there may be an issue with the flue or chimney system. 
• Excessive Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a highly combustible substance that accumulates in the chimney due to incomplete combustion. If you notice excessive buildup, it is extremely important to not only get it cleaned, but figure out how to prevent it.
• Age & Wear: Sometimes, your fireplace is just old and, like anything else that ages, it tends to not work as well as it used to. Over time, the interior parts of your chimney can deteriorate because of frequent exposure to high temperatures. 

Clearly, there are many different issues one can experience with their wood-burning fireplace. That is why it is recommended that you always contact a certified chimney technician to come take a look and provide you with the best advice on replacement options.

What Are the Different Options for Replacing the Inside of a Wood-Burning Fireplace?

Lucky for you, there are many options for replacing the inside of a wood burning fireplace. This means there is also a wide range of costs for this type of job and that makes it easier for us to match any budget.

When considering wood burning fireplace replacements, there are a few things to keep in mind that will affect the overall cost. This includes:

• Type of Fireplace Insert: Cost of fireplace inserts vary depending on the fuel type and features. Wood-burning inserts tend to be less expensive than gas or electric inserts… but gas inserts can have a wider price range depending on whether the gas used is natural gas or propane, as well as any additional features.
• Installation Requirements: How complex is this wood-burning fireplace replacement going to be? Is your existing fireplace going to require modifications or structural alterations? There may even be additional costs if changes need to be made to your chimney.
• Accessories & Customization: There are many things you can add to your fireplace, such as decorative fronts, glass doors, and blower fans – all of which add to overall costs.
• Additional Costs: Don’t forget to consider permits and inspection costs too – or gas line work if you are considering a gas insert. 

So with all of this in mind, why do we recommend you consider PriorFire? Well, it has a couple unique features such as a bottom air channel and a rear firebox wall curve that, when combined, uses less air to radiate more heat. This then provides you with a safer and more efficient way of heating your home.

Plus, it is much lighter and easier to install, which will save you money on labor and installation costs.

Reach Out Today

To learn more about what PriorFire has to offer or to receive a quote for replacing the inside of your wood-burning fireplace, be sure to talk to the chimney technicians at Ozark Stove and Chimney. Call us today at 417-201-6585 or schedule an appointment online.