Pellet Insert Vs. Gas Insert

Pellet Inserts

• Pellet-burning inserts are very efficient and eco-friendly fireplace insert choices. Pellets are made from organic materials, such as wood chips, sawdust, bark, and corn and wheat hulls and compressed into small pellets that look something like rabbit feed. So if you have issues with using nonrenewable fossil fuels, you can put those concerns aside if you opt for a pellet-burning insert. You should also take a look at self-feeding inserts. These models use a hopper-style feeder that automatically senses when the fireplace needs more pellets for fuel.

Gas Inserts

• A gas insert makes an efficient choice for supplementing the heat in your home and having a fireplace at the same time. Gas fireplaces kick out a substantial amount of heat, and, unlike a wood or pellet-burning fireplace, the heat is directed into the room instead of going up in smoke. Manufacturers have made great strides in giving gas units a look as close to "the real thing" as possible. If you're at the point where you've had it with fire-tending and ducking in and out of your nice warm home to bring in another stack of logs, put a gas fireplace insert on the top of your must-do list.

Similarities

• Ease-of-installation is something that both gas and pellet inserts share in common. Once you've verified that your home passes all required inspections, permits and codes, you can have an insert slid in and fired up in no time. Inserts also come in lots of styles and provide you with options for placement of your fireplace. You can select a three-sided unit to create visibility from the front and sides, or install a see-thru insert to enjoy the fireplace from two adjoining rooms. According to Consumer Reports.org, you can expect to pay around $750 for an insert and around $250 for installation as of August 2011.

Differences

• With a pellet-burning fireplace, you'll still see a real flame and smell real wood, unlike the blue glow of gas or propane burners in a gas fireplace. You will need some type of ventilation or a chimney to vent the smoke with a pellet insert. The fact that you don't need a chimney and ventilation is a major "plus" for gas fireplaces. Vent-less and vent-free gas inserts provide just the right solution for all types of housing structures -- from homes to high-rise apartment buildings and condominiums. However, a gas fireplace will increase your utility bill; the amount will vary based on how much you use the fireplace. According to EnergySavers.gov, a ton of pellets will cost around $120 to $200, which is the equivalent of approximately 1.5 cords of wood.