Fireplaces are fantastic for atmosphere and comfort, but how efficient are they? We sought a few quick solutions to fireplace efficiency and have a few tips for you to consider trying that will help improve your enjoyment as well as your happiness with your fireplace’s performance. The issue with most fireplace designs is that a significant amount of heat is pulled right up the chimney and compounded by a strong updraft, pulling heated air from the room right with it.

You must fight both of these issues as you go. One solution is a fireback (fire throwback), which is a simple heavy sheet of metal, typically cast iron, that is placed behind the fire. This serves multiple purposes, among them reflecting heat into the room instead of up the chimney, and protecting the masonry in the back of the fireplace. This will cost anywhere from $75 to $350.

Another solution is adding glass doors to a fireplace, although this is a somewhat pricier fix. You can also install an insert into your fireplace (like the ones at WoodInsert), which essentially makes it a miniature wood stove. Make sure you’re closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use. Another option is to convert wood burning fireplaces to gas logs. We’re happy to help with any solutions required. Do you have any solutions for fireplace efficiency? Let’s hear about them in the comments section. Thanks for reading!