How long do wood fireplace inserts last? You should learn everything there is to know about the lifecycle of any item before you buy it. Hence, you should understand how long wood fireplace inserts last to have a realistic idea of when it will need replacement.
Homeowners think that wood fireplace inserts last as long as the adjacent masonry. However, wood fireplace inserts may need quicker replacement than the adjoining masonry. As with everything else, wood fireplace inserts do not last forever.
Wood Burning Fireplace Insert Lifespan
A well-maintained wood fireplace insert can last for 2 - 3 decades. This is in stark contrast to adjacent masonry which can last for much longer time frames. It is not unusual for fireplace masonry to last for generations.
Since a wood fireplace insert is a major investment, you have to take its lifespan into account before finalizing your purchase. There is no doubt that there is a discrepancy between the lifespan of fireplace inserts and fireplace masonry. Wood burning fireplace inserts last as long as heavy duty appliances like the refrigerator and the range. Thus, a wood fireplace insert is more akin to appliances and it should be treated as such.
Warranty
Much like other appliances, wood fireplace inserts also carry warranties. You should check the timeframe of the warranty to get a better understanding of how long it is expected to last without issues. You should also pay close attention to the terms and conditions mentioned in the warranty since your warranty claim could be denied if you fail to meet requirements mentioned therein. In particular, you have to scrutinize the kinds of damages that are not included in the warranty. You can then take steps to mitigate these risks. Most warranties typically do not pay for damages from adverse weather conditions.
How to Extend Lifespan of Your Wood Burning Fireplace Insert
Among the various factors that can affect your wood fireplace insert lifespan, frequency of use is one of the most critical. If you use the wood fireplace insert less frequently, it will then last longer than its counterpart that is used far more frequently. Lower usage means that the insert will accumulate less damage with the passage of time.
An equally important factor is how often you service the chimney and insert. Thus, to extend the lifespan of your wood burning fireplace insert, you should have your fireplace and chimney serviced at appropriate intervals.
A major benefit of well-timed servicing is that experts can point out problems with your insert and fireplace that may not be easily apparent to you. They can inform you about a problem in time so that you can remediate it immediately. This will prevent the issue from becoming more serious and costlier to repair.
