Upgrade Your Madison Home With a New Fireplace, Insert or Stove
Hansen & Sons has been the local Madison expert on all things hearth and chimney since 1953. With over seven decades of experience exploring every inch this industry has to offer, we’re confident in our ability to help every homeowner achieve the home heating solutions they’re after. Whether it’s time to book that annual chimney sweep service or you’re looking to invest in a brand new hearth appliance, our team is the one for the job.
Wide Variety of Top-Brand Appliances for Your Home
And when it comes to shiny new appliances, we’ve got quite the variety to choose from – all from the best manufacturers in hearth and home products. To learn more about our available models and what an installation service looks like, get in touch with one of our fireplace and chimney specialists today. Reach out online by filling out this appointment request form or give us a call at 608-466-4185.
What Fireplace & Hearth Products Do You Sell?
We’re proud to offer a wide range of different fireplace and hearth products that are all available in various fuel types. Interested in increasing the efficiency of your current wood-burning fireplace? Let’s talk about your insert options. Curious about switching fuel types, but have questions about the logistics of heating with gas or converting completely to electric? We’ve got options.
From the hearths themselves to the parts and pieces that give them flair, we only carry the best products from the finest brands in the industry:
- Design Specialties
- Dimplex
- Empire Stove
- Enviro
- Lexington Hearth Mantels
- Modern Flames
- Osburn
- Pearl Mantels
- Premier Mantels
- Regency (Regency & Hampton)
- R.H. Peterson (Real Fyre Premium Gas Logs)
- SimpliFire
- Stoll (Hearth Centers, Tools, Screens, Hoods; Fire Pits; Glass Doors)
- Urbana
- Valcourt
- Vermont Castings
Fireplaces & More: A Look at Our Showroom
Here is a brief overview of the different kinds of units we currently have on display in our showroom:
- Gas Fireplaces
- Gas Inserts
- Gas Stoves
- Wood Inserts
- Wood Fireplaces
- Wood Stoves
- Electric Fireplaces
- Electric Inserts
We also sell gas log sets and a handful of outdoor-based products. The best way to check it all out is to come in and see for yourself. Feel free to give us a call at 608-466-4185 or fill out our contact form right here on our website to learn more.
What’s the Difference Between Fireplaces, Inserts, & Stoves?
Two key choices come into play when selecting a new heating appliance: the system type and the fuel source. Our experienced technicians can guide you through this decision-making process to ensure you find the perfect fit for your home.
The ideal appliance for your needs depends on your available time and commitment. Below, you’ll find a quick overview, but feel free to reach out if you have any further questions:
- Fireplace: Opt for a fireplace for a classic ambience. If you lack an existing heating system, this is a great starting point. Choose from a long-lasting, built-in masonry or stone fireplace, or a prefabricated system for a fast and budget-friendly installation.
- Insert: If you already have a fireplace but desire a fuel change or improved efficiency, inserts are the perfect solution. They seamlessly integrate into your existing fireplace, providing a hassle-free upgrade.
- Stoves: Freestanding stoves offer unmatched placement flexibility. They’re surprisingly efficient heaters, too, and come in a variety of styles to match your space effortlessly.
How Do I Know Which Heating Appliance Is Right for Me?
Before you get too overwhelmed with the different options to choose from, know that there is no single “best” choice. Ultimately, the ideal solution depends on your needs and desired aesthetics.
Here are two important things to keep in mind:
- Heat Production and Efficiency: For optimal warmth and efficiency, a gas insert might be the perfect fit. Or, perhaps you might consider a gas fireplace or a free-standing pellet stove.
- Ambience and Visual Appeal: If you crave a classic look, and long for the multi-sensory experience, consider a traditional fireplace with gas logs or firewood.
It might help to first determine the type of fuel you plan to use in your new system: gas, wood, or electric.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Different Fuel Types?
Like anything else in life, each fuel type has its own range of pros and cons – it’s just a matter of deciding what’s most important for your family’s heating needs. Here is a bit more information on the three main fuel sources – gas, wood, and electric – to help give you a better idea of which one is best for you.
Why Consider Gas?
Throughout our 71+ years serving local homeowners, the most popular fireplace-related service by far is converting from wood to gas. Here is why:
- No Mess: No matter what kind of gas-fueled appliance you choose, you’ll enjoy significantly less mess and maintenance – guaranteed. Unlike traditional open-facing wood-fueled fireplaces that crackle and pop, leaving ash and embers on the floors, gas systems (even a set of gas logs) eliminate this by creating significantly lower levels of creosote than their wood-burning counterparts. Plus, gas inserts and fireplaces are closed combustion units, so you never have to worry about flyaway sparks.
- Less Maintenance: With only one inexpensive cleaning, safety check, and battery change per year, your gas unit should operate efficiently for at least 12 months or more. Also, you won’t have to worry about chopping, hauling, and storing fuel…it’ll just be there, ready for you to use whenever you wish to enjoy a fire.
- Easier Operation: Made to slide into your fireplace opening, gas inserts are an excellent way to upgrade your current hearth as they utilize your existing chimney to vent and are a breeze to operate. And if you don’t have an existing fireplace? A gas fireplace comes in a variety of different style options and even venting capabilities that can connect the unit to the outdoors through a wall. Perhaps the best part about these modern appliances is the ability to control them through a remote. It’s easier than ever to enjoy a beautiful fire for even the shortest amount of time when you fuel with gas.
- Versatile: Appliances like gas fireplace inserts and stoves are incredibly versatile – not just in their installation location options, but in the heat they give off, too. Have an old, bland wall that needs sprucing up? Looking to boost the heat in one specific room? A gas stove or fireplace might just be the way to go. To determine your ideal BTU range when shopping for desired heat output, use this formula:
- If furnace (or central heating) is adequate: room square feet x ceiling height x 12
- If furnace (or central heating) is inadequate: room square feet x ceiling height x 15
- Highly Efficient: When compared to a traditional wood fireplace, gas appliances are roughly 80-85% more efficient. This means that all the money you’re spending on fuel and heating costs actually comes back to you in the form of tangible warmth as opposed to being lost up the chimney. Plus, with many gas units allowing for adjustable BTUs (down to about 40% of maximum output), you can simply enjoy the beauty of a fire without the associated heat.
- Realistic Flames: Today’s gas units boast the most realistic and natural-looking fires. With cherry glowing logs and special effects in the form of bright embers, you may as well be looking at the real thing!
What About Wood?
Many homeowners prefer the multisensory experience of fueling with wood, and it’s easy to see why! The flickering flames are mesmerizing, the thick scent of wood smoke alluring, and the heat and ambience permeating the room are palpable. But, there are some other things to consider, too:
- Inserts Increase Efficiency: As previously noted, open fireplaces may be stellar vibe curators, but they’re far from efficient. However, if you’re a steadfast wood lover, there are many wood insert options. These are installed directly into your existing structure and will drastically improve heat performance and efficiency to approximately 75-85%.
- Comparable Costs with Gas: If you source your own firewood, with a wood insert, you can continue to do so and feel proud that you’re helping the ecosystem with responsible forestry habits. And if you buy it, the cost of burning it as a heat source calculates to around the same as burning natural gas.
- Improved Safety, Too: Upgrading to an insert also improves the overall safety of you unit. Old, open-facing fireplaces suffer from cold flue tiles or metal liners that dangerous creosote condenses and clings to, requiring regular and costly maintenance. New wood fireplace inserts feature stainless steel flue liners which helps reduce creosote production and minimizes expensive maintenance tasks. Plus, they also carry a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that you’ll be covered in the future.
And Electric?
Increasing in popularity over recent years, electric heating units are excellent options for homeowners looking for something that checks multiple boxes. Here are some of the best features:
- More Realistic: The electric fireplaces of today are equipped with powerful technology that makes your fireside experience almost like the real thing. Realistic flames, popping sounds, flying sparks, and even smoke in the form of water vapor…all with the flip of a switch.
- Highly Efficient With Excellent Heat Output: Electric fireplaces and inserts use electricity to create heat, so absolutely nothing is wasted or lost up the chimney, making performance as efficient as it gets. Many electric models even have heat outputs up to around 10,000 BTUs/hour and come with a blower to ensure that all that warmth is circulated properly throughout the room.
- Unmatched Versatility: Because these units are powered by electricity and not a direct connection to a fuel source like gas, electric fireplaces and inserts are incredibly versatile. Whether you’d like to add one to a drafty bathroom or in place of your existing fireplace, you have options. And like gas appliances, electric units are equipped with remote controls that allow you complete control over things like the power to the system, heat output, and even the color of the flames.
Finding the Perfect Fireplace Is Easier With Our Help
No matter where you are in your fireplace purchasing journey, we’re confident we have the tools to help you along. To learn more about the different fuel types we sell, or how to choose between them, don’t hesitate to get in touch with someone from our team. Give us a call at 608-466-4185 or fill out our appointment request form through our website.
Do I Need a Professional to Install a Fireplace?
Absolutely. Fireplaces, stoves, inserts, and any other alternative hearth appliances may appear somewhat simple and straightforward to operate and install, but they’re actually rather complicated and dangerous.
- Safe Installation: This is important because if installed incorrectly, you could be at risk for things like fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, and other dangers that could compromise not only your appliance, but your family’s safety. Plus, experts will ensure that they get everything set up and ready to go so that your new fireplace operates efficiently and effectively.
- Guaranteed Adherence to Codes/Regulations: Professional fireplace and chimney technicians like those of us here at Hansen & Sons are well-versed in local building codes and regulations, so you don’t have to worry about meeting proper clearances or industry standards…you just get to enjoy the result.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes: Not only can an improperly installed hearth appliance increase the risk of various dangers, it could also incur significant expenses to fix. Issues with gas leaks or chimney fires will cost much more to repair than going directly to the pros to begin with.
Request Service
Ready to book your installation service with the most trusted chimney service company in the Madison area? Get started today by filling out our contact form through our website or give us a call to speak with one of our experts at 608-466-4185.
Find the Fireplace of Your Dreams at Hansen & Sons!
No matter when you envision for your living room – a sleek and simple freestanding wood or gas stove, a traditional masonry fireplace, or a brand new set of gas logs – Hansen & Sons has got you covered. It means the world to us that we’ve been serving Madison homeowners for the last seven decades, and we’d love nothing more than to invite you into our family, too.
Don’t bother scouring the internet for “fireplaces Madison, WI” or “new fireplace insert” when you can save yourself the trouble and call Hansen & Sons instead. Whether you know exactly which model you’d like to purchase or have only just begun the process, our team is here for you.
Call 608-466-4185 or reach out online to learn more.
