The spectacle of flames, the crackling of logs and the smell of wood smoke… Synonymous with conviviality and well-being, chimney fires help create a cozy atmosphere in the house during the long winter months.

Unfortunately, when the chimneys are too old, this method of heating can be messy, very polluting and unprofitable from an energy point of view.

I is responsible for nearly 15% of fine particle emissions in certain regions, to the point that several French municipalities have decided to ban it.

The solution to keep the pleasure of a wood fire without harming the planet and while heating efficiently?

Integrate a stove or insert into the hearth of your fireplace. 

Stove or insert, what are the differences?

Unlike conventional fireplaces which have an open hearth, stoves and inserts are so-called closed hearth heating devices, that is to say that a glass or cast iron wall closes their front face. .

As a result, not only are they more efficient – ​​the heat output rate is 80 to 95%, where open hearths only achieve an average efficiency of 15% – but they also reduce the risk of burns and burns. 'fire.

As for distinguishing between the two models: the main difference lies in the fact that the stove is a self-contained cast iron appliance, where the insert consists of a built-in block.

The choice will then depend on your personal aesthetic preferences, as well as the configuration of the hearth of your fireplace.

If it is large enough, you can opt for a stove, which requires a minimum of space around it in order to optimize heat exchange.

On the other hand, if the hearth is of a more modest size, it will probably correspond better to the dimensions of an insert.

What about the conduit?

Significantly more efficient than a traditional open fireplace, stove and insert emit more heat.

However, old smoke evacuation ducts may not be able to withstand the temperature difference thus generated, which can be up to three times higher.

In order to avoid starting a fire, your installer will most likely have to replace your conduit or retube it.

How much does it cost ?

The advantage of equipping your old fireplace with a stove or an insert is that this type of construction saves you long and expensive demolition work, while allowing you to keep a beautiful period decorative element intact.

As for the price, count between 3,000 and 5,000 euros all inclusive (device, installation and tubing) for one or other of these heating devices.

What help? 

In order to promote the energy transition, the public authorities grant financial aid to individuals who wish to opt for less polluting heating methods, as is the case for stoves and inserts.

Provided that the latter meets current standards (yield greater than 70%, CO2 emissions less than 0.3 and environmental index less than or equal to 2) and is set up by a recognized craftsman who guarantees the environment (RGE) , you can claim VAT reduced to 5.5% and energy saving certificates (energy bonuses).

Similarly, depending on your income, MaPrimeRénov' entitles you to aid of between 1,000 and 2,500 euros for a wood stove, 1,500 to 3,000 euros for a pellet stove and 800 and 2,500 euros for an insert.

Finally, you can benefit from a zero-rate eco-loan up to 15,000 euros.

Find out more on the official France-renov.gouv.fr portal or on 0 808 800 700 (non-surcharged number).

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