Wood-burning insert vs pellet insert — which should I put in my fireplace?
In Asheville, both inserts beat the drafty open masonry firebox they replace, so the real question is what happens when the power quits: a wood insert keeps heating with no electricity, a pellet insert doesn't. On the natural-gas mains here with generally reliable power, choose wood for genuine backup heat, pellet for hands-off everyday warmth.
Two kinds of Asheville firebox
Montford and North Asheville are full of original oversized masonry fireplaces that lose more heat up the flue than they put in the room, while newer South Asheville homes usually have a factory-built box. Either one accepts an insert with a correctly sized stainless liner, and either wood or pellet turns a heat-loser into a unit that commonly runs 70% efficient or better.
In a Montford Victorian, a wood insert keeps the room reading like a real fireplace behind the glass; a pellet unit behaves and looks more like an appliance. If preserving the character of an old firebox matters to you, that's a real point on the wood side.
Fuel, power, and the drive from Emma Road
Fuel is easy in town — pellets stock at area stores, firewood is everywhere — and city power is usually steady, though Helene reminded everyone it isn't guaranteed. One practical edge unique to Asheville: we're headquartered right here at 629 Emma Road, so service is quick. That matters more for a pellet insert, which runs on an igniter, blower, and auger motor that eventually need a visit; a wood insert has nothing mechanical to fail.
We measure your firebox for both, size the liner, pull the Buncombe County permit, and meet the inspector. Call (828) 545-0525 for a free in-home assessment.
Fireplace help in Asheville
We install and service fireplaces throughout Asheville and the rest of Buncombe County — we're headquartered right here.