When choosing fireplace doors a homeowner should consider factors other than just their visual appeal.

Fireplace doors also serve an important safety function. In addition, they can increase a fireplace’s fuel efficiency.

Fireplace doors in conjunction with inner screens or curtains are among the most important lines of defense in fireplace safety for all types of fireplaces and even for fireplace inserts. Flying sparks are captured by fireplace doors. With wood burning fireplaces in the event that logs tumble off of the grate fireplace doors act as a break to keep the logs from rolling further into the room. Fireplace doors also suffocate a wood burning fire when it’s time to put the fire out.

No matter what type of fireplace or fireplace insert a home has fireplace doors increase its energy efficiency. Properly positioned doors help to direct heat outward from wood burning and gas log units. Fireplace doors keep the heat inside fireplace inserts and thus make the units and the rooms they are heating warmer. At the end of the day or evening tightly closed fireplace doors keep accumulated room heat from escaping up the chimney. The fireplace doors should always be shut when no fire is burning. Even with the damper closed it is possible for interior heat to be lost via the vent.

In order for fireplace doors to function as safeguards and to decrease heat loss they must be properly installed. A handy homeowner can save $100 or more by making this a do it yourself project. However, if unsure that he/she has the know how it is best left to a professional. The cost savings on the fireplace door installation will soon be lost to the heating bill if the set-up is not done correctly. Off the shelf fireplace doors come in standard sizes which fit most standard fireplace openings. Fireplaces made of stone or other uneven building materials may require that their fireplace doors be custom fit.

Securely fit and properly used fireplace doors enhance both the safety and the energy efficiency of any fireplace or fireplace insert. Once a homeowner has ascertained that the chosen fireplace doors are both safe and conserve heat then they will be an acceptable purchase.