We Sell a Quality Selection of Stoves, Fireplaces & Inserts

In operation since 2006, Mid-Valley Chimney Repair & Sweeps is the Cincinnati/Dayton area expert on all things fireplace, chimney, home heating, and ventilation. Whether you’re looking for your next heating appliance or require a bit of assistance for your current system, there is no one better for the job than Mid-Valley. If you’re looking for a stove, fireplace, or fireplace insert near Dayton, Cincinnati or somewhere else nearby, we’re the team to hire.

All of our technicians are highly trained and certified with the most revered organizations in the industry and strive to provide you with the best service possible. Are you ready to find the home heating appliance of your dreams? Get started today by calling 513-727-0994 or, if you’d prefer, you can reach us online, right here through our website.

What Home Heating Appliances Does Mid-Valley Install?

Considering we offer a wide range of various products from some of the best manufacturers in the industry, perhaps a better question might be… What home heating appliances don’t we install?

Interested in the sleek, modern look of a freestanding stove? We’ve got ‘em. Maybe you’ve been thinking about a gas insert and the benefits those bring, but you’re not quite sure about feasibility or your different options. No worries – we’d love to chat about the benefits of inserts and the various options that would work with your existing setup. Here’s a current list of the products we happily sell, install, and service:

• Freestanding stoves
• Gas fireplaces
• Gas inserts
• Gas stoves
• Wood-burning fireplaces
• Wood-burning inserts
• Wood stoves

In search of something else or have a question about updating or changing your existing system? Give us a call at 513-727-0994 or reach out online, and we’ll see what we can do for you.

Gas Insert

What’s the Difference Between a Fireplace, an Insert, and a Stove?

There are two big things to consider if you’re interested in a new heating appliance – the type of system you want and the type of fuel you want to use. Our knowledgeable Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified techs would be happy to help you navigate this process, so you end up with the best, most ideal addition to your home.

Depending on how much time you have and how much effort you’re willing to put into your system, which appliance is best for you may vary. We’ve provided a brief rundown of each, but if you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out:

• Fireplace: Fireplaces are definitely the more authentic or traditional route. If you don’t have any type of heating appliance in your home, this is the route you’ll want to go. You can choose from a masonry or stone setup, which is built into your home and known for its longevity, or a prefabricated system, which can be quickly and affordably built and will last you many years.
• Insert: If you already have a fireplace in your home, but are interested in changing fuel types or trying to get more efficiency out of it, then an insert is a great option. They simply fit inside of your existing fireplace, guaranteeing a seamless transition to an entirely new system.
• Stove: With stoves, placement options are a lot more flexible since they are free-standing. Many are surprised at how efficiently they can heat a room, too, and models today come in a wide range of style options, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your space without any issues along the way.

How Do I Know Which Heating Appliance Is Right for Me?

With so many options, how can you possibly choose the one that best suits your needs and your family’s lifestyle? Is one objectively better than the other? Are there factors to consider to help you make the best decision?

In terms of objectivity, one product is not necessarily “better” than any other. It really just comes down to personal preference and the overall look you’re going for. 

Looking for something with optimal heat production and efficiency? You might consider a gas insert as they tend to be more effective when it comes to the amount of warmth they provide. However, if you’re interested in installing an appliance that marries ambience and visual appeal, a classic, authentic fireplace – fueled with either gas logs or traditional wood – could be the way to go. Check out this list of general pros and cons of each different type of appliance: fireplaces, stoves, and inserts.

Gas Stove

What Benefits Do Fireplaces Provide?

There is something that is inherently magical about a fireplace. Be it traditional masonry or prefabricated, gas-fueled or wood-burning, the crackling flames bring a certain cozy vibe and aesthetic to any space. However, while that may be one of the biggest draws to this type of heat, it is certainly not the only:

• Increased home value. Depending on the area in which you live and the market at the time you’re looking to potentially list your home, it’s very likely that your home will stand out to others if your fireplace is well-maintained and functional – no matter the fuel source.
• Zone heating can help you save on energy bills. Unlike other options, a fireplace is really good at heating smaller areas/sections within a home – namely, the room in which they are located. In terms of good or bad, this could really go either way depending on how you look at it, but paying to only heat one room with such a visually appealing heating system will certainly save some costs in the long run.
• Options for different fuel types. One of the greatest things about investing in a new fireplace is the opportunity to choose between gas and wood as your fuel source. One is a renewable energy source and the other one burns cleaner and tends to be slightly more efficient. So no matter what you choose, they both are good options. (We’ll get into the specifics on the different types of fuel a bit later.)

What Are the Cons To Using a Fireplace?

As with anything good, there are always some “less good” factors to balance it out. Again, it just really depends on what your goal for this new heating appliance is. Consider the following before jumping on the fireplace bandwagon:

• A bit of an investment to install. While this will have to be something to contend with regarding any change to your existing home heating system, fireplaces are quite the investment when it comes to getting everything all set up and running. Especially if you’ve decided you want one constructed of masonry, you’ll have to budget the time and money for our masons to build the structure and then make sure it will operate according to code.
• Decent amount of maintenance is required. Though this does slightly depend on what type of fuel you choose, operating a fireplace – no matter if it is wood-burning or fueled by gas – requires a certain level of attention and maintenance. If fueled by wood, for example, you have to source the wood, season it (dry it out), and haul it into the house for use. Gas fireplaces obviously don’t require you to obtain your own fuel, but you still do need to keep an eye on the overall system and be sure that you’re staying up to date with regular services.
• Not as efficient as other options. This also slightly depends on your chosen fuel type, but because fireplaces largely only offer zone heat, if you’re looking for something to heat your whole house, you’d probably want to invest in a supplemental option to just a single fireplace. Of course, with more appliances and sources of heat comes more costs, making it less efficient than something that might heat a larger surface area.

Gas Fireplace

What Are the Benefits of Fireplace Inserts?

Commonly confused with regular fireplaces, inserts are self-contained and placed directly inside of your existing fireplace and chimney system. Because the new system will utilize the chimney you already have, the transition from one to the other is unmatched. Inserts are a great option for when you want a similar look and utilization of a traditional fireplace, but are also interested in switching up the fuel source or looking for something more efficient. What else?

Wood Burning Insert

• Easy installation. Because inserts are installed into existing setups, the installation process tends to go a whole lot smoother, simpler, and quicker. That said, don’t take this as a cue to DIY the project. Professional installation is imperative to ensure everything functions safely and appropriately for your household.
• Enclosed burn. Another plus? With an insert, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing the flames for a smoke-free home fire experience. Because these systems are enclosed, you can still have a system that looks like a traditional fireplace, without needing to worry about the smoke production billowing around the room and driving everyone else out of it.
• Increased efficiency. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons so many homeowners switch to an insert is because it is highly efficient. Rather than all heat escaping out the top of the chimney like with a common old-fashioned fireplace, the immense amount of heat produced by an insert is radiated back into the room – right where you can enjoy it most.

Do Inserts Have Cons?

Despite the many positives of a fireplace insert, there are still some downsides to this method of heating your home:

• Decreased aesthetic and ambience. While an insert removes the irritation of getting a room full of smoke and a bunch of heat lost up the chimney, it also takes away some of that classic ambiance of an open, traditional-looking fireplace.
• You need a fireplace already present. Unfortunately, fireplace inserts need a system to be inserted into – hence the name. This means that, if you’re starting from scratch, installation and all that comes with it will be more complicated than simply buying a unit and having a pro set it up in your existing fireplace.

What Are the Pros of Installing a Stove?

Stoves are an all around great alternative to both traditional fireplaces and inserts. …so long as you know what to expect. Like the two former options, there are some variations in stoves – whether in the fuel source you choose or if it is freestanding or attached to the wall – so you have to know what it is you’re looking for. Check out these unique benefits of a stove heating appliance:

• Wide range of versatility. Due to the structure and design, stoves give you the opportunity to place them just about anywhere. Looking for a new heating addition to an upstairs bedroom? A freestanding stove might be a good option for you. Is your kitchen particularly drafty? A stove could do wonders in making that chilly space comfortable. Because they do not need a traditional chimney system, as long as they are able to connect to the outdoors somehow (either through roof or wall), they are typically good to go.
• Provide heat and light in a power outage. Much like their wood-burning counterpart, a stove will create and provide warmth and light in the event that your power goes out. Unlike a traditional wood-fueled fireplace, though, the mess of combustion is safely contained within the appliance.
• Operation is relatively low maintenance. While you still will need to obtain some type of fuel – whether it’s wood pellets, corn, cherry pits, or something else – it is nothing near what is required to maintain and operate a wood-burning fire. However, because these appliances still create flames, the general ambience is somewhat similar to a more traditional fireplace option – just with a general increase in efficiency.

Free Standing Stove

Are There Cons To Using a Stove?

Sure, there are. No one appliance or home heating option will be free of shortcomings. It just comes down to a matter of what checks the most boxes for what you’re looking for. These are a few cons of utilizing a stove:

• Industrial look vs. the cozy aesthetic of traditional or alternative fireplaces. A stove might heat a room better and more efficiently than some of its alternative options, but it also brings a specific, industrial-type look to the room in which it is installed. There are different models and variations, of course, but they all look somewhat similar and bring a completely different vibe than a more traditional fireplace – even if that traditional fireplace is less traditional and is gas-fueled.
• Slightly more maintenance and attention is involved to ensure optimal performance. In order for a stove to produce the desired and optimal amount of heat, it’s important to always have an awareness of the fuel level. Like a wood-burning system, if there is no fuel to burn, there is no heat to be produced, so you’ll have to make sure you always know the status of your fuel stock, so you know when you’re running low.
• Heat production depends on different factors. Things like the type of fuel you choose, the specific stove model and size, the size of your home/the space you’re trying to heat, and more all play into the effectiveness of a freestanding stove. Some models are designed to heat larger spaces than others, but you’ll also want to be sure to do your research on fuel types and what might give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Wood Burning Fireplace

Is your head spinning yet? Still have questions and don’t know where to even start? Reach out to someone on the Mid-Valley Chimney team – we’d be more than happy to set something up with you to discuss all your options and what might best suit your needs. You can contact us right here online or by calling 513-727-0994.

What Are the Different Fuel Options?

We sell wood, gas, and electric products. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and as with the appliance types, what you go with will depend a lot on your preferences and lifestyle. Here’s the lowdown on each:

• Wood: Love the sounds, smells, and overall aesthetic of burning wood? We’ll admit, this is a vibe that’s hard to beat, but with wood-burning units comes a lot of work, too. If you’re up for hauling/storing wood, regularly scooping your ash pile, going through the process of lighting and extinguishing flames, and the like, then wood’s a great option for you.
• Gas: Crave a cozy fireplace without the mess and hassle? Then, we’d recommend a gas unit. These turn on and off with a switch or button, meaning you’re just one easy step away from that warm, comforting atmosphere night after night. Gas units are also known for being quite efficient.
• Electric: No chimney? Not a problem. As long as you have an outlet nearby, an electric system will work in your space. The great part about these is their affordability and flexibility. You can transfer them around your space easily and, come time to move to a new home, you won’t have to leave your beloved fireplace behind either.

Wood Stove

We Supply The Best Products from Top Brands

We offer a wide selection of quality products from the industry’s leading manufacturers. These include Blaze King, Regency, Kozy Heat, Osburn, Valor, Real Fyre, Enviro, Stoll Industries, and Jotul.

If we don’t believe in a brand, we won’t sell it, so rest assured – anything you get from us will make a great addition to your home.

We’ll Work With You Every Step of the Way

From free-standing wood stoves to state-of-the-art logs and inserts, we can help you determine the best product for your budget and style. Enhance your living experience in Oxford, Troy, Springboro, Beavercreek, or anywhere else nearby by contacting us today to get an inside look at all of your options. We’re here and happy to help!

We look forward to helping you create the home (heating) of your dreams so you too can enjoy all the beauty an Ohio winter has to offer (instead of only experiencing the negatives). Call 513-727-0994 or request an estimate online to get started.

Make sure to schedule a chimney inspection every year to maintain maximum efficiency and safety levels. It’s all part of our chimney and fireplace services.

 

Would you be surprised to know that our chimney and fireplace services also include dryer vent cleaning? We really are committed to keeping your systems safe to use!