Fireplace Heat Reflector Shield--good buy? (fireplaces, heating, stove, warm)

[murph1982]

Hello,
We have a fireplace that we use regularly during the winter months. There is some heat generated from the fireplace but I noticed an item we could purchase called a -fireplace heat reflector shield to improve the efficiency of the heat. Can you please let me know if this item is worth purchasing? I would appreciate any of your help. Thank you!

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by murph1982

We have a fireplace that we use regularly during the winter months.
There is some heat generated from the fireplace but...

Get an insert of some sort.
The good ones aren't cheap but since you're already doing all the work... LINK

[Donn2390]

Originally Posted by murph1982

Hello,
We have a fireplace that we use regularly during the winter months. There is some heat generated from the fireplace but I noticed an item we could purchase called a -fireplace heat reflector shield to improve the efficiency of the heat. Can you please let me know if this item is worth purchasing? I would appreciate any of your help. Thank you!

I googled fireplace heat reflector shield and didn't find anything. You don't mention what kind of FP you have. It's it a standard builder grade FP that you find in most newer homes, it's for looks only and doesn't produce any heat, so any kind of reflector isn't going to do much. If you have the brand name on your shield, google reviews and see what others say about it. I would guess it's not much good...
If yours is one of those builder grade FPs, rated at about 5% efficiency, do as Mr rational says, buy an insert rated at 85% efficiency. I purchased an insert and it really warms the house up, but plan on spending $3-5K.

[Nonesuch]

As mentioned, a woodstove or insert can take over the existing flue and give you actual cheap heat. Or if you really want the appearance of a fireplace, there's the Heatilator type fireplaces, with or without powered fans.

Originally Posted by murph1982

I noticed an item we could purchase called a -fireplace heat reflector shield to improve the efficiency of the heat. Can you please let me know if this item is worth purchasing?

Not worth purchasing a reflector, it does not really give you any more heat into the room. At most a fireback or reflector or back plate is going to look nice, protect the bricks from erosion, and maybe re-radiate a little heat after the fire burns down.

For more than you ever wanted to know about heating with wood, check out the "Hearth" forums.

[murph1982]

Thank you for your helpful replies! I appreciate it!