Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

You have a beautiful rock fireplace that you wouldn't part with for anything. They just don't get any more romantic. Trouble is that it's old and is definitely isn't energy efficient. Not to worry. Check out wood burning fireplace inserts and you'll have the best of both worlds.

So what exactly is an insert? An insert is a best compared as being a wood stove but it is designed specifically to fit inside an existing fireplace. Just like a wood stove must be EPA certified so must your fireplace insert. This means it must be highly efficient and clean burning.

Inserts are usually made from either cast iron or plate steel and then they have glass doors that let you see the flames. The insert can go either protrude onto your hearth or it can go directly into the fireplace opening.

Into the hearth is the most efficient method because you get additional heat from the top, bottom, and sides. Often the inserts will have blower which really increase the efficiency. These blowers can be mounted along the side of the insert or on the front and they can either be regulated by a thermostat or controlled manually.

In past years inserts were put into the fireplace with no chimney connection. Trouble is this sometimes allowed creosote to build up in the fireplace and present a serious fire hazard so the National Fire Protection Association now requires fireplace inserts to hook directly into the chimney. This reduces the risk.

New installs must connect into the flue liner which sends the gases and smoke up the chimney reducing the creosote build in the fireplace. Installs in new homes must also be able to draw the combustion air directly into the firebox from the exterior of the house. This eliminates a lot of health issues.

Inserts are extremely heavy usually weighing at least 400 pounds and often a great deal more. Now inserts have to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned which can create a real problem. To avoid this it's best to install your insert with a full relining collar. Otherwise make sure the chimney sweep you hire will remove the insert.

A good quality insert is going to cost somewhere between $1500 and $2000. If you add on blowers, catalytic combustors, or glass doors expect the cost to climb.

Perhaps you've decided wood isn't the right choice for you. Not to worry. You can purchase a gas fireplace insert. You will need to have this installed by a professional and of course you will need to have natural gas running to your home. But it's definitely an option to consider if you are done with wood.

Whether you choose natural gas or wood an insert is definitely a terrific option for that beautiful fireplace that is just not energy efficient. There is something about these older fireplaces that just can't be replicated with our modern fireplaces.

Wood burning fireplace inserts are readily available online. There are many sites so be sure to shop around for the best pricing.