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An insert is basically a fireproof box that’s surrounded by steel or cast iron and fronted by insulated glass, creating a closed combustion system. The steel or cast iron helps to trap the heat. Some inserts have a blower that pushes the hot air back into the room through front vents.
Is a fireplace insert worth the money?
Are Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money? Savings: Fireplace inserts can help you to cut down on your heating bill. A fireplace insert is not recommended as a sole use of heating but when used in conjunction with turning down your thermostat, can save you money on your heating bill.
Do wood-burning fireplace inserts need electricity?
As with freestanding wood stoves, wood fireplace inserts won’t typically require a source of electricity. If a wood insert has a blower then it will typically require an electrical supply in order to operate.
Does a fireplace insert need a chimney?
Do Electric Inserts Need a Chimney? Unlike wood-burning and direct vent systems, electric fireplaces do not need a chimney to vent combustible byproducts. However, they do have other unique needs that wood and gas burning inserts may not require.
How much does it cost to put in a fireplace insert?
How much does a fireplace insert cost? Most fireplace inserts and a professional installation cost about $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the state of your existing chimney and the model you select. Some electric models cost significantly less, but they offer less heat output than wood and gas fireplace inserts.
What is the advantage of a fireplace insert?
Fireplace inserts solve the issue of heat loss by containing everything in a sealed box. This stops drafts from coming in and from heat rising directly out the chimney. In addition a sealed box allows for a much more efficient burn – around 70-75%. This increased efficiency also creates longer burn times.
Why do I need a fireplace insert?
A fireplace insert is a sealed box that is placed (inserted) into an existing masonry fireplace. As a result, the old inefficient wood fireplace is upgraded to a new high-efficiency wood, gas, or propane fireplace that will produce more heat and use less fuel.
What is the difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert?
Fireplaces will have large viewing areas and box dimensions because they are designed to be built into new construction and not limited by the existing fireplace opening size. A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there.
How long do fireplace inserts last?
However, when properly maintained, a fireplace insert can last 20-30 years or more, making them a great investment in the future of your home.
Are wood-burning fireplace inserts safe?
When properly installed, wood-burning inserts are very safe and are much safer than an open fire.
Do all fireplace inserts have blowers?
Most fireplace inserts are designed to increase a fireplace’s efficiency. Some inserts have a blower that pushes the hot air back into the room through front vents. Properly installed, fireplace inserts can be a much more efficient supplemental zone heater than a traditional fireplace [source: Wood Heat Organization].
Are wood-burning fireplace inserts efficient?
Studies have shown that as much as 95 percent of the residual heat in a traditional wood fireplace is expelled outside. A wood-burning fireplace insert offers a slower, more efficient burn rate providing up to five hours of uninterrupted heat. It consumes less fuel and has heating efficiencies of 80+ percent!.
Can I install a fireplace insert without a liner?
When an insert has no liner, or a partial liner, it cannot be cleaned in the normal way (by putting a brush into the chimney through the insert). Doing so would cause ash and creosote to fall behind the insert, where it would build up and potentially ignite.
Does a wood fireplace insert need to be vented?
Venting Explained Fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts need to be vented to the outdoors (except for electric fireplace models).
Do fireplace inserts produce heat?
Fireplace inserts have a sealed, air tight door system which generates more heat because the fire burns much slower and the heat isn’t wasted. The efficiency of fireplace inserts can be as much as 80%. A more efficient wood-burning heating system means less gas, oil, or electricity is required to heat your home.
Do fireplace inserts increase home value?
Return on Investment A homeowner can often recover over 100 percent of the expenses associated with adding a fireplace upon selling their home. According to the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers, adding a fireplace to home can increase the resale value of the home by as much as 6-12 percent.
Can you replace a gas fireplace with a wood-burning insert?
While it may be tempting to try to burn wood in your existing gas fireplace, that would be quite dangerous unless precautions were taken. It is possible to change from gas to wood burning safely. A professional gas to wood-burning fireplace conversion would be necessary.
What is a zero clearance fireplace insert?
Zero-clearance fireplaces are pre-manufactured fireplaces that can be installed almost directly against combustible materials like wood, walls, or panelling. The construction and materials of the firebox do not allow the outside temperatures of the firebox to affect those materials and do not require a hearth.
What are the top rated fireplace inserts?
The 10 Best Fireplace Inserts Product Forbes Advisor Rating Warranty Giantex 28.5″ Electric Fireplace Insert Recessed Mounted with 3 Color Flames 3.9 Okay Homedex 36″ Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace Insert with Touch Screen Control Panel 3.9 Okay Symple Stuff Brimfield 23.5” W Electric Fireplace Insert 3.9 Okay.
Can you replace a fireplace insert?
Now is a great time to consider replacing that outdated unit with a modern option that is crafted to last for decades to come. Our Fireplace Xtrordinair® wood and gas inserts offer an economical solution to upgrade your current insert and become the heart of any room.
How do you keep a fire going all night in a fireplace?
11 Ways To Keep A Fire Going In An Open Fireplace Ensure That The Damper Is Fully Open. Warm The Chimney. Maintain The Air Supply. Build The Fire Correctly. Only Burn Wood That Is Dry Enough. Burn Room Temperature Wood. Burn Hardwood Logs. Add A Couple of Logs At A Time.
How do you start a wood burning insert?
Place the kindling in the firebox, scatter crumpled newspapers throughout, then use extra-long fireplace matches to light the newspapers. “Once the kindling burns down, put smaller pieces of wood on the fire, then start adding a few larger pieces,” he explains.
How do you stack wood in a fireplace insert?
First, you place your largest pieces of wood on the bottom of the fireplace—ends at front and back. Next, place 4-5 smaller levels of wood on top until that stack fills about ½ the height of the fireplace. The kindling will be on top, and can begin as sticks, and end with wood shavings and crumbled bits of paper.
