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A wood burning fireplace insert is a separate fireplace unit that is installed into an existing brick or “masonry” fireplace. Inserts have different sized fire boxes that will slide into your existing fireplace and they have a front piece that will cover any gaps in your fireplace.
What is the difference between a wood fireplace and an insert?
Inserts are much smaller than fireplaces again because they are designed to fit into the opening, they will have much smaller glass fronts for the same reason. Inserts are designed to replace the inefficient wood fireplaces with new, cleaner burning appliances inside of them.
How does a wood-burning fireplace insert work?
A wood-burning fireplace insert consists of a metal firebox installed inside your existing fireplace. Fuel is loaded into the firebox through a pair of doors that face toward the interior of the room. Oxygen for the fire is supplied through vents located below the doors or on the sides of the insert.
Are wood-burning fireplace inserts worth it?
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!.
What is the difference between a wood stove and a fireplace?
The primary difference between them lies in their construction. Fireplaces are constructed as a structure — typically made of brick or stone, though sometimes metal — whereas wood-burning stoves are devices consisting of multiple pre-fabricated components.
What are the advantages of fireplace inserts?
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.
Is a fireplace insert better than a fireplace?
For you this means more heat for the same amount of wood. That’s less money and less adding wood to your fire. Last, a wood burning insert is safer than an open wood burning fireplace. When your fireplace is sealed there is less of a chance of harmful particles or gases coming into your home.
Does wood-burning fireplace heat house?
On its own, a wood burning fireplace is the least efficient of all fireplaces for producing heat. In most cases, it only creates a very small amount of heat. However, due to the amount of heat that is pulled out through the chimney in a wood burning fireplace, it can surprisingly decrease the heat in your home.
Does fireplace insert need chimney liner?
When installing a fireplace insert in your existing fireplace it is now required that you install a chimney liner system to vent the appliance. In addition to your installation being compliant with local code, there are many other benefits to installing a stainless steel chimney liner.
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.
How much does a wood fireplace insert cost?
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.
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.
Can I put an insert in my fireplace?
Professionals can install a fireplace insert into your existing fireplace with a masonry chimney. Upgrading to a fireplace insert can help you take advantage of a greater heating efficiency compared to an older wood-burning fireplace.
Can you have a wood-burning fireplace without a chimney?
Yes, it is possible to add a wood burning stove or a fireplace without an existing chimney, but you do need to install a chimney in the process. All wood burning fireplaces have to have a way to allow smoke and dangerous gases to exit your home. But you also don’t have to build a large brick or rock fireplace.
Which is safer wood burning stove or fireplace?
Sparks are another hazard of wood fires. Sparks can easily fly out of fireplaces causing injury or property damage. Wood stoves are a bit safer in that respect since the fire is not directly in the open, but there still is a minimal risk of someone being burned if they touch the stove or the glass door of the stove.
Do wood burning stoves have a flue?
The flue on a wood burning stove is located at the top of the body of stove, and typically extends straight out the top of the stove, or out the back of the unit with an upwards bend.
Do fireplace inserts give off 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.
What should I look for in a wood fireplace insert?
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide To Fireplace Inserts High-efficiency heat output. Reduced heating costs. A reduced carbon footprint. Customizable, stylish design choices. Many faceplate options. Choice of heat source/fuel. Lower repair costs.
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.
