What is an insert for a fireplace?

A fireplace insert is like a wood stove that has been modified by its manufacturer to fit within the firebox of a masonry fireplace. Inserts are used to convert masonry fireplaces, which are inefficient and polluting, into effective heating systems. An insert consists of a firebox surrounded by a steel shell.

Just so, what the difference between a fireplace and an insert?

Either way the fireplace is the entire structure that you burn inside of. A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there. Usually a wood burning fireplace built with the home will get an “insert” put inside of it.

One may also ask, are fireplace inserts worth it? Fireplace inserts are a more efficient heat source than traditional fireplaces. A traditional fireplace only converts about 20% of its fuel into usable heat, with some older fireplaces being as low as 5-10%. The closed combustion system of a fireplace insert can be 60-80% efficient.

In this regard, how does fireplace insert work?

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.

What does fireplace insert mean?

A fireplace insert can be an alternative to your traditional fireplace. It is a wood or gas stove that has been modified by the manufacturer, which is used to convert a masonry fireplace into something more efficient.

30 Related Question Answers Found

How long does a fireplace insert last?

20-30 years

How do I choose a fireplace insert?

Step one in choosing the right fireplace insert is getting the right size. Modern inserts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with a little investigating, you'll find the perfect one for your fireplace. When measuring the opening of your fireplace, measure from side to side and from top to bottom.

Does a fireplace insert need a liner?

But to work properly, an insert needs a proper chimney liner. A fireplace insert is like a wood stove that has been modified by its manufacturer to fit within the firebox of a masonry fireplace. Later, a short length of stainless steel liner was installed up into the chimney of the original fireplace.

How much does it cost to put in a fireplace insert?

Inserts heat 1,000-3,000 sq. ft., depending on their size. You'll want to size your insert to the square footage you need to heat. Cost: $3,000-$4,000, including installation and a chimney liner.

Why do I need a fireplace insert?

A fireplace insert can burn gas, wood, or pellets, and is inserted into an existing masonry fireplace; just like a stove can be. If you have a masonry fireplace that needs a facelift, an insert is there to fill the gap and rejuvenate your room. This is yet another reason why Inserts are so versatile.

How efficient is a fireplace insert?

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 fireplaces make the house colder?

the temperature in the room with the fireplace will increase. there is a possibility for a convection current, but that would tend to increase the warm air in other rooms. the only way the rest of the house gets colder or changes temperature is if the heat turns off.

Do fireplace blowers really work?

Choosing a high number increases the energy of your fireplace from 74 to 92 percent. The fireplace blower uses only a small amount of electricity, therefore the added heat in the room far outweighs any extra electricity required while the blower motor is functioning. Some blowers include a thermostat.

How do you size a fireplace insert?

To determine the right size, measure the following: opening height; opening width; opening depth (top and bottom); rear width and the depth of the hearth (area in front of fireplace). LOCATION: A fireplace insert needs to be placed in an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace with a working chimney.

How do I get the most heat out of my fireplace insert?

6 Ways to Get More Heat from Your Wood

Hot Fires = Cleaner Fires. How hot should you run your stove, fireplace or fireplace insert to get the most heat and cleanest burn?
Use Seasoned, Dry Wood. Wet, unseasoned wood causes smoke, weak flames and a poor heat output.
Keep Your Chimney Clean.
Run the Right-Sized Unit.
Add Zone Heating for More Efficiency.

Can you use a fireplace insert as a freestanding stove?

Recall that fireplace inserts are installed into fireplaces, not freestanding stoves. However, you can vent a freestanding stove through a fireplace. This usually means that a rear-vented stove sits in front of the fireplace (on the hearth.) This is a perfectly good way to install a stove.

Does fireplace insert have to be removed to clean chimney?

Fireplace inserts are heavy, often weighing more than 400 pounds. Since wood burning inserts need to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned and maintained, they can be awkward and heavy to handle. In some cases, however, you do not have to remove the insert to clean the chimney.

What is the most efficient gas fireplace insert?

Most Recommended and Best Selling Insert Gas Fireplaces in February, 2020?

The smaller Napoleon HD35 works for compact spaces, but the Napoleon GVF36-2N can produce up to 30,000 BTU, enough to heat several large rooms.
Empire Comfort Systems has been in business since 1932 making fireplaces, heaters, and grills.

How much electricity does a fireplace blower use?

0.480 KWH/day, about 15 KWH/month, or somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.20/fan per month.

Do fireplace inserts increase home value?

The National Center for Real Estate Research released the results of a recent study showing on average that adding a fireplace boosts home values by 12%. Nearly 70% of real estate agents polled by Angieslist stated they notice home values increase whenever a fireplace is installed.

Who makes the best fireplace inserts?

Find the Best Fireplace Inserts of 2020 (Buyers Guide)

Name	Our Rating
Vogelzang TR004 Colonial EPA	8/10
Napoleon EPI3C Cast Iron EPA Contemporary	9/10
Century Heating High-Efficiency	7/10
Timberwolf Economizer Wood Burning Fireplace Insert	8/10

What are the top rated fireplace inserts?

Top Rated Fireplace Inserts & Insert Manufacturers

Dimplex Fireplace Inserts.
Modern Flames Fireplace Inserts.
US Stove Inserts.
Real Fyre Fireplace Inserts.
Duluth Forge Fireplace Inserts.
Amantii Fireplace Inserts.
Sierra Flame Fireplace Inserts.
Remii Fireplace Inserts.