Fireplace Insert Facts
Why would someone choose to add a fireplace insert into their already existing wood burning fireplace?
The answer is simple: Efficiency. Not only will a fireplace insert enhance the look and feel of an existing wood burning fireplace, it will also increase the efficiency of a fireplace.
The installation of a fireplace insert can turn an occasional source of warmth into a convenient and easy-to-use supplemental zone heater that can help control high home heating bills while protecting winter air quality.
Fireplace Insert Basics
Fireplace inserts are designed to enhance the operation and appearance of an existing wood burning fireplace, whether masonry or factory-built. Categorized primarily by the fuel burned for operation (natural gas, propane, EPA-certified wood, pellet and coal), a fireplace insert is installed into an existing wood burning fireplace. Fireplace inserts are made from cast iron or steel and have self-cleaning glass doors that allow the dancing flames of the fire to be viewed while the insulated doors remain closed, making the fire more efficient. State-of-the-art features such as fans and thermostatic controls are also offered to augment the operation of the insert and increase efficiency.
Enhanced Efficiency
Almost all North Americans with older wood burning fireplaces can benefit from the installation of a fireplace insert. Generally, older fireplaces have efficiency ratings of just 5 to 10%. This low efficiency is due to the open combustion design that allows an abundance of heated room air to be drawn into the fire, causing the fire to burn too fast and wasting energy. In contrast, a fireplace insert is an insulated, closed-door system that slows the fire down and increases the temperature of the fire to facilitate more complete combustion. This closed combustion system can assist in generating efficiencies of above 65% in many cases which can translate into more heat output. And, when it comes to burning wood, an EPA-certified wood burning fireplace insert can also reduce emissions from wood burning to almost zero.
Variety of Fuel Options
Determining which fuel type to select when purchasing a fireplace insert depends on the cost and availability of the fuel, the desired efficiency and heat output, as well as the level of maintenance requirements and the desired appearance of the fire by the user. While most fireplace inserts manufactured today are extremely efficient, the choice is often dictated by a person's individual needs.
Click here to see all our inserts online including gas, pellet and wood inserts. Interested in pellet heating or want to learn more? Learn the benefits of pellet heating and how Europe is making the transformation to pellet heat.
