Fireplace Insert

Little about insert

An insert is a wood stove designed to fit into a conventional open fireplace. Like wood stoves the new inserts must be certified, making them clean burning and highly efficient. Inserts are mostly made from plate steel or cast iron and have glass doors so that one can see the flames. Inserts either fit in the opening of the fireplace or protrude onto the hearth. The latter position is more efficient as the sides, top and bottom provide additional radiant heat. Inserts often have blowers, which can significantly improve efficiency too. Blowers are usually mounted in the front or along the sides of the insert. Some blowers are controlled manually and a thermostat regulates few.

Uses of inserts in the past

In the past most installers placed inserts in the fireplace without any chimney connections. This method allowed creosote to build up inside the fireplace, presenting a potential fire hazard. To prevent, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) now requires that inserts be installed with a positive connection to the chimney. Inserts must have a connector between the appliance outlet and first section of the flue liner. This sends the smoke and gases up and out of the chimney more directly by minimizing combustible deposits that condense in the fireplace.

How to maintain it?

Since inserts need to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned and maintained, they can be awkward and heavy to handle. It is a job of a professional chimney sweep. The insert can stay in place during cleaning if you install a full relining collar, a stainless steel pipe that connects to the insert and goes to the top of the chimney.

How it works?

A fireplace insert is like a wood stove that has been modified by the manufacturer to fit within the firebox of a masonry fireplace. Inserts are used to convert masonry fireplaces and which are inefficient and polluting into effective heating systems. An insert consists of a firebox surrounded by a steel shell, air from the room flows between the firebox and shell to be warmed. The outer shell ensures that most of the heat from the firebox is delivered to the room instead of being released into the masonry structure. A decorative faceplate covers the space between the insert body and the fireplace opening.

There are many more fixture articles in our fixture section. There is more specific information in the links at the beginning of this article. They can guide you where you need to go.