| A fireplace insert is an easy way to increase the | | | | burning inserts. |
| efficiency of your existing fireplace while at the | | | | Many new fireplace inserts are equipped with a |
| same time enhancing its visual appeal. Fireplace | | | | blower for even heat distribution and can be |
| inserts aren't intended for whole house heating, | | | | thermostatically controlled. |
| but will add supplemental, zoned heat to your | | | | The inserts are made with steel plate or cast iron. |
| home. | | | | The front is sealed with a glass door that allows |
| Most older fireplaces are only 5-10% efficient. This | | | | for an enjoyable viewing experience and increases |
| inefficiency is the result of an open hearth that | | | | efficiency by making the insert air tight. |
| produces only slightly more warm air than it | | | | Depending on the model purchased, the insert will |
| consumes. | | | | either fit flush with the fireplace face brick or |
| New EPA certified wood fireplace inserts are | | | | protrude onto the hearth. The protruding design is |
| rated 65% efficient and provide the added benefit | | | | more efficient since it provides additional radiant |
| of reducing emissions to almost zero. | | | | heat from the exposed top and sides. |
| Fireplace inserts are classified by the fuel they | | | | The National Fire Protection Association requires |
| burn and the method of venting. | | | | that fireplace inserts be installed with a direct |
| The available fuels are: natural gas, propane, | | | | connection between the insert exhaust outlet and |
| wood, pellet and coal. For around $30, you can | | | | nearest section of flue liner. This allows smoke |
| purchase a kit that will convert a natural gas | | | | and gases faster passage and less time to |
| insert to propane. Also, if you live more than | | | | condense in the flue and form hazardous |
| 4,000 feet above sea level, your gas insert might | | | | creosote. |
| require a smaller orifice jet to compensate for the | | | | Weighing in at around 400 pounds, it's no easy |
| lack of oxygen. | | | | task moving the insert when it comes time to |
| Fireplace inserts can be vented through an | | | | clean the chimney. This in itself is good reason to |
| existing chimney, direct vented, b-vented, or vent | | | | rely on a professional chimney sweep. |
| free. | | | | Although they're not easy to find, some fireplace |
| A b-vent unit draws air from inside the home, | | | | inserts have wheels on the bottom for easier |
| through ports in the firebox itself. A direct vent | | | | moving. |
| unit draws air through a pipe from outside the | | | | You can avoid moving the insert altogether for |
| home, into a sealed firebox. | | | | chimney cleaning if you install a stainless steel pipe |
| Direct vent models are usually more efficient and | | | | liner form the insert outlet up through the entire |
| safer for today's airtight homes, since they do | | | | chimney. |
| not use inside air or cause a conflict with range | | | | When you're pricing fireplace inserts, make sure |
| foods and bathroom fans circulating the same air. | | | | to include the cost of accessories such as |
| B-vent units are generally less expensive to install, | | | | blowers, catalytic combustors and glass doors. |
| but are more sensitive to air flow inside the | | | | Fro instance, you can purchase a wood burning |
| home. | | | | insert for only $860.00, but the door comes |
| A vent free gas fireplace has no outside venting | | | | extra, as in $200-$300 extra. |
| and is not an option for wood, pellet or coal | | | | |