| Wood burning fireplace inserts are basically | | | | Protection Association (NFPA) now requires |
| a wood stove designed to fit into a | | | | that inserts be installed with a positive |
| conventional open fireplace. Like wood | | | | connection to the chimney. Wood burning |
| stoves, new inserts must be EPA certified, | | | | fireplace inserts must have a connector |
| making them clean burning and highly | | | | between the appliance outlet and the first |
| efficient. These wood burning fireplace | | | | section of the flue liner. This sends the |
| inserts are usually made from plate steel or | | | | smoke and gases up and out of the chimney |
| cast iron and have glass doors so you can see | | | | more directly, minimizing combustible |
| the flames. The wood burning fireplace | | | | deposits that condense in the fireplace. |
| inserts either fit in the opening of the | | | | Inserts are heavy, often weighing over 400 |
| fireplace or protrude onto the hearth. The | | | | pounds. Since inserts need to be removed when |
| latter position is more efficient because the | | | | the chimney is being cleaned and maintained, |
| sides, top, and bottom provide additional | | | | they can be awkward and heavy to handle. It |
| radiant heat. The inserts often have blowers, | | | | is a job best left to a professional chimney |
| which can significantly improve efficiency. | | | | sweep. In some cases, however, you do not |
| Blowers are usually mounted in the front or | | | | have to remove the insert to clean the |
| along the sides of the insert. Some blowers | | | | chimney. The wood burning fireplace inserts |
| are controlled manually, while others are | | | | can stay in place during cleaning if you |
| regulated by a thermostat. Fireplace blowers | | | | install a full relining collar, a stainless |
| are designed to distribute the air from your | | | | steel pipe that connects to the insert and |
| fireplace throughout your entire home. In the | | | | goes to the top of the chimney. Good quality |
| past, most installers placed the wood burning | | | | wood burning fireplace inserts usually costs |
| fireplace inserts in the fireplace without | | | | between £750 and £1000. This price may |
| any chimney connections. This method, in some | | | | be higher if you need to purchase accessories |
| cases, allowed creosote to build up inside | | | | such as a blower, glass door, or catalytic |
| the fireplace, presenting a potential fire | | | | combustor. |
| hazard. To prevent this, the National Fire | | | | |