Inserts 'wood' improve any fireplace!

Wood burning fireplace inserts are basically aProtection Association (NFPA) now requires that
wood stove designed to fit into a conventionalinserts be installed with a positive connection to
open fireplace. Like wood stoves, new insertsthe chimney. Wood burning fireplace inserts must
must be EPA certified, making them clean burninghave a connector between the appliance outlet
and highly efficient. These wood burning fireplaceand the first section of the flue liner. This sends
inserts are usually made from plate steel or castthe smoke and gases up and out of the chimney
iron and have glass doors so you can see themore directly, minimizing combustible deposits that
flames. The wood burning fireplace inserts eithercondense in the fireplace. Inserts are heavy, often
fit in the opening of the fireplace or protrude ontoweighing over 400 pounds. Since inserts need to
the hearth. The latter position is more efficientbe removed when the chimney is being cleaned
because the sides, top, and bottom provideand maintained, they can be awkward and heavy
additional radiant heat. The inserts often haveto handle. It is a job best left to a professional
blowers, which can significantly improve efficiency.chimney sweep. In some cases, however, you do
Blowers are usually mounted in the front or alongnot have to remove the insert to clean the
the sides of the insert. Some blowers arechimney. The wood burning fireplace inserts can
controlled manually, while others are regulated bystay in place during cleaning if you install a full
a thermostat. Fireplace blowers are designed torelining collar, a stainless steel pipe that connects
distribute the air from your fireplace throughoutto the insert and goes to the top of the chimney.
your entire home. In the past, most installersGood quality wood burning fireplace inserts usually
placed the wood burning fireplace inserts in thecosts between £750 and £1000. This
fireplace without any chimney connections. Thisprice may be higher if you need to purchase
method, in some cases, allowed creosote to buildaccessories such as a blower, glass door, or
up inside the fireplace, presenting a potential firecatalytic combustor.
hazard. To prevent this, the National Fire