Wood Fireplace Inserts

A wood fireplace insert is a great idea for places where access to wood is easy and cheap. Your existing fireplace must also have a clear chimney that can accept a stainless steel insert right to the very top. Different States have differing legislation on this account. In Washington, building laws require that all wood inserts installed in new homes should draw their combustion air directly from outside the home and emit no more than 4.5 grams of smoke per hour. Check what applies to your home before you commit to a purchase.

Install with Caution

Fireplace inserts are often made of cast iron or steel and have glass doors that allow you to see the flames while providing a degree of safety. Nevertheless, beware; they can get exceedingly hot, so take great care if children are around.

Wood fireplace inserts either fit completely into your existing fireplace or protrude out of it. If your space permits, go for the second type. The sides and top give out large quantities of heat, which, instead of going into the masonry, goes to your room. Many fireplace inserts come with blowers. The blower creates an air circulation that heats up your room much faster and makes the fireplace insert more efficient.

Some installers place a fireplace insert under a chimney without providing any connection. This allows creosote from the burning wood to collect. Over time, this becomes a fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Association has therefore ruled that inserts be installed with a proper connection to the chimney which minimizes the chance for this to happen.

Wood fireplace inserts give your house an old world charm!