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