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