Important Questions And Answers About Wood Fireplace Inserts
"Could You Explain to Me Simply -- What Are Wood Fireplace Inserts?" A wood fireplace insert is not a fireplace insert made of wood, rather it is a fireplace insert that is designed for a wood-burning fireplace. What is a fireplace insert? A fireplace insert is simply a piece of "add-on" equipment for your existing fireplace -- typically it will be installed within your existing fireplace firebox. "Why Would Anyone Choose to Use a Wood Fireplace Insert?" The primary reason why wood fireplace inserts are installed is to increase the energy efficiency of your fireplace. It may surprise you to learn that a traditional wood-burning fireplace only transfers about 5-10% of the heat energy that it generates into your room -- the rest is lost. This happens because too much air is drawn into the fireplace, causing the fire to burn too fast -- and the combustion is incomplete as a result. On the other hand, a wood fireplace insert is constructed as an insulated, closed door unit -- you actually operate this unit with the doors closed, and the restricted airflow causes the fire to slow down and burn more efficiently. Wood fireplace inserts can return 65% or more of the generated heat energy into your room. "What Types of Wood Fireplace Inserts Are Available -- and What Are They Made of?" Some wood fireplace inserts are powered by wood, or coal -- others are configured to work off of natural gas or propane. Generally, wood fireplace inserts are made from steel or cast-iron, and are usually equipped with glass doors to help contain the fire. You can also order wood fireplace inserts with special attachments such as thermostatic controls, fans, remote controls, and blowers. "What Size of Wood Fireplace Insert Is Best -- and What's the Best Location for Them?" As far as size is concerned, wood fireplace inserts are available in a number of different sizes -- you can get them very small or very large. The key thing is to carefully measure your existing fireplace opening -- the size of your existing opening will determine the maximum size of wood fireplace insert that you can use. As far as location, you will need to make sure that your wood fireplace insert is located in a properly functioning fireplace. The existing firebox is perhaps the best possible location. Another crucial requirement is that your wood fireplace insert will need to be connected to a functioning chimney in order to operate properly -- unless you purchase a direct-vented model or one that is vent-free. "Can You Give Me Any Kind of an Estimate on What a Wood Fireplace Insert Might Cost?" While it is impossible to give you a specific dollar figure, because there are many different types and models, and different manufacturers, I can give you some general information about what types of costs you will need to plan for. First of all there will be the cost of the wood fireplace insert itself. In addition to that you own need to purchase a chimney liner -- the specific type that you need will depend upon what fuel your wood fireplace insert burns. In addition to these costs, you need to also factor in the cost of shipping your unit to you. In addition, you will not be able -- or in most cases permitted -- to install your wood fireplace insert yourself. This means you'll also have to factor in installation costs. If a gas line must be installed in order to power your wood fireplace insert, you will need to factor that in as well. In addition to these other costs, you must also take into consideration the "total" costs -- including operational costs. What will you have to pay for natural gas, for example? Finally, you will need to add in the cost for maintenance -- your wood fireplace insert will need to be inspected by a trained professional, yearly at least. |
