FIREPLACE INSERTS
For people interested in enhancing the look and feel of an existing wood burning fireplace, the hearth industry has great news. It’s now easier than ever before to increase the efficiency of a fireplace by adding a fireplace insert. The installation of a fireplace insert can turn an occasional source of warmth into a convenient and easy-to-use supplemental zone heater that can help control high home heating bills while protecting winter air quality.
FIREPLACE INSERT BASICSFireplace inserts are designed to enhance the operation and appearance of an existing wood burning fireplace, whether masonry or factory- built. Categorized primarily by the fuel burned for operation (natural gas, propane, EPA-certified wood, pellet and coal), a fireplace insert is installed into an existing wood burning fireplace. Fireplace inserts are made from cast iron or steel and have self-cleaning glass doors that allow the dancing flames of the fire to be viewed while the insulated doors remain closed, making the fire more efficient. Many manufacturers also augment the operation of fireplace inserts by offering state- of-the-art features such as fans and thermostatic controls (depending on the fuel).
ENHANCED EFFICIENCY
Almost all North Americans with older wood burning fireplaces can benefit from the installation of a fireplace insert. Generally, older fireplaces have efficiency ratings of just five to ten percent. This low efficiency is due to the open combustion design that allows an abundance of heated air to be drawn into the fire, causing the fire to burn too fast and wasting energy. In contrast, a fireplace insert is an insulated, closed-door system that slows the fire down and increases temperature of the fire to facilitate more complete combustion. This closed combustion system can assist in generating efficiencies of above 65 percent in many cases which can translate into more heat output. And, when it comes to burning wood, an EPA-certified wood burning fireplace insert can also reduce emissions from wood to almost zero.
VARIETY OF FUEL OPTIONSDetermining which fuel type to select when purchasing a fireplace insert depends on the cost and availability of the fuel, the desired efficiency and heat output, as well as the level maintenance requirements and the desired appearance of the fire by the user. While most burning fireplaces can benefit from the installation fireplace inserts, the choice is often dictated by a person’s individual needs.
Information provided by HPBA
