How To Measure For A Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

Fix to upgrade your old fireplace to one that is more efficient and convenient? Fireplace inserts are perfect for homeowners who accept a traditional fireplace simply are looking for something with more features. The options are nearly endless. Choose from wood-called-for, pellet, gas, or electric models in a range of styles and sizes.

: Superior straight vent gas fireplace

Here's a comprehensive overview of what is available and how to choose the right insert for your dwelling. Nosotros'll even cover brand recommendations and maintenance tips.

What is a Fireplace Insert?

A fireplace insert is a closed-combustion firebox that is installed into an existing fireplace to increment efficiency. Inserts are usually designed for existing masonry fireplaces, although some manufactured fireplaces accept inserts. There are several categories to choose from depending on the blazon of fuel you wish to use.

Inserts are available for called-for wood (or woods pellets) or for burning gas. Gas inserts tin can exist direct vent, natural vent or vent-gratuitous. Almost all inserts come up with a blower, though for some, it is an optional add-on.

Note that a prefabricated zero clearance fireplace is not the same as a fireplace insert. Zero clearance fireplaces are meant to be framed into a wall or mantel chiffonier. Fireplace inserts require an existing fireplace.

Occasionally, you lot will find a fireplace insert model that is capable of being installed in either a framed opening or an existing fireplace. However, for our purposes, we will use the term " fireplace insert" to refer just to an apparatus that installs within an existing fireplace.

Types of Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace inserts are frequently categorized by the type of fuel they burn. You lot can choose from wood burning, pellet, natural gas, propane gas, or electrical models. The fuel type determines your venting options, too as the overall operation of the insert. For gas fireplace inserts, yous can choose from vent-free, direct vent, and natural vent options.

: U.s. Stove Corn and Pellet-Burning Fireplace Insert

Fireplace Inserts vs. Traditional Fireplaces

Ane of the principal advantages of fireplace inserts is that they offer better heating efficiency. Traditional, open up-faced fireplaces are not very efficient when it comes to heating a room. Fireplace inserts are designed to burn fuel better and maximize the heat that radiates to the room. Less fuel is wasted, and less estrus is lost to the chimney.

Their loftier-efficiency design cuts down on fuel and utility costs. They also offer meliorate air quality because piffling to no smoke is released back into the room.

: Empire Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

Another bonus is that they do not accept up additional flooring space. Instead, they upgrade a fireplace you already have. Depending on the blazon of insert, y'all tin can install them almost anywhere. Many models are rated for bedrooms and bathrooms and fifty-fifty mobile homes.Though, in that location are a few other issues to consider.

For one, the sealed front of the inserts somewhat limits flame visibility. They also require an existing fireplace and tend to be smaller in size. As well, although in that location are a few more modern styles, nearly of the options are limited to a traditional aesthetic.

If yous desire big, open, crackling flames or the ability to put a fireplace anywhere you want, an insert is not the all-time option. However, fireplace inserts are perfect if you are looking to upgrade your existing fireplace or simply want a replacement that is versatile, low maintenance, and more efficient.

How to Choose the Right Fireplace Insert

At that place are three principal considerations when choosing a fireplace insert: the size of the existing fireplace, the blazon of fuel you want, and your venting preferences. One time y'all outline your preferences and limitations in those three categories, you'll have a much clearer idea of what model volition work all-time for you.

Measure the Size of Your Existing Fireplace

: White tape measurer

Starting time past measuring the dimensions of the existing fireplace. This includes measuring the width and height at both the front and back of the fireplace. Sometimes fireplace openings are tapered, meaning the opening at the front is bigger than the width and height of the dorsum of the fireplace. You'll also demand to mensurate the depth of the fireplace.

: Measuring for a fireplace insert infographic

Fireplace inserts are designed to fit inside a range of fireplace sizes. They come with a metal surroundings that acts as a frame and covers the gap betwixt the insert and the opening of the fireplace. If the opening is too small, the insert will not fit. If the opening is too big, the surroundings will not be wide enough to comprehend the gap between the fireplace insert and the opening of the existing fireplace.

Most fireplace inserts are designed for traditional masonry fireplaces (i.e. fireplace openings made out of masonry materials like rock or brick). Finding an insert for a manufactured fireplace is more difficult. Many manufacturers forestall the employ of fireplace inserts with their fireplaces, or they limit the inserts to certain approved prefabricated models.

Take annotation of whatever other aspects of the existing fireplace. Is information technology on an exterior wall? Does it have a functional chimney? This volition help you know your limitations when you move on to the next step of choosing the correct fuel.

Choose Your Fuel and Vent Type

Fuel options for your fireplace insert include wood burning, pellet called-for, natural or propane gas, and electric. The fuel you employ will make up one's mind whether you lot demand gas lines or ability outlets. Information technology also determines the venting and other installation requirements your insert volition need.

Wood Called-for Fireplace Inserts

Forest burning fireplace inserts function like a woods stove. They apply a flexible or rigid vent liner that routes into the existing chimney. Flexible venting is the most commonly selected method for wood burning inserts and must be a minimum form of 304 stainless steel, with 316 stainless being preferred.

Flexible liners must run across the requirements of the insert manufacturer and be rated to the UL1777 standard. Typical flexible liner installations volition consist of a rigid appliance adapter with a separate or integral gear clamp, the flexible liner itself, a top support plate with clamp, and a cap and tempest collar.

The other installation type for wood burning insert venting is rigid liners. While more costly, the rigid liner sections are typically mill insulated and seal very well. The sections will either screw together or utilize a lance and dimple system. Quite literally, think of how a Swiffer mop assembles; yous match the two pieces together, slide one into the other and twist to lock information technology in.

Even if the system does utilize the twist and lock system, at least ane screw per department should be used to ensure the liner sections exercise non separate in the event of a rotation of the liner or, fifty-fifty worse, in the event of a chimney burn down.Using a rigid chimney liner is a bit more than challenging than a flexible liner, equally the backlog cannot merely be cut off. Exact measurements for each portion of the liner routing must be taken. The liners must also recoup for offsets, narrow areas, and a specialize termination at the top of the chimney.

To summarize, rigid liner systems require more planning than flexible systems, but they eliminate the need for field installed insulation and are more than durable than their flexible counterparts.

Many crave a liner for the total length of the chimney. Wood called-for fireplace inserts are a proficient option if y'all wish to continue using wood for fuel but want a more heat efficient appliance. But, they take more endeavour to operate and maintain than the other fuel options.

: Napoleon EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

Wood burning stoves and inserts are field of study to EPA efficiency standards, unlike a masonry forest burning fireplace. Current EPA regulations specify that stoves must produce less than 2.five grams of fume per hour. Unfortunately, there is a slight increase in the toll of the stoves, but the improved efficiency saves coin on fuel, making it a trade-off.

While wood stove inserts have an edge on efficiency over wood fireplaces, y'all can't guarantee that having a wood insert will exist more than toll efficient. The savings of woods over gas heating can vary. If you buy your firewood in the offseason, you will become lower prices for your wood. If you lot buy the firewood in the season y'all need it prices may double.

I of the major disadvantages in forest-burning appliances is the rising costs of operating the appliance. From the cost of the unit itself, which has increased a lot as the overall efficiency rating has changed, ascent costs of lumber have changed the overall pricing of owning a wood burning stove.

The cost of a wood-called-for fireplace insert, including the buy of the insert, the installation, and the necessary venting, tin run from $3,200 to $10,800, with $4,000 being an boilerplate. This range covers both the venting and installation costs, equally well every bit the toll of the inserts themselves.

The lower cease of the range assumes that the receiving fireplace is in good condition and that the chimney and fireplace only demand a chimney cleaning earlier installation. The lower cease besides assumes that the chimney is the correct acme, is roughly fifteen feet (of 304 flex liner with crimp seams) in length, and will exist easily terminated using no custom parts. The higher cease of the range assumes that the fireplace and chimney need some maintenance, the termination might need some custom fabrication, and up to 30-35 feet of 316 blend liner with welded seams for the chimney.

Pellet Stove Inserts

A pellet fireplace insert functions like a pellet stove, burning small compressed pellets of woods biomass as fuel. In addition to a chimney for the flexible vent liner, pellet inserts also require an electrical power source. The electricity used to power fans and pellet feed augers inside pellet fireplace inserts offers some automation and control over the oestrus output of the fire. Thermostatic controls can exist prepare to maintain the desired temperature range.

: Napoleon 45-Inch Black Pellet Stove Insert

Pellet stove inserts apply a flexible vent liner that runs from the vent collar on the unit of measurement up through the chimney. Nosotros recommend installing a cleanout tee virtually the flue collar of the insert then that you tin clean out the liner without taking apart the unabridged vent structure.

Pellet inserts are easy to operate, simply they require more maintenance than gas or electric models. When compared to the cost of a gas arrangement, pellet heating is a fraction of the price. When compared to wood called-for, pellet heating is cleaner-burning and far more efficient than woods or gas heating by a mile.

Pellet fuel is manufactured for the intended purpose of providing efficient heating. It is quality controlled and tested, with the final product being prepackaged bags with a characterization showing precisely what is inside, so pellet fuel does not offering the variables to consider with even the all-time wood burning practices. A pellet-burning insert utilizes pellets for fuel, fed to the burn down by an automatic auger, as such, they exercise crave electricity to operate. Though, some models take a fill-in bombardment characteristic to allow operation in the result of a ability outage. Pellets are harder to find than other fuel sources but are condign a piffling more than common.

With pellet systems, venting is not as elementary as taking a rough measurement of the total summit of the chimney, ordering more needed and just cutting away what isn't used. This type of venting depends on the liner you choose. If y'all cull to use chimney liner to vent your pellet insert, they are typically approved to use 4" bore chimney liner that is stainless steel and listed to UL 1777, which is the same listing for liner used when relining a chimney for apply with a woods insert.

If you do choose to go this route, information technology would be pretty straightforward & involve ordering more than needed and cut away what you do not use. There are no manufacturer-specific liner brands you have to utilise, so long equally the proper diameter is used, the liner is listed to UL 1777 and is synthetic of stainless steel.

If yous were to choose a Type PL pellet system, there is no flexible stainless steel liner to cut. Blazon PL venting is offered with flexible stainless sections, but each end of this liner usually has a twist lock section for connecting to PL venting with these same twist lock connections. This typically x' section is just meant to pass through the damper and smoke shelf to reach the vertical chimney where rigid twist lock sections extend to the top of the chimney, so pretty accurate measurements are needed. Adjustable lengths are available to conform any measurement.

The price of a pellet-burning fireplace insert, including the purchase of the insert, the installation, and the necessary venting, can run from $5,000 to $6,100. This range is mostly in the installation, due to the electrical needs. The lower terminate of the range assumes that the existing fireplace and chimney are in good condition and that there is an electrical source nearby. The lower stop of the range also assumes that the chimney does non need to be diffuse and that you demand simply upwards to a 15 human foot run of 3-inch 304 alloy stainless steel chimney liner.

The higher stop of the range includes the demand for electrical relocation to power the insert, service to the existing fireplace and chimney, and the possibility of an outside air kit to exist installed. The higher end of the range as well assumes that you would be using upward to a 35 human foot run of a 4-inch venting organization.

Gas Fireplace Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts require a gas line to accept propane or natural gas. If you do not accept an existing gas claw upwards for the fireplace, you lot will need to hire a professional plumber to run a line for you. Nearly models also require an electric power source. Cull from vent-complimentary, straight vent, and natural vent options for venting the appliance.

The cost of a gas fireplace insert, including the purchase of the insert, the installation, and any necessary venting, can run from $3,200 to $half dozen,600. The price of gas fireplace inserts can vary wildly due to installation costs.

The lower end of the range assumes that your existing fireplace is in good status, you already have the gas line to your fireplace, and that you are installing a vent-free unit which won't require any venting components. The upper terminate of the range assumes a direct vent gas insert that will crave a co-linear vent system to exist installed, possible custom termination flashing or modifications, every bit well as routing of a gas line from existing gas infrastructure within the home.

: Real Fyre mSeries Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

We recommend getting a toll quote to become an estimate for the costs for running a new gas line or having an existing gas line extended. Make sure the insert you apply is designed for the blazon of gas you lot intend to use.

If yous demand more information to help you understand the differences between natural gas and propane, click here to read this commodity. It explains the differences between the 2 gases, tells which gas is best for certain situations, and describes the process for converting from one gas to the other.

Vent-complimentary gas models practise not need outside venting. Instead, they rely on room air for oxygen and vent the tiny amount of smoke they produce back into the room. Vent-free inserts are convenient, but cheque to make certain they are immune where you alive since they are restricted in some areas. They are too not recommended for anyone with air sensitivities.

Direct vent gas inserts are completely sealed from the room and exchange combustion air through the outdoor venting arrangement. This makes them a good choice for anyone peculiarly concerned with air quality since none of the fume produced ever enters the room. Many direct vent gas fireplace inserts accept blowers or electronic ignitions that require electricity. So, be sure to check that you accept an outlet nearby if you decide to become with a directly-vent option.

Direct vent gas fireplaces apply a rigid coaxial vent pipe that features a small pipe within a larger piping. The pocket-size pipe is responsible for venting the frazzle gases and the larger pipe draws in outside air for combustion.

However, a direct vent gas fireplace insert is designed to vent through the chimney of the existing fireplace. Instead of a rigid coaxial piping, the inserts utilize ii flexible liners called co-linear vent pipes that run side by side upward the chimney. One liner draws in air from outside and the other expels the frazzle gases.

Direct vent inserts are also an splendid selection for customers with homes that have been retrofitted with very tight insulation, resulting in a limited amount of oxygen to supply a naturally drafted system. The combustion chamber is sealed with a solid pane of tempered or ceramic glass and, since all combustion air is drawn in from the outdoors and all combustion gases are wearied to the outdoors, there is zero air exchange with the dwelling house.

So if an existing, leaky hearth is causing heating costs to rise, adding a direct vent gas insert can almost eliminate this headache. Direct vent inserts too release minimal emissions into the atmosphere for those who are environmentally witting and are safe to install in every state and province. Because many of these systems may be operated with a remote, wall switch or thermostat, they are an excellent option for customers who want convenience and ease of employ.

Unlike direct vent gas inserts, natural vent (b-vent) gas fireplace inserts are not sealed to the room. They require a chimney liner for venting much like a traditional wood burning fireplace. Not all models require an electric outlet, only always cheque to make sure you take one if information technology is needed. These units are more often than not used for aesthetics since they have tall, beautiful flames simply are not very oestrus efficient.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts are the well-nigh versatile option. They do not require whatsoever venting or gas lines and can exist installed almost anywhere. The only consideration is the electric supply. The flame technology of electrical models has come a long fashion in producing a lovely, realistic burn down display. The inserts can come with or without a heating component. Click hither to learn more detailed information nigh electric fireplace inserts, including the different types bachelor, the proper ways to install and clean them, and a list of some top manufacturers.

: Dimplex electrical fireplace insert

How to Install Fireplace Inserts

There are four basic phases of any fireplace insert installation. The showtime is the planning stage, which involves finding the right model and planning out the installation. The next stage is the prep work to prepare the existing fireplace for the insert. The last 2 stages are installation and inspection, which involve installing the insert and testing it to make sure it works properly.

Phase I: Planning

: Two male contractors at an installation site

As mentioned in the department on choosing the right insert, finding an appropriately sized unit is key. Depending on the type of fuel y'all choose, fireplace inserts are designed to fit a range of openings. Whether y'all cull to install yours into the opening of existing fireplaces or an opening in a framed wall structure, measure the installation location carefully and double-check that the unit of measurement you lot buy will fit. Once you decide on your fuel preference and size limitations, you lot can begin planning for the venting components and provisions for a gas line installation.

We recommend hiring a professional to run gas lines or install electrical outlets. Ideally, the electrician will install a recessed outlet behind the fireplace insert. This keeps whatsoever cords from trailing out from the unit of measurement to nearby ability outlets. Information technology's ordinarily all-time to accept a power supply on a defended circuit, but this is somewhat dependent on the blazon of appliance.

Purchase all the appropriate venting components, including chimney liners. If you lot are converting from one fuel supply to the other, buy the conversion parts you will demand.

Phase Two: Prep Piece of work

: Fireplace prep for insert installation

The prep piece of work involves any fuel conversion and preparation of the existing fireplace. If the fireplace has a damper, you will probable need to remove it to brand room for the chimney liner. Masonry fireplace openings ofttimes have rough edges that must be smoothed so the surround of the insert can sit down flush confronting the front of the fireplace.

If the fireplace is stone or brick, the edges can exist smoothed with a grinder. Don't use a grinder on fabric that shatters hands (such every bit slate). Instead, screed a small layer of cement effectually the opening to create a smooth edge.

Wood to Gas Conversion

Have a plumber install a gas line for the new fireplace insert. The components required for fireplace inserts are slightly dissimilar depending on whether they use natural gas or propane. Make sure the model you lot buy is rated for the type of gas you intend to use. You volition probable demand a 120-volt power supply as well.

Always read your owner's manual for details on your specific model. The manufacturer volition specify what the appliance requires in terms of the power supply, installation restrictions, and maintenance.

Gas to Forest (or Pellet) Conversion

Remove the gas log lighter and seal the gas supply line. This must exist done properly to ensure safety. Nosotros recommend hiring a professional plumber to remove gas components and seal the gas lines. You volition likewise need to remove the chimney damper and make sure that there is sufficient venting for the wood-burning fire.

A wood stove insert may or may not need a power supply. But, all pellet stove inserts require a power supply to run the fuel auger and blowers.

Wood or Gas to Electric Conversion

Electric fireplace inserts practice not need venting, then close off the chimney flue and damper. Remove any gas lighter or log sets and properly seal off the gas lines. Hire an electrician to install a recessed outlet behind the electric insert to continue the cords hidden. If a recessed outlet is not an choice, y'all tin use a nearby outlet.

: Coverting fuel for fireplace inserts infographic

Stage Iii: Installation

: Two men delivering a shipment

Many fireplace inserts are heavy, so enlist extra help lifting the unit into place. Start by assembling the venting. Hook upwards any gas lines or ability supply to the unit of measurement. Fit the insert into place and use the included hardware to mount the surround effectually the unit of measurement. The surroundings should sit down flush to the opening of the fireplace. Don't forget to add new veneer facing effectually the perimeter of your fireplace opening if the old one no longer works!

Just brand sure to read the instructions for your unit before starting the installation. Depending on the type of model, in that location may be slight variations in the installation.

Phase IV: Inspection

: Gas pressure meter

Inspection is a critical part of ensuring the safety of your new fireplace insert. Nosotros'll become over inspection tips for each of the master categories of fireplace inserts. If yous have any concerns well-nigh how your fireplace insert is operating, practice non hesitate to call the manufacturer or 1 of our NFI Certified technicians.

: Phases of fireplace insert installation infographic

How to Inspect a Fireplace Insert

Get-go the initial kindling burn and spotter to see that smoke is fatigued to the vent liner and does not spill into the room.
Once fuel logs are added and burning, close the door. Verify that you tin command the charge per unit of the burn by adjusting the air command handle betwixt the high and low burn settings.
During operation, inspect for smoke leaks around the door gasket. Bank check that the doors close and latch properly.
If equipped with an outside air kit, examination to see if it operates as it should.
Complete an external inspection of the chimney to make sure fume is exiting properly and non pooling at the chimney termination.

How To Inspect Pellet Stove Inserts

When starting time starting the unit, test the control board to see if the organisation responds properly.
Listen to the pellet feed auger. It should sound relatively quiet and consistent.
Check that the auger is dropping a metered amount of pellets into the burn pot. It should not exist over or under-filling the burn pot.
Monitor the burn pot to see if the igniter is lighting the pellets and combustion air is helping them burn evenly.
Watch for any smoke leaks from the glass front or the back of the unit.
Verify that the convection blower cycles on when it should and that rut is being emitted into the room. If the fan has a manual adjustment, bank check that all the speed settings work.
There should non exist any fume scent in the dwelling house when the unit is operating.

How To Inspect Vented Gas Fireplace Inserts

During initial employ, check that the pilot light ignites and remains stable prior to igniting the main burner.
Monitor the main burner ignition. The sequence should exist controlled and not sudden or trigger-happy.
Scout the flame pattern. Wait for burner ports with no flame or overly sooty or blue flames. If the flame pattern appears incorrect, verify the air shutter is set properly. (The manufacturer will accept instructions for these adjustments.)
If equipped with a fan, exam the fan to ensure it cycles as it should.
Gas appliances release an scent that smells like burning paint when they are kickoff used. Odd smells should not linger after the unit has been used for more than 4 hours.

How To Inspect Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Inserts

Vent-gratuitous gas models follow the same inspection rules as vented gas models.
Withal, there is an additional pace. You lot'll demand to cheque that the flame is non being blocked past a log and that there are no acid odors emitting from the unit of measurement.

How To Inspect Electric Fireplace Inserts

Inspect the unit to see that the backlighting and other lighting features work.
Verify the heating chemical element operates and the fan-forced estrus can exist felt in the room (if applicative).
Heed for odd sounds such as clicking or grinding.
An odor of hot metal will be present initially but should dissipate within an 60 minutes.
Verify the remote and other controls all role as designed.

Fireplace Insert Maintenance Tips

: Vacuuming the firebox with a brush hose

The owner's manual volition contain specific instructions for the care and maintenance of your specific model. Wood and pellet fireplace inserts require the most frequent maintenance. Gas and electric models are easier to maintain but should withal exist cleaned and inspected regularly.

Wood and Pellet

Always utilise the proper fuel for wood or pellet stoves. Do not fire trash or any unauthorized fuel since this can lead to harmful creosote buildup. Make clean out the ash regularly according to the instructions. Schedule a yearly inspection to make certain all of the components are working safely.

If yous installed a cleanout tee on your pellet insert, it should be easier to periodically sweep out the vent liner. But remove the surround and gently pull the unit forwards. Disassemble the encompass of the cleanout tee to sweep the liner.

Vented and Vent-Free Gas Models

Make certain to take the unit inspected each year by a certified professional to make sure everything is in working gild. Periodically vacuum the components to foreclose dust buildup. Practise this gently and then you lot don't damage whatever parts. The glass can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a h2o-based cleanser.

Electric Models

Electric models require the least amount of maintenance. Go along an eye on the electrical wires to make sure they are not frayed or chewed. This is specially important if yous have rodents near your area. Vacuum the unit to prevent grit from building up on the fan or other components. You can wipe down the glass periodically.

Shipping

Pocket-size, lightweight fireplace inserts are capable of beingness shipped via small parcel post. Larger units will crave LTL carrier shipping. Always audit the unit as soon as it arrives to cheque for any damage or missing parts. Contact the manufacturer immediately if yous notice anything amiss.

Summary

Fireplace inserts breathe new life into onetime, inefficient fireplaces. Whether y'all opt for forest-burning, gas, or electric, you can find a model that fits your space and meets your needs. The range of options for fireplace inserts is quite broad. So, focus on your main priorities for your infinite to assistance y'all narrow down what will be the best option.

Equally always, achieve out to united states with any questions! Our NFI Certified Technicians are available to help!

Source: https://www.efireplacestore.com/fireplace-inserts-buyers-guide.html