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