Using a Wood Burning Stove Insert for Fireplaces

Fireplace with insert
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-1,000

A wood burning stove insert is a fantastic component to add to your existing fireplace. They are great for those individuals that really like using their fireplace but at the same time they do not like the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of the fireplace. This type of insert is characterized as a wood stove. It is designed to fit into the open fireplace that exists in homes. The wood burning fireplace inserts generally are EPA certified, very efficient, and great to use.

1. Types of Inserts

The inserts are made from different materials. You can generally find the inserts as plate steel or cast iron. The inserts usually are manufactured with glass doors. The glass doors will give you the ability to see the flames from the fireplace.

2. How They Work

The inserts work by fitting snugly into the opening of the fireplace. Some of the wood burning stove inserts protrude a little further and end up taking some room over the hearth of the fireplace.

3. Installation of the Inserts

Man installing a fire insert

The Wood burning stove insert for your fireplace is relatively easy to install. It requires little mechanical know how or expertise. Many of the inserts come with manufacturer and installation instructions. You will be able to have your installation complete on one weekend afternoon.

Before you proceed with your installation, you will want to fully clean up your fireplace area. Remember to use drop cloths and other protective material to cover your furniture, belongings, and flooring surfaces.

4. Blowers

Many of the inserts have blowers. The blowers will increase the heat that enters into the room from the stove insert. They improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of how the heat circulates into the room. Many of the blowers are controlled through a manual process. Other blowers can be controlled automatically with the use of a thermostat.

5. Designs

Aside from the materials the fireplace inserts are made in, they come in many different designs and styles. There are so many different options that you will be able to find something suitable for your use and utilization. You would be surprised to find out you can find something modern and something very traditional.

6. Where to Purchase

fire burning in a stove

Your wood burning stove insert for your fireplace can be purchased at any local home improvement store. You can also head to a fireplace supplier and purchase the insert directly through them. They are relatively inexpensive, depending on the amount of extra accessories you would like to have with them.

7. Cleaning

The fireplace inserts have to be routinely maintained and cleaned like a regular fireplace. You cannot neglect them and you should not forget to clean the unit with your regular maintenance schedule. It is important to clean anything that has to do with combustible materials and products. This helps to maintain the overall safety of your household. Remember to add a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home to alert your household to potential harmful gases.