Are Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts Right For You?
Wood burning fireplace inserts come in different sizes and are used in all types of fireplaces whether indoor or outdoor. Their primary advantage is that these tend to be more energy efficient in reflecting heat around compared to traditional fireplaces. It all comes down to you in determining the precise type you need depending on your fireplace type and size. There are two main categories. A fireplace insert is partially positioned on the base of the fireplace and its insulated panel ensure that heat is delivered directly across the room minimizing heat loss through the chimney walls. A hearth stove (wood stove or pellet stove) on the other hand is positioned just out of the fireplace base but does the same function as well. Of course, both use wood as fuel in this case though other types of inserts operate on gas, pellet or electricity.
Wood burning fireplace inserts have the further value of enhancing the decor of your living room with their magnificient crafted fronts and the flickering fire behind the glass front. The various sizes and shapes available allow you to choose the best option that fits your fireplace size and will best save energy in the particular setting. These variations will include small to medium heaters which heat up a small area of about say 1000 feet, medium to large heaters which heat up a medium area of about 1500 feet, and superlarge heaters which are ideal for outdoor fireplaces heating up an area of about 2500 feet.
While wood burning fireplace inserts will ultimately save you money on fuel in the long-run, this will actually depend on a good installation. Herein comes the tricky part as you might be tempted to install it by yourself rather than hire the services of a professional. In any case, installation should be quite straight forward if you know what you are up to. The inserts are of plated steel or cast iron with glass fronts and often have in-built blowers that efficiently circulate warm air around the room, and this can be controlled automatically or manually. All wood burning fireplace inserts have exhaust opening through the chimney allowing for better disposal of exhaust and polluted air away from the house.
While inserts are an added cost to your fireplace, the ease of use and efficiency ultimately pays off in the long-run as wood is rather a cheap fuel not to mention the energy efficiency gained. With an insert, you sure won't have to experience that strange feeling on a very cold weather night when your masonry fireplace burns but hardly radiates any energy. Also wood burning fireplace inserts allow for a cleaner indoor atmosphere notwithstanding the relative nature of wood to pollute the air given that the burnt air is directly released through the chimney.
Before deciding on any fireplace installation, it is important to think first and foremost about safety issues. You will want to make sure that you comply relevant safety regulations with respect to fire and ventilation. Wood burning fireplace inserts are required to comply with environmental regulations on emission of pollutants as well as the need to draw air from outside the living room. Notwithstanding the fact that the contained burning units are apparently safe with in-built safety mechanisms, it is still not advisable to leave a fire lighted with no one around. Of course, as with all fireplaces you'll need to have a permanent extinguisher close by.
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