The advanced combustion technology used in a modern wood fireplace insert was developed as part of a serious effort by the U.S. and Canada to reduce emissions from wood stoves in order to satisfy environmental regulations. The main design elements of the wood stove technology are now being incorporated into new fireplaces, creating a safe, efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional fireplaces. This new technology is also being made available in new wood fireplace inserts which can be installed into an existing fireplace.

These fireplace inserts use a sophisticated secondary combustion process that ensures more complete combustion of the wood and smoke.  This increases the fireplace’s operating efficiency and reduces the amount of emissions escaping from the firebox.

These advanced combustion fireplace inserts use two separate preheated paths of combustion air. One air source feeds directly into the burning wood.  The second is aimed above the main fire in order to capture and ignite the incomplete combustion gases that would otherwise be released up the chimney. This results in two simultaneous combustion zones and flame patterns.

Modern wood fireplace inserts using advanced combustion technology have airtight, gasketed doors, a special ceramic glass window that allows much of the infrared heat to be transmitted to the room, and a hot air blower “sweeping” the window to allow easy viewing of the fire. When a fireplace insert is installed with the back against an exterior wall, some type of insulated outer casing that prevents unwanted heat loss from escaping should be installed.

These advanced combustion units have better heat exchange properties than conventional fireplaces because room air is drawn in through a grille under the firebox where a fan sends it through a heat exchanger and back into the room through grilles at the top of the fireplace.  With some units, the heat can also be ducted to adjacent rooms where an auxiliary fan can send it through ducts to the rest of the house.

The air requirements for these new fireplaces are very low requiring as little as one tenth of the ventilation of a typical house. It is, however, still a good idea to supply the fireplace with direct outside air for combustion (this is mandatory in some areas).

Another benefit of an advanced combustion wood fireplace insert is that they have little or no interaction with the house air, so the chances of combustion products leaking into the home are minimal.  They also enhance the safety and effectiveness of supplying outdoor air directly to the fireplace. The maze that is used for preheating the air before it goes into the firebox is designed to keep the combustion gases from escaping.

Real Energy Efficiency

Advanced combustion fireplace inserts offer levels of energy efficiency as high as 50 to 70% (even higher when installed in a major living area with an open view to other parts of the house).  This can reduce overall energy demand and dramatically lower heating bills.  This is especially true for homes currently heated by electric baseboards.

Impressive Environmental Benefits

The use of two separate combustion zones reduces emissions by ten fold compared to a conventional fireplace. This enables the environmentally friendly use of wood, which is a renewable energy source. Low levels of creosote and incomplete combustion products virtually eliminate the potential for chimney fires as an added benefit.

Emergency Preparedness

In case of an electrical power failure, new wood fireplace inserts can still operate as emergency heat source for the house. Even though the electrical circulating fan will not operate, the heat from the fire will radiate from the fireplace into the house by natural convection, supplying a significant amount of heat to the home.

Other Home Resources:

blackout roller blinds

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lennox Hearth Products, of Nashville, TN, announced a voluntary recall of Superior VFGL Vent-Free Gas Log Sets and VF Vent-Free Fireplaces. Consumers should stop using these products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Lennox received two reports from installers of the log sets failing to light. No injuries were reported.  The front burners of vent-free gas log set fireplace inserts and the vent-free fireplaces can fail to ignite allowing gas to escape and posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.

The recalled products are Lennox Superior brand VFGL Log Sets and VF4000, VF5000 and VF6000 fireplaces. Log sets are comprised of ceramic-fiber logs with a dual gas burner system and are designed to be placed in a wood-burning fireplace or a ventless firebox enclosure. Fireplaces are comprised of log sets, a ventless firebox enclosure and accessories. Each product has a metal rating plate attached to the grate of the log sets or to the frame of the fireplaces containing the unit’s model number, serial number and other information.

The following models are affected by this recall:
Vent-Free Gas Log Set Models

VFGL18 — MSN — 4
VFGL18 — MSP — 4
VFGL24 — MSN — 4
VFGL24 — MSP — 4
VFGL28 — MSN — 4
VFGL28 — MSP — 4
VFGL18 — VSN — 4
VFGL18 — VSP — 4
VFGL24 — VSN — 4
VFGL24 — VSP — 4
VFGL28 — VSN — 4
VFGL28 — VSP — 4

    Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Models

VF4000 — CHN — 2
VF4000 — CHP — 2
VF4000 — CMN — 2
VF4000 — CMP — 2
VF5000 — CMN — 2
VF5000 — CMP — 2
VF6000 — CMN — 2
VF6000 — CMP — 2

Included in this recall are units with serial numbers starting with “6408C” through “6408M,” and those starting with “6409.” Units that had repairs made to the burner assembly between March 2008 and December 2009 are also included.

Sold from March 2008 through December 2009 for approximately $540 to $775 for the log sets and $1,300 to $1,850 for the fireplaces.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled log sets and fireplaces and contact Lennox for information about how to arrange for a free inspection and repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, please contact Lennox Hearth Products at (800) 826-8546 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.lennoxhearthproducts.com

Wood Fireplace Insert

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Technorati Tags: gas log recall, lennox recall, recall notices

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, CA announced a voluntary recall of the DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper. Consumers should stop using these products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Although there have been no incidents or injuries reported, the indicated hazard is that When the consumer attempts to open or close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side. When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible.

The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in five sizes, as follows:

Product Description              Product Number
10″ diameter DuraTech Damper    99142
12″ diameter DuraTech Damper    99242
14″ diameter DuraTech Damper    99342
16″ diameter DuraTech Damper    99442
18″ diameter DuraTech Damper    99542

The DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in four sizes, as follows:

Product Description                Product Number
10″ diameter DuraChimney Damper    10DCA-APD
12″ diameter DuraChimney Damper    12DCA-APD
14″ diameter DuraChimney Damper    14DCA-APD
16″ diameter DuraChimney Damper    16DCA-APD

Sold from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 to $150, depending on the model and size.

Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unrepaired recalled dampers were distributed in Washington and California. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Simpson Dura-Vent at (866) 860-7908 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.duravent.com

Wood Fireplace Insert

Technorati Tags: damper, fireplace safety, recall

Sue Talbert of annarbor.com recenty wrote an article about creating her own easy to use fire-starters by using items in the home that she would normally throw away any way.  It is a highly creative use and a great idea for making your fireplace easier to use and making use of items you already have on hand and reducing the amount of waste that your household put out.

The full article is here.

I love this idea for the fact that it not only makes use of normally wasted materials but it saves you from spending money on commercial fire-starters as well. A double win!

If you have any great ideas like this feel free to pass them along.

Wood Fireplace Inserts

Additional Resources: wind electricity, loft beds

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Why invest in a wood fireplace insert you ask?

Well, a wood fireplace insert will transform a 10% efficient fireplace into a 70-80% efficient wood heater overnight.  Now that’s a major boost in efficiency!  In fact, many air-tight fireplace inserts allow one load of wood to heat a home all night long.  Because of this the insert will end up paying for itself.  Fireplace inserts can achieve sizable payback in 2-3 years just from the money saved on heating bills.  The colder your climate the faster the payback.  Fireplace inserts also eliminate the normal cold air drafts down the chimney as they provide both radiant and convection heat that distributes heat more evenly throughout the entire room.

If you have a gas equipped fireplace, gas-fired inserts are also available. Gas fireplace inserts have a greater output of heat than conventional gas logs and they are designed to be more like a wood-burning insert. Gas inserts provide convenient heat that’s clean, easy to use and safe for the whole family to use. All you have to do is turn it on and sit back and enjoy the fire and warmth.

When installing a new hearth appliance be sure to have your chimney and venting systems inspected by a Certified Chimney Sweep before the installation process begins.

Wood Fireplace Insert

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Tax Credit Allows Homeowners to Stay Warm and Save Cold Cash On Lennox Hearth Products

Up to $1,500 now available for purchase, installation of energy-efficient wood and pellet Stoves, fireplaces or fireplace inserts

Orange, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 2, 2010 — Providing taxpayers with incentives to make homes more energy efficient is a key portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and the federal government recently issued clarifying guidelines on how the legislation affects homeowners who purchase a 75 percent efficient wood- or pellet-burning stove, fireplace or fireplace insert. When homeowners purchase and install qualifying hearth products during 2009 and/or 2010, including many from Lennox Hearth products, they can receive a 30 percent tax credit for costs incurred, up to $1,500.

Energy efficiency is a key component of the Stimulus Plan, as it provides incentives to homeowners who purchase high-efficiency, alternative energy heating sources such as wood or pellet stoves and fireplace inserts. These products provide potential energy savings to the American homeowners while also benefiting the environment

The fireplaces, stoves and inserts available today are definitely not your grandpa’s wood stove
When you add the tax credit on top of cleaner emissions, increased efficiency, the opportunity to zone heat your home and the desirability of using renewable fuels to reduce your carbon footprint, it just makes good sense for homeowners to consider the benefits of investing in a wood or pellet heating products

“Energy efficiency is a key component of the Stimulus Plan, as it provides incentives to homeowners who purchase high-efficiency, alternative energy heating sources such as wood or pellet stoves and fireplace inserts. These products provide potential energy savings to the American homeowners while also benefiting the environment,” said Wendy Howells, vice president and general manager of Lennox Hearth Products (LHP). “Wood- and pellet-burning stoves, fireplaces and inserts are cost effective and can help homeowners utilize zone heating to further save on their home-heating costs. A good example of zone heating is when a stove is used to heat the kitchen and great room during the day. Then rooms such as formal living rooms, dinning rooms and bedrooms, which families use less frequently during that time, can be maintained at lower temperatures, saving money.”

Wood and pellet stoves offer additional environmental benefits as a home-heating option since the fuel sources they use are renewable, as opposed to natural gas, oil, propane or electricity. The new legislation means homeowners who are dedicated to living in a way that reduces their environmental impact are now being rewarded with a significant tax credit to help their efforts.

“The fireplaces, stoves and inserts available today are definitely not your grandpa’s wood stove,” said Howells. “Lennox Hearth Products has more than 20 different models that qualify for the tax credit and they complement virtually any home interior, from traditional to contemporary to rustic.

“When you add the tax credit on top of cleaner emissions, increased efficiency, the opportunity to zone heat your home and the desirability of using renewable fuels to reduce your carbon footprint, it just makes good sense for homeowners to consider the benefits of investing in a wood or pellet heating products,” added Howells.

An Official Manufacturer’s Certificate, which homeowners can use when preparing tax returns, is available to customers at www.lennoxhearthproducts.com. While neither the certificate nor a product sales receipt is required for submission to the government, homeowners are encouraged to retain both for their tax records.

About Lennox Hearth Products:
Offering a diverse family of products for every style and budget, Lennox Hearth Products (LHP) is a leading manufacturer of indoor and outdoor fireplaces, fireplace inserts, free-standing stoves, gas log sets, accessories and venting products for the specialty retail, residential new construction and industrial markets. LHP, based in Orange, California, is a business unit of Lennox International Inc. (NYSE: LII). Through its subsidiaries, LII is a global leader in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets. More information about LHP can be found at www.lennox.com.

Source: PRWeb

Information on Wood Fireplace Inserts

Technorati Tags: government incentives, tax credit

Many dealers may be looking to bolster sales for the end of the year.  Others may need to move out older models to make room for new ones.  Also, with retail sales in the shape they are many dealers are discounting much further than normal.  Plus you get the benefit of lowering your heating costs.

This is also somewhat off-season now that we are part way through the winter.  It will likely be easier to schedule installation.  All in all if you have been thinking of adding the benefits of a wood fireplace insert to your home now is probably a good time to start checking around.

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Obviously, we are all for the latter approach and you will find support for your efforts here – to use wood well. There are a lot of misconceptions about wood heating – hopefully we can help clear some of them up.  You’ll get a balanced view of the benefits of heating with wood.

Regardless of the energy source you choose, it will have an impact on the environment. The best energy sources are the ones that are renewable and the best are solar power and wind power since their environmental impacts tend to be the lowest. They do still have their problems and limitations however. Wood is another energy source that is renewable and it too has its problems and limitations.  Some of these can be managed and minimized, others cannot. But when used effectively, wood is a very good fuel compared to the alternatives like oil, gas and coal.

Wood Fireplace Insert

Technorati Tags: wood fuel, wood heating

That is why the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a standard for wood stoves and fireplace inserts in 1988.  This standard limits the amount of smoke emissions that can come from any newly built wood stove or insert.  Any wood stove or fireplace insert sold in the U.S. must meet the standards set by the EPA.

When certifying a stove or insert the EPA uses a measure of emissions called the emission rate.  When comparing different stoves or inserts to each other, the emission rate can be a reliable factor for deciding which models are cleaner burning.  For non-catalytic wood stoves the limit is 7.5 grams of smoke that can be released per hour.  The emission limit for catalytic stoves is 4.1 grams per hour.  With recent improvements in technology some stoves have been certified to release as little as 1 gram per hour.

Although catalytic inserts create a more even and longer burning heat, non-catalytic inserts are easier to maintain and run. Catalytic inserts have a catalytic element that should be cleaned regularly and the insert should be run at efficient heats to keep the element in good condition.  Burning anything other than clean seasoned wood can harm the element.  The element will typically need to be replaced anywhere between two and six years of use depending on how well it is maintained.

The main components of a non-catalytic wood burning insert include a system for pre-heating the combustion air before it gets to the firebox, insulation for the firebox itself and a large baffle that creates a flow path for the combustion gases that is longer and hotter.  This system creates an interesting flame pattern that many home owners find enjoyable to watch.  Because of the high heat created by a wood insert some of the internal parts may need replacement over time.

Technorati Tags: catalytic insert, epa standard, non-catalytic insert, wood insert emissions, wood stove emissions

Air supply ventilators can be added to help solve this problem.  Air supply ventilators are installed through an outside wall and bring outside air into the combustion chamber of the fireplace insert to provide combustion air for the fire.  That way the fire is consuming outside air rather than pulling inside air and heat into the insert and up the chimney.  The installation and operation of an air supply ventilator can be very simple.  There are no batteries or electrical wiring or ductwork needed.  A ventilator works automatically by taking advantage of the negative air pressure inside the home. It can be opened or shut manually.

Most include an exterior grill and insect screen.  They are made of ABS molded polymer and can be painted with latex paint to match your decor.

Technorati Tags: air supply ventilator, fireplace draft