Fireplace Wood Inserts
There are many different fireplace wood inserts made by different manufacturers. Fireplace wood inserts fit right into an existing traditional fireplace and can normally be vented up the existing chimney, although there are some adjustments that have to be made.
These fireplace wood inserts tend to work better than gas inserts or electric inserts when it comes to creating heat because they burn a lot hotter. With the new designs mandated by the EPA they not only create more heat but they are much more efficient in the way they use that heat and they create less pollution.
Fireplace wood inserts have a double combustion system. The first burns the wood under controlled levels so that it burns slower and more completely, leaving only a small amount of white ash. Because the wood burns slower, you will have less wood to buy or chop and you won’t have to load the insert up as often.
The second combustion system that wood inserts use burns the smoke and other gases that were not burned with the wood. This creates additional useable heat and reduces the overall amount of emissions that are released into the air making wood inserts very environmentally friendly as well as economical.
Because wood inserts burn hotter than a regular fireplace or gas inserts there are some adjustments that have to be made to vent them properly.
Wood burning inserts need to have a positive connection between the first section of the flue liner and the outlet from the insert itself. This lets the smoke and gases that are still unburned go up the chimney in a more direct route, minimizing the amount of combustible deposits that can condense in the fireplace.
An even better idea when installing a wood insert in a fireplace is fully relining the chimney. This approach works better because the smaller sized pipe provides a better draft and increases the margin of safety.
Completely relining the chimney with a stainless steel pipe that connects directly to the insert and goes all the way to the top of the chimney can also make the maintenance easier because you can avoid the necessity of removing the insert when it is time to clean the chimney. Most fireplace wood inserts are heavy and difficult to move so this can be a real time and back saver.
