There is something about a crackling fire in a fireplace that is so inviting, but that fire isn’t necessarily the most efficient way to warm your home, or even the room. A wood burning fireplace insert can be used to increase the efficiency and look of your existing fireplace. There are inserts that use other fuel for the fire as well, but none achieve the authentic look of a fire like the real thing. Fireplaces only operate at about fifteen percent efficiency. Not only that, but when not in use, you may be losing heat through the chimney. A fireplace insert for wood burning can end your heat problems.

A wood burning fireplace insert is a firebox that is enclosed in a metal (usually steel) shell. The unit removes air from the room, circulates it through the space between the firebox and shell and then sends the heated air back into the room. Many units have a fan that assists in this function. The insert is installed in an existing masonry fireplace.

There are several sizes of inserts available to ensure not only you have enough heat for the room you will install the unit, but to properly fit your existing fireplace. Be sure to check how many square feet the insert is meant to heat before purchasing it.

One of the benefits of a wood burning fireplace insert is the increased heat efficiency. Another is the reduction in pollutant output. A wood burning insert is required to meet certain criteria to ensure its pollutant output is below a specified amount. This is the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) certification. You can make sure the unit you purchase is EPA certified by looking for a metal stamp or label on the back or side of the insert, in addition to a temporary label on the front. One of the great things about an EPA certified insert is that you can use your unit even if authorities in your area have placed a “burn ban.”

One of the best places to start in your shopping is the Internet. It is a great tool to use to find a cheap wood burning fireplace insert. You may even be able to find a used wood burning fireplace insert and save yourself some money.

Another benefit of purchasing a wood burning fireplace insert is that they are available in many different styles. This allows you to meet your design needs for you home. If you prefer a more rustic look you may want to look into a wood burning stove fireplace insert. It is constructed almost the exact same as the standard insert, but it has piping that will run up your existing chimney, and it will not slide all the way into your fireplace.

You don’t have to lose the benefits of a real wood-burning fireplace to do this. You can find fireplace inserts for wood burning. You don’t lose the charm, warmth or ambience that a real fire provides.

So what exactly are wood burning fireplace inserts? They are inserts designed to be place in an existing masonry fireplace. They consist of a firebox surrounded by a steel shell. They also have glass doors on the front of the unit, which allow you to enjoy a view of the fire. The design of the insert increases heat efficiency, and output, and also reduces the output of pollutants. An insert like this is only for you if you already have a fireplace.

The fire in your insert will burn hotter and faster than it did in your existing fireplace. This means you utilize more of the heat. Most inserts have a blower to help push the warm air into the room.

All wood burning fireplace inserts for sale in the U.S. are supposed to be Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified. This certification means that the insert has been tested to meet a specific particulate emissions limit. This certification identified on the insert itself in two forms, a temporary label on the front of the unit and a permanent metal label on the back or side of the unit. When purchasing a wood burning insert, be sure it is EPA certified. A list of certified units can be found on EPA’s website, www.epa.gov.

There are various options when it comes to wood burning inserts. Wood burning stove fireplace inserts can be found, if you prefer the look of a stove, to that of just a fireplace. The exhaust pipe for the stove simply goes up the existing chimney. Before you rule out a wood burning insert because of price try first to find used wood burning fireplace inserts. They can be found. Just make sure you are getting on the is EPA certified and still in good working condition. There are cheap wood burning fireplace inserts, at least relatively speaking. The Internet is a good place to start your search for the insert that is right for you.