Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts
Wood burning fireplace inserts allow an existing fireplace to be transformed into something new and more efficient. If you have an old, wood burning fireplace you may already know that it is not the most efficient when it comes to heat output. It has been estimated that the average fireplace only operates at about fifteen percent efficiency. In addition, when you aren’t running a fire, you can actually lose house heat through the fireplace. Aside from the heat reasons, you may think your fireplace looks outdated, and needs a makeover.
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.