What Is A Wood Stove Insert?
Wood stove inserts…
You hear about the wood stove insert, but what’s it all about?
There is not a lot of information on the internet about the wood stove insert or you could also say the pallet insert, and you could think that this stove is elusive or there is some sort of mystery about it.
A fireplace insert is really like a wood stove you could say, that has been modified by a manufacturer to fit within the firebox of a masonry fireplace.
Inserts are used to convert the old masonry fireplaces, which are more inefficient and polluting, into an effective heating system.
An insert really consists of a firebox surrounded by a steel shell.
Basic enough…
Let’s dispel more issues and find out why…
What Is The Difference Between A Wood Stove And A Fireplace Insert?
I have found out that a fireplace insert is basically a stove, gas or wood, that is designed to be inserted into an original fireplace cavity that is already constructed in the wall of your existing home.
There it is in basic terms, why has it been so hard to find this even on the internet, so let’s learn more…
I just want to say that, when you insert the term wood burning stove insert, some come up then all the wood burning fireplace inserts pop up.
Yes!
You can get confused these days.
Usually, a wood-burning fireplace can get an “insert” put inside of it.
Unless you want the old-fashioned wood fireplace like the old days, and I can say although they might not be as efficient as the fireplace inserts, they are still the most basic and heartwarming fire to be seated beside.
Unless your standing right beside it warming your tail feathers from the cold that you have just come in from.
Making The Fireplace More Efficient In Modern Times
Fireplaces, in general, are not without any flaws though, (what is?) it can’t keep you warm on a consistent basis as the original fireplaces were not contained and a lot of the heat went up the chimney with the smoke.
As we know that when smoke is directed out of the fireplace, some of that much.
Cherished heat does escape with it.
So here is where the wood stove insert comes in.
Enter Wood Stove Insert…
You can go out and upgrade your fireplace by containing its heat in a confined area.
Remember that you need to measure your original fireplace measurements, lengths and depth as well, can’t be too careful, better to be equipped right!
Then proceed to get one that will fit into your fireplace space and this new upgrade will considerably upgrade your fireplace’s heating capability.
These Wood Stove Inserts are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces when it comes to heat production and pumping out the heat where it is needed most, on your person and heating your living space.
As far as heating is concerned, these fire inserts are one of the most efficient ways to consistently keep you and your room warm.
Compared to even traditional heating appliances such as portable heaters that you can pick up from the stores, or even an open fireplace.
Or that good old or should I say modern wood stove insert can do so much more while wasting lesser fuel which is good for?
Yes!
Keeping more money in your pockets, especially if they are not so deep.
Another Reason why you Should Use a Wood Stove Insert?
Those contemporary wood burning inserts are designed to burn up those harmful combustion byproducts that the traditional fireplace releases into the atmosphere.
Now…
The added addition of a wood burning insert will transform your fireplace into a, GET THIS!
Environmentally friendly heating appliance, that does not spew out harmful byproducts that can harm our earth, Yey!
There you go.
Another plus.
Wood Stove Inserts and Eco-Friendliness
Open Burning Wood Fireplace Burning wood is carbon neutral…
This means that the burning of a wood fire releases no more CO2 than a tree decaying naturally in a forest which is very interesting.
But here we go…
The wood stoves that we have available today are EPA certified and produce very few harmful emissions, and this is because of the closed combustion burn system that they have.
Since they are far more efficient & better at providing the heat that we crave, these wood stoves can help supplement your current heating system, which is a plus indeed.
Allowing you to look at your utility bills during those colder winter months and literally jump for joy.
Well…
You might!
When it comes down to it, the heating appliance you choose will depend on what you prefer.
If aesthetics, that atmosphere that you crave, and the authenticity of your fireplace are your main priorities then a wood fireplace will be the best choice for you.
If you prefer a highly efficient heating powerhouse, that wood burning stove that we have been talking about would be the best choice.
Do Wood Stove Inserts Save Money?
As I have mentioned previously the wood-burning stove or pellet stove is going to make your bills smaller.
And you are very happy…
Did you know…
Getting into more detail now?
The efficiency of these fireplace inserts can be as much as 80%…
That’s a lot.
So you can save money on your energy bills in a big way, Yes big 80% if you install a fireplace insert.
That more efficient wood-burning heating system means less oil, gas, or electricity that will be required to heat your home.
When Should you Buy a Wood Stove Insert?
There are 3 main types of fireplace inserts in the market today, they are:
- wood
- pellet
- gas
- Pellets are quite popular as you will find that they are cheaper to install.
- Gas however does have better compatibility with your existing heating systems.
- Wood is the most efficient for a wood stove insert if you have an endless supply of fallen wood to use, and is the best option to go for.
Wood will help you to save a lot of money in the long run when it comes to those dreaded energy costs.
And the other two types can never replicate the great heat that is produced by a wood stove insert.
One thing though…
You will have to clean it pretty regularly… (yes that word that the people who want no work to be done on a wooden stove might not want to hear) To ensure its longevity, it will be around for a long time.
Different Types of Wood Stove Inserts
Yes…
There are different types of wood stove inserts too. Such choices to think about, or you will gravitate to just one style.
Well, you could…
The cleanest of the best wood stove insert will use a 3-stage combustion burn technology that will burn everything including smoke, gas, and ash to provide us with more heat and yes, limited emissions.
They do come at a higher price…
Can’t expect anything else when it comes to the better the technology, the more expensive we will have to payout.
And that’s OK when you think about the work the producers had to do to get a better result.
Wood inserts are designed to be installed into the old low-efficiency open hearth fireplaces, so you should not run into any issues of installation unless in very rare cases.
Such wood stove inserts can even be used to create a whole new fireplace that didn’t even exist once in the first place.
Now every type of stove insert does have its pros and cons.
Like anything though, you need to buy the one that suits your own needs, ‘warts and all’, while it’s affordable for your individual circumstances and of course brings heat and value…
Don’t forget the value.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Wood Burning Stove Insert
Yes, there are factors to consider when buying wood stove inserts or generally any type of fireplace insert really.
A fireplace insert is not just about the heating aspect, as it brings that old-world charm to any room when it comes to the crackling of logs and the dancing fire-lit room.
Most of these fire inserts are designed to be installed into those existing fireplaces, so you will need to make sure that you have done all the measurements taken first before you go buying.
Remember to measure the following:
- opening height
- opening width
- opening depth (this being the top and bottom)
- rear width and the depth of the hearth – meaning that area in front of a fireplace
There are some stoves that might be more complicated and can run into more money, but that’s not a common issue.
Do consider the size of the chamber when it comes to purchasing a wood stove insert.
Most take the standard 16-inch log, but if your requirements are different, then you need to make sure your needs are met in your situation.
Most of the fireplace inserts come with the standard arch door and all you have to do is look for additional adornments for that better look and functionality.
Some of the Features of Wood Burning Stove Fireplace Insert
Did you know that you have the ability to remotely control them, adjusting the flame size and better thermostat control?
That’s right…
You no longer have to get up from your cosy sofa and got to turn down your fireplace.
What is the Average Wood Stove Insert Installation Cost
You could say that the average cost of purchase and the installation of a wood stove insert is often between $1800 and $6400.
Yet, that is the stove as well as the installation, not just one…
So before you faint, there are many different wood stove inserts out there, wood stove inserts for sale can come in different sizes and abilities.
As the range is quite large, there are a number of things to consider such as the type of fireplace you want, as with an antique wood burning stove.
These antique wood burning stove brands do vary in detail and effectiveness, you can also get a pellet stove insert for sale, even double-sided wood-burning stove inserts for something different.
So you do have many choices, so use the price above as a guide OK…
What is the Most Important Thing to Consider Before Buying a Wood Stove Insert?
Do you know?
Well, this is an extremely important one, and that is to check with your local building code and fire department to see if wood burning constructions are allowed in your area.
Yes, that’s pretty important, as you don’t want to go through all this and find out that you cannot have a fire in your home.
That would be a disaster!
So, before you go any further, let the concerned authorities know in your area to get the go-ahead.
Most places do not require permissions though you do have to let them know as a legal requirement.
A drag I know…
But without their permission, you could end up ‘in the coals’ get it!
The coals, yes you could say it’s a joke…..
So you Want a Fireplace Stove
I have to admit…
There is not much that can beat the look, smell, and feel of a wood burning fire.
Whether it be one of those antique wood burning stove brands or a modern wood burning stove, the choices become endless to your needs and you can get in a rut as to what sort of wood the burning stove you want.
Whether it is a wood burning fireplace or a wood stove is a better more efficient choice. Each type has its own advantages & disadvantages.
So, start with what you like and then go from there, a little research goes a long way when whittling down what wood stove you end up putting on your shortlist.
If you’re a family unit, then considerations need to come in with what is right for your family, the heating need required and the style, don’t forget the style.
As with anything if you’re looking for a modern wood burning stove or an antique wood burning stove.
It needs to suit your lifestyle and the sort of house and surroundings you are living in.
When it comes to buying a wood stove insert to place in your existing fireplace, it is really a good choice if you are not getting the warmth you would with a good old open fireplace design.
But wrapping this up, we have covered the overall aspects of a wood burning stove and what it means and can do for you.
I bet you did not know that there were all these different choices on so many areas of the wood fire range.
And here I am just adding another to your choices to have your head spinning.
Yet here you are…
I know you could get in a head spin in the world of the fireplace and that all-alluring crackling fireplace that secretly we all want to adorn our homes.
So now you are more knowledgeable about yet one more aspect of fireplaces.
It gives you that extra knowledge to make a better choice when you rush out…
I mean carefully go and purchase your fireplace.
I know you want your fireplace NOW!
But with a little more knowledge, you can go out and get the sort of fireplace that you want.