What is the difference between a fireplace and a fireplace insert

Fireplaces will have large viewing areas and box dimensions because they are designed to be built into new construction and not limited by the existing fireplace opening size. … A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there.

What is the purpose of a fireplace insert?

A fireplace insert is a sealed box that is placed (inserted) into an existing masonry fireplace. As a result, the old inefficient wood fireplace is upgraded to a new high-efficiency wood, gas, or propane fireplace that will produce more heat and use less fuel.

What is the difference between a fireplace insert and a firebox?

The firebox of an open fireplace is the open area where the fire is built and maintained, either on a fireplace grate or on the floor. A fireplace insert is a type of fireplace that can be inserted into the firebox of an open fireplace.

How do I know if I have a fireplace insert?

You can generally tell you have a fireplace insert if the firebox is metal and surrounded by a steel shell. To know for sure what type of insert you have, look for the nameplate under the grill by the pilot light and gas valve.

Can you put a fireplace insert in an existing fireplace?

Yes, you can easily add a gas fireplace insert into your existing chimney. In fact, a fireplace insert is an appliance designed to fit into an existing fireplace. Inserts are usually cut in various sizes to suit your preferences and needs.

Does a fireplace insert need a chimney?

Do Electric Inserts Need a Chimney? Unlike wood-burning and direct vent systems, electric fireplaces do not need a chimney to vent combustible byproducts. However, they do have other unique needs that wood and gas burning inserts may not require.

Is a fireplace insert worth the money?

Are Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money? … Savings: Fireplace inserts can help you to cut down on your heating bill. A fireplace insert is not recommended as a sole use of heating but when used in conjunction with turning down your thermostat, can save you money on your heating bill.

How much is a fireplace insert?

How much does a fireplace insert cost? Most fireplace inserts and a professional installation cost about $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the state of your existing chimney and the model you select. Some electric models cost significantly less, but they offer less heat output than wood and gas fireplace inserts.

What is the difference between a zero clearance fireplace and an insert?

Framing. A zero clearance fireplace has to be framed specifically into a wall. … In comparison, an insert is slid into a pre-existing masonry fireplace. This is an open fireplace made entirely of brick or rock (which are non-combustible materials).

Can you remove fireplace insert?

A wood-burning fireplace insert must be removed when your fireplace and chimney enclosure need cleaning. … Most wood-burning fireplace inserts are heavy and are secured to the enclosure with screws or bolts. If you don’t want to hire a professional to remove the fireplace insert, you can attempt to remove it yourself.

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Are fireplace inserts safe?

Most ventless gas fireplace inserts are considered safe for homeowners because they include an oxygen-depletion sensor that turns gas off before carbon monoxide reaches dangerous levels in the room. Nevertheless, some states don’t allow ventless gas units.

What is firebox in fireplace?

The firebox is the open-to-the-room, inner section of the fireplace where you light and burn fires. As the name suggests, a firebox has a standard box-like shape. It features a flat base, three walls, and an opening at the front and top. Since the fire burns inside of it, the walls and floor must be non-combustible.

Do fireplace inserts need electricity?

As with freestanding wood stoves, wood fireplace inserts won’t typically require a source of electricity. If a wood insert has a blower then it will typically require an electrical supply in order to operate.

How do you size a fireplace insert?

Start with Dimensions Length: The distance from one side of the fireplace to the other. Measure the length at both the opening and back of the firebox. Height: The distance from the floor of the firebox to the top. Measure in the front and back to ensure an optimal fit.

Can a fireplace insert heat a house?

Fireplace inserts are like heating stoves and fit directly inside an existing masonry fireplace. And EPA-certified units provide up to 70% to 80% heating efficiency. Make sure to add the blower motor option to your insert if you want to spread the heat around your house.

Are wood-burning inserts safe?

When properly installed, wood-burning inserts are very safe and are much safer than an open fire.

Are wood-burning inserts efficient?

Fireplace inserts have a sealed, air tight door system which generates more heat because the fire burns much slower and the heat isn’t wasted. The efficiency of fireplace inserts can be as much as 80%. … A more efficient wood-burning heating system means less gas, oil, or electricity is required to heat your home.

Does fireplace insert have to be removed to clean chimney?

Fireplace inserts are heavy, often weighing more than 400 pounds. Since wood burning inserts need to be removed when the chimney is being cleaned and maintained, they can be awkward and heavy to handle. … In some cases, however, you do not have to remove the insert to clean the chimney.

Do fireplace inserts need a vent?

Fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts need to be vented to the outdoors (except for electric fireplace models). There are several ways to route venting, and the direction can depend on the type of hearth product it is, and the fuel it burns.

Do I need a liner for a fireplace insert?

When installing a fireplace insert in your existing fireplace it is now required that you install a chimney liner system to vent the appliance. In addition to your installation being compliant with local code, there are many other benefits to installing a stainless steel chimney liner.

Can I put drywall around my fireplace?

Drywall + Fireplace = House Fire Unfortunately, this is highly flammable and is not an appropriate or safe fireplace surround. The sheetrock had to be removed and replaced with any type of non-combustible surround – stone, tile, marble, or metal.

How do I know if my fireplace is zero clearance?

The most obvious way of identifying a zero clearance fireplace is the existence of black metal, either exposed on the face or inside the firebox (Fig. #6). Some fireplace manufacturers are doing a better job of hiding the metal and making fireplaces that look more like masonry (Fig. #7).

Can you put a wood stove in a zero clearance fireplace?

Typically a woodstove will not fit within the original opening for a zero-clearance fireplace and still meet safe fire clearance distances unless it is quite small and unless adequate heat shielding can be installed.

What is a ventless fireplace insert?

Ventless fireplaces are also known as “unvented” or “vent-free” fireplaces. They’re a type of fireplace that pipes natural gas or propane into a gas-burning unit. … They’re actually designed to burn gas more efficiently than vented versions, so they produce less fumes and don’t require a flue or a chimney.

How do you clean a fireplace insert?

Mix together a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap, a half-cup of baking soda and one gallon of warm water in a large bucket. Use the solution and a rag to clean the fireplace insert. Depending on how much creosote and grime have built-up, you may have to scrub vigorously to loosen the mess.

Are Duraflame logs bad for your fireplace?

This is a myth. Artificial firelogs are not bad for your fireplace; in fact, they’re cleaner, safer, easier, and cheaper than regular wood. Artificial firelogs are also known as fake firelogs, wax firelogs, or artificial wax firelogs.

What is the metal box in my fireplace?

What is a fireplace insert or box? A fireplace insert is a fireproof box that is surrounded by steel or cast iron. It can also be fronted by insulated glass. Steel or cast iron help trap heat where as some have blowers that push the hot air back into a room through vents.

Is a damper the same as a flue?

A damper is located in the flue of your chimney. The flue is where the smoke escapes when the fire is going. Dampers are placed inside of the flue to help control ventilation. Your damper should have a chain or handle that you can access in order to open and close it.

What is the bottom part of the fireplace called?

Plinth. The lowest part of the leg on a fireplace or often times referred to as the “foot” is called the plinth. This decorative transition piece between the leg and the hearth is often times also referred to as the base of the fireplace.

How much does it cost to add a gas fireplace to an existing fireplace?

Since an insert is placed directly into a fireplace that is already installed in your home and uses the same chimney, the cost of installing a gas fireplace insert is comparably low. Purchasing a gas fireplace insert should cost you around $1,200. Having the unit installed can cost you around $500-$3,500.

Can you remove a gas fireplace insert?

Gas fireplaces can often be removed in the same way that they have been installed. … Many natural vent (b-vent) types of gas fireplace come as insert form for existing open fireplaces and can be added or removed from the masonry fireplace opening by a professional as and when required.