How to Make My Fireplace Insert Work Better

The quality of the firewood determines the amount of heat from the insert.

A fireplace insert fits into a traditional fireplace to convert it to a heating unit very similar to a dedicated wood stove. They are fairly expensive, with a basic, low-priced model with no extras selling at $1,200 in 2011. Inserts require professional installation to work properly and to keep the home safe from fires. A good fireplace insert that was carefully chosen to meet the heating needs of the home and is treated correctly will provide an abundance of heat along with the ambiance of a cozy fireplace fire.

Instructions

1. Provide preventative maintenance checks on the insert on a regular basis. Make sure the vents all open and close properly, the flue and chimney openings are not blocked and the thermostat and fan are operating up to specs.

2. Choose the wood carefully. Seasoned wood of at least 12 months gives the maximum heat. Wood that is too green, or fresh, will always burn too quickly with poor heat. The wood must be stored where it remains dry. Some woods, such as oak and ash, burn hotter than other, softer woods such as willow.

3. Start the fire correctly with the proper amount of kindling to ensure that the larger pieces catch on fire instead of smoldering. Do not overfill the insert with wood because the air will not get the proper opportunity to circulate. This will cause a low-burning fire with little heat.

4. Follow the individual manufacturer's instructions on how and when to use the damper system. This controls the amount of air entering and escaping the firebox. The proper use of the system is a major factor in how efficiently your fireplace insert burns wood and returns heat to the room.

References

• The Chimneysweep Online: Wood Fireplace Insert Comparison Page
• Oregon Hearth, Pation and BBQ Association: Hearth Products Frequently Asked Questions
• Hearth: Fireplace Inserts - a Short Introduction