What Size Fireplace Insert Do I Need

Fix to upgrade your old fireplace to 1 that is more efficient and convenient? Fireplace inserts are perfect for homeowners who have a traditional fireplace but are looking for something with more features. The options are almost endless. Cull from forest-burning, pellet, gas, or electric models in a range of styles and sizes.

: Superior direct vent gas fireplace

Here'due south a comprehensive overview of what is available and how to choose the correct insert for your dwelling house. We'll even comprehend brand recommendations and maintenance tips.

What is a Fireplace Insert?

A fireplace insert is a airtight-combustion firebox that is installed into an existing fireplace to increase efficiency. Inserts are unremarkably designed for existing masonry fireplaces, although some manufactured fireplaces accept inserts. There are several categories to choose from depending on the type of fuel you wish to use.

Inserts are available for burning wood (or wood pellets) or for burning gas. Gas inserts can be direct vent, natural vent or vent-free. Almost all inserts come with a blower, though for some, information technology is an optional improver.

Annotation that a prefabricated cypher clearance fireplace is non the same as a fireplace insert. Zero clearance fireplaces are meant to be framed into a wall or mantel cabinet. Fireplace inserts require an existing fireplace.

Occasionally, yous will observe a fireplace insert model that is capable of being installed in either a framed opening or an existing fireplace. Notwithstanding, for our purposes, we will use the term " fireplace insert" to refer only to an apparatus that installs within an existing fireplace.

Types of Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace inserts are oftentimes categorized by the type of fuel they fire. Y'all tin choose from wood burning, pellet, natural gas, propane gas, or electric models. The fuel type determines your venting options, besides every bit the overall performance of the insert. For gas fireplace inserts, you tin choose from vent-complimentary, directly vent, and natural vent options.

: US Stove Corn and Pellet-Burning Fireplace Insert

Fireplace Inserts vs. Traditional Fireplaces

Ane of the main advantages of fireplace inserts is that they offering meliorate heating efficiency. Traditional, open-faced fireplaces are not very efficient when it comes to heating a room. Fireplace inserts are designed to burn fuel amend and maximize the heat that radiates to the room. Less fuel is wasted, and less heat is lost to the chimney.

Their high-efficiency pattern cuts downward on fuel and utility costs. They as well offer amend air quality because little to no smoke is released back into the room.

: Empire Directly Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

Some other bonus is that they practise not take up boosted flooring space. Instead, they upgrade a fireplace yous already take. Depending on the type of insert, yous tin can install them almost anywhere. Many models are rated for bedrooms and bathrooms and even mobile homes.Though, in that location are a few other issues to consider.

For 1, the sealed front of the inserts somewhat limits flame visibility. They also require an existing fireplace and tend to exist smaller in size. Also, although in that location are a few more modern styles, well-nigh of the options are express to a traditional aesthetic.

If you want big, open up, crackling flames or the ability to put a fireplace anywhere you lot want, an insert is not the all-time pick. Withal, fireplace inserts are perfect if you lot are looking to upgrade your existing fireplace or merely want a replacement that is versatile, depression maintenance, and more efficient.

How to Choose the Correct Fireplace Insert

There are three main considerations when choosing a fireplace insert: the size of the existing fireplace, the type of fuel yous want, and your venting preferences. Once you outline your preferences and limitations in those iii categories, you'll have a much clearer idea of what model will work all-time for yous.

Measure out the Size of Your Existing Fireplace

: White record measurer

Offset by measuring the dimensions of the existing fireplace. This includes measuring the width and summit at both the front end and back of the fireplace. Sometimes fireplace openings are tapered, significant the opening at the front is bigger than the width and height of the back of the fireplace. You'll likewise need to mensurate the depth of the fireplace.

: Measuring for a fireplace insert infographic

Fireplace inserts are designed to fit inside a range of fireplace sizes. They come with a metal environment that acts as a frame and covers the gap between the insert and the opening of the fireplace. If the opening is too small, the insert will not fit. If the opening is too big, the surround will not be wide enough to cover the gap betwixt the fireplace insert and the opening of the existing fireplace.

Most fireplace inserts are designed for traditional masonry fireplaces (i.eastward. fireplace openings fabricated out of masonry materials similar stone or brick). Finding an insert for a manufactured fireplace is more than hard. Many manufacturers forbid the use of fireplace inserts with their fireplaces, or they limit the inserts to certain approved prefabricated models.

Take annotation of any other aspects of the existing fireplace. Is information technology on an outside wall? Does it have a functional chimney? This volition help you know your limitations when yous motion on to the side by side footstep of choosing the right fuel.

Choose Your Fuel and Vent Type

Fuel options for your fireplace insert include wood burning, pellet burning, natural or propane gas, and electrical. The fuel you use volition determine whether you need gas lines or power outlets. It also determines the venting and other installation requirements your insert will need.

Forest Burning Fireplace Inserts

Forest burning fireplace inserts function like a woods stove. They apply a flexible or rigid vent liner that routes into the existing chimney. Flexible venting is the most ordinarily selected method for wood called-for inserts and must be a minimum grade of 304 stainless steel, with 316 stainless being preferred.

Flexible liners must run across the requirements of the insert manufacturer and be rated to the UL1777 standard. Typical flexible liner installations will consist of a rigid appliance adapter with a separate or integral gear clamp, the flexible liner itself, a summit support plate with clench, and a cap and storm neckband.

The other installation blazon for wood called-for insert venting is rigid liners. While more costly, the rigid liner sections are typically manufactory insulated and seal very well. The sections will either spiral together or utilize a lance and dimple organisation. Quite literally, retrieve of how a Swiffer mop assembles; y'all match the two pieces together, slide 1 into the other and twist to lock it in.

Even if the organisation does utilize the twist and lock system, at least 1 screw per section should be used to ensure the liner sections do not split in the event of a rotation of the liner or, even worse, in the event of a chimney fire.Using a rigid chimney liner is a bit more challenging than a flexible liner, every bit the excess cannot simply be cut off. Exact measurements for each portion of the liner routing must be taken. The liners must besides recoup for offsets, narrow areas, and a specialize termination at the top of the chimney.

To summarize, rigid liner systems require more than planning than flexible systems, just they eliminate the need for field installed insulation and are more than durable than their flexible counterparts.

Many require a liner for the full length of the chimney. Forest burning fireplace inserts are a good option if y'all wish to go on using wood for fuel just desire a more rut efficient apparatus. But, they accept more effort to operate and maintain than the other fuel options.

: Napoleon EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

Dissimilar a masonry wood called-for fireplace, forest burning stoves and inserts are subject to EPA efficiency standards. Previous EPA regulations specified that stoves must produce less than 4.five grams of smoke per hour. In May 2020, that number decreased to 2.v grams per hr. Unfortunately, the cost of making more free energy efficient stove drives the final price up significantly.

While wood stove inserts have an edge on efficiency over woods fireplaces, y'all can't guarantee that having a wood insert will be more than cost efficient. The savings of forest over gas heating tin vary. If you buy your firewood in the offseason, you volition get lower prices for your woods. If you buy the firewood in the flavour you need information technology prices may double.

One of the major disadvantages in wood-burning appliances is the rising costs of operating the appliance. From the cost of the unit itself, which has increased a lot as the overall efficiency rating has changed, rising costs of lumber have inverse the overall pricing of owning a wood called-for stove.

The cost of a wood-called-for fireplace insert, including the purchase of the insert, the installation, and the necessary venting, can run from $1,800 to over $6,400. This range is in both the venting and installation costs, as well as the price of the inserts themselves.

The lower end of the range assumes that the receiving fireplace is in expert status and that the chimney and fireplace need no service before installation. The lower end also assumes that the chimney is the correct height, is roughly fifteen feet (of 304 flex liner with crimp seams) in length, and volition be hands terminated using no custom parts. The college end of the range assumes that the fireplace and chimney need some maintenance, the termination might need some custom fabrication, and upward to 30-35 anxiety of 316 alloy liner with welded seams for the chimney.

Pellet Stove Inserts

A pellet fireplace insert functions like a pellet stove, burning small compressed pellets of wood biomass as fuel. In addition to a chimney for the flexible vent liner, pellet inserts also require an electric power source. The electricity used to power fans and pellet feed augers within pellet fireplace inserts offers some automation and control over the heat output of the burn down. Thermostatic controls tin be set to maintain the desired temperature range.

: Napoleon 45-Inch Black Pellet Stove Insert

Pellet stove inserts use a flexible vent liner that runs from the vent neckband on the unit up through the chimney. We recommend installing a cleanout tee near the flue collar of the insert and then that you can clean out the liner without taking apart the entire vent construction.

Pellet inserts are easy to operate, but they require more than maintenance than gas or electric models. When compared to the cost of a gas system, pellet heating is a fraction of the price. When compared to wood called-for, pellet heating is cleaner-burning and far more efficient than wood or gas heating by a mile.

Pellet fuel is manufactured for the intended purpose of providing efficient heating. Information technology is quality controlled and tested, with the final product beingness prepackaged bags with a characterization showing precisely what is within, and so pellet fuel does not offer the variables to consider with even the all-time wood called-for practices. A pellet-burning insert utilizes pellets for fuel, fed to the fire by an automatic auger, as such, they practice require electricity to operate. Though, some models take a backup battery feature to allow functioning in the issue of a power outage. Pellets are harder to find than other fuel sources but are condign a lilliputian more than mutual.

With pellet systems, venting is not as simple as taking a rough measurement of the total summit of the chimney, ordering more than needed and but cut abroad what isn't used. This type of venting depends on the liner you choose. If you cull to utilize chimney liner to vent your pellet insert, they are typically approved to use 4" diameter chimney liner that is stainless steel and listed to UL 1777, which is the same list for liner used when relining a chimney for utilize with a woods insert.

If yous do choose to go this road, it would exist pretty straightforward & involve ordering more than than needed and cutting abroad what you do not use. At that place are no manufacturer-specific liner brands you lot have to use, so long equally the proper diameter is used, the liner is listed to UL 1777 and is constructed of stainless steel.

If you were to choose a Type PL pellet system, there is no flexible stainless steel liner to cut. Blazon PL venting is offered with flexible stainless sections, but each stop of this liner unremarkably has a twist lock section for connecting to PL venting with these same twist lock connections. This typically 10' section is merely meant to pass through the damper and smoke shelf to accomplish the vertical chimney where rigid twist lock sections extend to the top of the chimney, so pretty accurate measurements are needed. Adjustable lengths are available to accommodate any measurement.

The toll of a pellet-burning fireplace insert, including the purchase of the insert, the installation and the necessary venting, can run from $3,000 to $v,000. This range is mostly in the installation, due to the electrical needs. The lower end of the range assumes that the existing fireplace and chimney are in expert condition and that there is an electrical source nearby. The lower end of the range also assumes that the chimney does not demand to be lengthened and that you lot need only upward to a 15 foot run of 3-inch 304 alloy stainless steel chimney liner.

The higher end of the range includes the demand for electrical relocation to power the insert, service to the existing fireplace and chimney, and the possibility of an outside air kit to be installed. The higher end of the range also assumes that y'all would be using upwardly to a 35 foot run of a 4-inch venting system.

Gas Fireplace Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts require a gas line to have propane or natural gas. If you practise non accept an existing gas hook upwardly for the fireplace, y'all will need to rent a professional plumber to run a line for you. Almost models also require an electric power source. Choose from vent-gratuitous, direct vent, and natural vent options for venting the appliance.

The price of a gas fireplace insert, including the purchase of the insert, the installation, and any necessary venting, can run from $1,500 to over $4,500. The cost of gas fireplace inserts can vary wildly due to installation costs.

The lower end of the range assumes that your existing fireplace is in good condition, yous already have the gas line to your fireplace, and that you lot are installing a vent-gratis unit of measurement which won't require whatsoever venting components. The upper terminate of the range assumes a direct vent gas insert that will require a co-linear vent system to be installed, possible custom termination flashing or modifications, every bit well as routing of a gas line from existing gas infrastructure within the home.

: Real Fyre mSeries Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert

We recommend getting a price quote to get an gauge for the costs for running a new gas line or having an existing gas line extended. Brand sure the insert yous use is designed for the type of gas y'all intend to utilize.

If you lot demand more data to help yous understand the differences betwixt natural gas and propane, click here to read this article. It explains the differences between the ii gases, tells which gas is best for sure situations, and describes the process for converting from one gas to the other.

Vent-complimentary gas models do not need outside venting. Instead, they rely on room air for oxygen and vent the tiny amount of fume they produce back into the room. Vent-free inserts are convenient, but check to make sure they are allowed where you alive since they are restricted in some areas. They are likewise not recommended for anyone with air sensitivities.

Direct vent gas inserts are completely sealed to the room and only exchange air through the outdoor venting system. This makes them a good pick for anyone specially concerned with air quality since none of the smoke produced ever enters the room. Many straight vent gas fireplace inserts have blowers or electronic ignitions that require electricity. And so, exist sure to check that you have an outlet nearby if you decide to become with a direct-vent choice.

Straight vent gas fireplaces apply a rigid coaxial vent pipe that features a small pipe within a larger pipe. The small pipe is responsible for venting the exhaust gases and the larger pipe draws in outside air for combustion.

However, a direct vent gas fireplace insert is designed to vent through the chimney of the existing fireplace. Instead of a rigid coaxial pipe, the inserts utilise two flexible liners chosen co-linear vent pipes that run side by side upwards the chimney. One liner draws in air from outside and the other expels the exhaust gases.

Direct vent inserts are besides an splendid choice for customers with homes that take been retrofitted with very tight insulation, resulting in a limited amount of oxygen to supply a naturally drafted organisation. The combustion sleeping room is sealed with a solid pane of tempered or ceramic glass and, since all combustion air is fatigued in from the outdoors and all combustion gases are wearied to the outdoors, in that location is zero air exchange with the home.

And then if an existing, leaky hearth is causing heating costs to rising, adding a directly vent gas insert can nigh eliminate this headache. Direct vent inserts also release minimal emissions into the atmosphere for those who are environmentally conscious and are safe to install in every state and province. Because many of these systems may be operated with a remote, wall switch or thermostat, they are an excellent choice for customers who want convenience and ease of use.

Dissimilar directly vent gas inserts, natural vent (b-vent) gas fireplace inserts are not sealed to the room. They require a chimney liner for venting much like a traditional wood burning fireplace. Not all models crave an electric outlet, just e'er check to brand sure you lot have one if it is needed. These units are mostly used for aesthetics since they have tall, cute flames merely are not very oestrus efficient.

Electrical Fireplace Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts are the nearly versatile option. They exercise non require any venting or gas lines and tin can be installed almost anywhere. The only consideration is the electrical supply. The flame technology of electric models has come a long fashion in producing a lovely, realistic burn display. The inserts can come up with or without a heating component. Click hither to learn more detailed information nigh electric fireplace inserts, including the different types available, the proper means to install and clean them, and a list of some top manufacturers.

: Dimplex electric fireplace insert

How to Install Fireplace Inserts

In that location are four bones phases of any fireplace insert installation. The kickoff is the planning stage, which involves finding the right model and planning out the installation. The side by side phase is the prep work to fix the existing fireplace for the insert. The concluding two stages are installation and inspection, which involve installing the insert and testing it to make certain it works properly.

Phase I: Planning

: Ii male contractors at an installation site

As mentioned in the department on choosing the right insert, finding an accordingly sized unit is key. Depending on the type of fuel you choose, fireplace inserts are designed to fit a range of openings. Whether yous cull to install yours into the opening of existing fireplaces or an opening in a framed wall structure, measure the installation location advisedly and double-check that the unit of measurement you buy will fit. In one case you decide on your fuel preference and size limitations, you tin begin planning for the venting components and provisions for a gas line installation.

Nosotros recommend hiring a professional to run gas lines or install electrical outlets. Ideally, the electrician will install a recessed outlet behind the fireplace insert. This keeps whatsoever cords from trailing out from the unit of measurement to nearby ability outlets. It'due south usually all-time to accept a ability supply on a dedicated circuit, but this is somewhat dependent on the type of apparatus.

Buy all the advisable venting components, including chimney liners. If y'all are converting from 1 fuel supply to the other, buy the conversion parts yous will need.

Phase II: Prep Piece of work

: Fireplace prep for insert installation

The prep work involves whatever fuel conversion and preparation of the existing fireplace. If the fireplace has a damper, you lot volition likely demand to remove it to make room for the chimney liner. Masonry fireplace openings frequently have crude edges that must be smoothed so the environment of the insert tin can sit affluent against the forepart of the fireplace.

If the fireplace is stone or brick, the edges tin be smoothed with a grinder. Don't utilize a grinder on cloth that shatters hands (such as slate). Instead, screed a pocket-sized layer of cement around the opening to create a shine edge.

Woods to Gas Conversion

Have a plumber install a gas line for the new fireplace insert. The components need for fireplace inserts are slightly different depending on whether they apply natural gas or propane. Brand sure the model y'all buy is rated for the type of gas you intend to use. Y'all will likely need a 120-volt power supply as well.

Always read your possessor's transmission for details on your specific model. The manufacturer will specify what the appliance requires in terms of the power supply, installation restrictions, and maintenance.

Gas to Wood (or Pellet) Conversion

Remove the gas log lighter and seal the gas supply line. This must be done properly to ensure safety. Nosotros recommend hiring a professional plumber to remove gas components and seal the gas lines. You volition also need to remove the chimney damper and make sure that there is sufficient venting for the wood-called-for fire.

A wood stove insert may or may not need a power supply. But, all pellet stove inserts require a power supply to run the fuel auger and blowers.

Wood or Gas to Electric Conversion

Electric fireplace inserts do not demand venting, then close off the chimney flue and damper. Remove any gas lighter or log sets and properly seal off the gas lines. Hire an electrician to install a recessed outlet behind the electrical insert to keep the cords hidden. If a recessed outlet is non an pick, y'all can utilize a nearby outlet.

: Coverting fuel for fireplace inserts infographic

Phase III: Installation

: 2 men delivering a shipment

Many fireplace inserts are heavy, then enlist extra help lifting the unit into identify. Showtime past assembling the venting. Hook up any gas lines or power supply to the unit. Fit the insert into identify and use the included hardware to mount the surround around the unit of measurement. The surroundings should sit affluent to the opening of the fireplace. Don't forget to add new veneer facing effectually the perimeter of your fireplace opening if the old i no longer works!

Just make sure to read the instructions for your unit before starting the installation. Depending on the type of model, in that location may be slight variations in the installation.

Phase IV: Inspection

: Gas pressure meter

Inspection is a critical part of ensuring the safety of your new fireplace insert. We'll go over inspection tips for each of the main categories of fireplace inserts. If you have whatsoever concerns about how your fireplace insert is operating, do not hesitate to call the manufacturer or 1 of our NFI Certified technicians.

: Phases of fireplace insert installation infographic

How to Inspect a Fireplace Insert

Start the initial kindling burn down and watch to encounter that fume is drawn to the vent liner and does not spill into the room.
Once fuel logs are added and called-for, close the door. Verify that yous can control the rate of the fire by adjusting the air control handle between the high and low burn settings.
During operation, inspect for smoke leaks around the door gasket. Check that the doors close and latch properly.
If equipped with an outside air kit, exam to see if it operates as information technology should.
Consummate an external inspection of the chimney to make certain fume is exiting properly and non pooling at the chimney termination.

How To Inspect Pellet Stove Inserts

When get-go starting the unit, test the control board to see if the system responds properly.
Mind to the pellet feed auger. It should audio relatively quiet and consistent.
Bank check that the auger is dropping a metered amount of pellets into the burn pot. It should not be over or under-filling the burn pot.
Monitor the burn pot to see if the igniter is lighting the pellets and combustion air is helping them fire evenly.
Watch for whatsoever fume leaks from the glass front or the back of the unit.
Verify that the convection blower cycles on when information technology should and that rut is being emitted into the room. If the fan has a manual adjustment, cheque that all the speed settings work.
There should non be any smoke smell in the home when the unit is operating.

How To Inspect Vented Gas Fireplace Inserts

During initial use, bank check that the pilot low-cal ignites and remains stable prior to igniting the main burner.
Monitor the main burner ignition. The sequence should exist controlled and not sudden or violent.
Watch the flame design. Look for burner ports with no flame or overly sooty or blue flames. If the flame blueprint appears incorrect, verify the air shutter is set properly. (The manufacturer will have instructions for these adjustments.)
If equipped with a fan, test the fan to ensure information technology cycles as it should.
Gas appliances release an odor that smells like called-for paint when they are first used. Odd smells should not linger after the unit has been used for more than than 4 hours.

How To Inspect Vent-Free Gas Fireplace Inserts

Vent-complimentary gas models follow the aforementioned inspection rules as vented gas models.
However, at that place is an additional step. You'll need to check that the flame is not being blocked by a log and that there are no acrid odors emitting from the unit of measurement.

How To Inspect Electric Fireplace Inserts

Inspect the unit to meet that the backlighting and other lighting features work.
Verify the heating element operates and the fan-forced heat tin be felt in the room (if applicable).
Mind for odd sounds such as clicking or grinding.
An aroma of hot metallic will be present initially but should dissipate within an hr.
Verify the remote and other controls all part as designed.

Fireplace Insert Maintenance Tips

: Vacuuming the firebox with a castor hose

The owner's manual will incorporate specific instructions for the intendance and maintenance of your specific model. Wood and pellet fireplace inserts crave the most frequent maintenance. Gas and electrical models are easier to maintain but should still be cleaned and inspected regularly.

Wood and Pellet

Ever apply the proper fuel for forest or pellet stoves. Do not burn trash or whatsoever unauthorized fuel since this tin can lead to harmful creosote buildup. Make clean out the ash regularly co-ordinate to the instructions. Schedule a yearly inspection to make certain all of the components are working safely.

If you installed a cleanout tee on your pellet insert, information technology should exist easier to periodically sweep out the vent liner. Simply remove the environs and gently pull the unit forward. Detach the cover of the cleanout tee to sweep the liner.

Vented and Vent-Free Gas Models

Make sure to have the unit inspected each yr by a certified professional to make sure everything is in working order. Periodically vacuum the components to prevent dust buildup. Practise this gently so yous don't damage any parts. The glass tin can be cleaned with a soft textile and a water-based cleanser.

Electrical Models

Electrical models require the to the lowest degree amount of maintenance. Keep an eye on the electric wires to brand sure they are not frayed or chewed. This is specially important if yous have rodents most your area. Vacuum the unit of measurement to prevent dust from edifice up on the fan or other components. You lot can wipe down the glass periodically.

Shipping

Small, lightweight fireplace inserts are capable of being shipped via small parcel post. Larger units volition require LTL carrier shipping. Ever inspect the unit as soon as information technology arrives to check for whatever damage or missing parts. Contact the manufacturer immediately if you notice anything amiss.

Summary

Fireplace inserts breathe new life into sometime, inefficient fireplaces. Whether y'all opt for wood-burning, gas, or electric, you tin can find a model that fits your space and meets your needs. The range of options for fireplace inserts is quite broad. So, focus on your main priorities for your space to help you narrow down what will be the best option.

As ever, reach out to us with any questions! Our NFI Certified Technicians are available to help!