They can be described in several different ways. Our research has come up with the following.
Fireplace inserts are heating units that retrofit into an existing fireplace (masonry or factory-built). They burn wood, gas or wood pellets and offer superior efficiency.[1] They are specially adapted stoves, typically fuelled by wood or gas, which sit in the hearth without making all the mess and effort associated with an ordinary open fire. They are usually made of cast iron and their heat efficiency can be increased by means of an electric fan attached in an inconspicuous place.[2]
Fireplace inserts are simply closed stove boxes that fit inside the existing fireplace. Installing an insert can offer significant savings on a home’s energy costs, as drafts don’t come in or out of the house via the old fireplace’s vent or chimney, and newer inserts offer a highly efficient heat source for a single room.[3]
Fireplace inserts are traditionally larger fireplaces that insert into a chimney breast and are normally surrounded by a timber surround that provides a shelf. However, various cast iron surrounds are also available.[7] Fireplace inserts are steel or cast iron fireboxes that are fitted directly into your original fireplace. Fronted by self-cleaning safety glass, fireplace inserts draw and exhaust heat and fumes through the original chimney or via a pipe directly vented through an exterior wall.[8]
Fireplace inserts are either vented naturally through a working chimney, direct vented or vent-free depending on fuel choice. In all cases, a chimney liner is required.[10] They are used to transform an existing non-efficient fireplace into an efficient, heat producing heater. A gas fireplace insert is a better option compared to wood-burning fireplace, because they are cleaner, safer, and easier and good looking.[11] Inserts are used when conventional masonry or factory-produced fireplaces need to be retrofitted. They can be used for burning gas, wood or wood pellets and provide superior heating qualities.[12]
