Why Put a Wood Insert Inside a Wood Fireplace?

One of the common questions we get as a fireplace store is, “what is the purpose of putting a wood insert into a wood fireplace?” There are a few reasons that we give customers when we get this question, but before we do that we would like to specify what a wood insert is.

A wood burning fireplace insert is a separate fireplace unit that is installed into an existing brick or “masonry” fireplace. Inserts have different sized fire boxes that will slide into your existing fireplace and they have a front piece that will cover any gaps in your fireplace. Inserts are not usually installed in new construction or wood-framed fireplaces. The clearances and specifications will be different on an insert than they will on a “zero clearance” fireplace.

There are multiple reasons to replace your open fireplace with a wood burning insert.

First, with an open masonry fireplace, the heat in your home is drafted up the chimney and out of the home wasting a lot of energy and fuel. Even when the damper is closed on your fireplace, it can still allow for a flow of air allowing the heat in your home to slowly dissipate. The wood insert is a sealed unit stopping any draft from taking the heat out of your home. Most units also include a blower that will help to circulate more heat into the room. For options on wood burning fireplace inserts with a blower, stop by our showroom and we can help you find what you need.

Since the wood insert will be sealed and is made with materials like cast iron, soapstone, and his also makes the fireplace more efficient as an open wood fire can produce up to 50 grams of emissions per hour whereas a new wood insert will produce fewer than 8 grams. For you this means more heat for the same amount of wood. That’s less money and less adding wood to your fire.

Last, a wood burning insert is safer than an open wood burning fireplace. When your fireplace is sealed there is less of a chance of harmful particles or gases coming into your home. Your insert will still have a glass window so that you can enjoy the view inside your fireplace, but the crackling will stay contained inside the insert.

At Maple Mtn Fireplace, we carry a couple of reliable and efficient brands that provide wood inserts. Namely, Hearthstone, Enerzone, Napoleon, and Supreme all manufacture wood burning inserts. You can’t go wrong with any of these brands. For more details on the wood inserts we carry, call us or stop by our showroom.