What Are Fireplace Inserts?
Looking to upgrade your fireplace? A fireplace insert is a self-contained unit that fits seamlessly into your existing masonry or prefab fireplace. Not only does it boost heating efficiency, but it also significantly reduces emissions. Choose from gas, electric, or wood-burning models to match your home’s needs and style.
Which Types of Fireplace Inserts Can I Choose From?
No matter which fuel type you choose, fireplace inserts offer a significant upgrade over traditional fireboxes. With efficiency ratings reaching up to 80%, they deliver more heat while using less energy. Designed with safety in mind, the enclosed structure helps prevent sparks and smoke from entering your living space. Many models also support cleaner-burning fuels, helping to reduce emissions. And with their sleek, modern designs, inserts can instantly elevate the look and feel of any room.
Electric Fireplace Inserts: Easy and Colorful Warmth
Electric fireplace inserts are a popular choice for room heating thanks to their simple installation, user-friendly features, and versatile design. These units plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and require no chimney or venting, making them ideal for a wide range of spaces. Designed to fit most traditional fireplace openings, they offer year-round ambiance with or without heat.
Many models include customizable flame effects and color settings, allowing you to tailor the look to your style. You can also choose units with remote controls, smart home compatibility, or app-based operation. Depending on the size of the insert, they can effectively heat rooms ranging from 200 to over 1,000-square feet.
Gas Fireplace Inserts: Efficient and Clean
Gas fireplace inserts use natural gas, propane, or dual-fuel systems to deliver efficient and clean heat. Compared to traditional open fireplaces, they offer significantly better performance, providing consistent warmth without the mess of soot or ash.
Because gas inserts produce a real flame, their installation differs from electric models. There are two main types of gas insert installations:
- Direct Vent Inserts: These systems draw air from outside the home and expel exhaust back outdoors through a sealed venting system. They’re highly efficient, safe, and often come with venting kits to simplify installation.
- Ventless Inserts: These units require no chimney or external venting. Instead, they release both heat and minimal combustion byproducts directly into the room, keeping nearly all the warmth indoors. Most models include oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) for added safety, automatically shutting off the unit if oxygen levels drop.
Units feature hand-painted logs, safety mesh guards, decorative firebox backgrounds, remote control with temperature control and can typically heat between 300-sq ft up to 1,000-sq ft.
Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts: Classic Warmth
For those who love the traditional crackle and aroma of a real wood fire, wood-burning fireplace inserts offer the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern performance. These inserts are engineered to fit seamlessly into existing masonry fireplaces, transforming them into high-efficiency heating systems while still burning real wood.
Smoke and combustion gases are safely vented through your home’s chimney, just like a conventional fireplace, but with far better heat retention.
Burning wood can be a cost-effective alternative to electricity or natural gas, and many inserts are EPA-approved, producing fewer emissions and a cleaner burn. Some models can deliver up to 12 hours of heat on a single load of wood.
Features include blowers or fans to help circulate the warm air, glass doors with cool touch handles to view the flames, and airwash system to keep the window clean and ash pans for easier cleanup.
BTU (British Thermal Units) measures the heat output of a fireplace insert. The higher the BTU, the more heat it can produce. For example, a 5,200-BTU unit can warm up to 1,000 square feet.
Measuring and Fireplace Insert Installation
Accurate measurements are essential to ensure your fireplace insert fits properly, installs safely, and performs efficiently. Follow these steps using a tape measure to determine the right size for your insert:
- Height: Measure the height of the fireplace opening at three points—left, center, and right. Record the smallest measurement.
- Width: Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom of the opening. Again , record the smallest measurement. Then measure the width of the back wall inside the firebox.
- Depth: Measure from the front edge of the fireplace opening to the back wall of the firebox.
Additional considerations are the type of fireplace. Is it masonry or a prefab? What kind of fuel will you be using, wood, gas, or electrical? Each has their own requirements. Determine whether your insert will require venting or if a ventless model is appropriate.
Fireplace inserts are not a universal fit. Always consult the manufacturer’s specifications for required clearances and dimensions before purchasing.
Installing a fireplace insert involves more than just placing it into the opening. It requires careful attention to measurements, venting, electrical or gas connections and safety codes. If you're not confident handling these tasks, please consult a professional installer.
Fireplace Insert Maintenance
Maintaining a fireplace insert properly helps ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity. Here's a guide tailored to the most common types.
To keep your fireplace insert in top condition, do an annual inspection including the chimney if applicable. Regularly clean the glass with a fireplace-safe cleaner to remove soot and residue, and check door gaskets and seals for wear, replacing them as needed. Ensure that air vents and blowers are free of dust to maintain proper airflow and efficiency.
Keep up your electric fireplace insert by regularly dusting the exterior and vents with a soft cloth. Inspect the power cord and plug for any signs of damage and replace the LED or halogen bulbs if the flame effect begins to dim.
Gas fireplace insert maintenance begins with regularly checking that the pilot light is functioning properly, inspecting the venting system for any blockages or corrosion, gently cleaning dust from the burners, and keeping a carbon monoxide detector nearby, testing it often to ensure safety.
To keep your wood-burning fireplace insert in top condition, regularly empty the ash pan, ideally after each use, clean soot and debris from the firebox and sweep the chimney at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup. Also, inspect the firebricks and baffle for any cracks or damage to ensure safe operation.
Reclaim your old fireplace and transform it into a cozy, efficient source of warmth and comfort with a new fireplace insert. Whether you're upgrading for style, heat, or convenience, an insert brings new life to your hearth while enhancing your home's ambiance and energy efficiency.