Fireplace Inserts

An insert or fireplace insert refers to a type of appliance that is designed to be installed into an existing masonry fireplace opening. As you may know, an open masonry fireplace insulates well against heat transfer to adjacent walls, but it not efficient at heating a home. A fireplace insert can be a wood or gas appliance, but both will be much more efficient at heating your space. Inserts do not have a heavily insulated outer jacket and rely on the masonry fireplace walls for proper insulation and safety. Inserts utilize a metal flashing or surround to cover the remaining space between the insert and the edges of the fireplace opening. They also rely on flexible flue liners for proper venting up the chimney flue. A prefabricated fireplace is a fully self-contained appliance that is built with the intention of installation into a combustible wall opening. As such, the appliance can be enclosed within a combustible mantel or dimensional lumber framing. Operation is similar to an insert, but the additional outer air layer and metal jacket is what ensures safe operation within a combustible wall. These types of appliances also use rigid vent pipe. For additional elaboration on fireplace inserts, please visit our fireplace insert guide.

You will need to measure the front width, rear width, height and depth of your fireplace opening. If you have a masonry fireplace with a taper where it is less deep at the top of the opening than it is at the bottom, you may need to consider the measurements of the insert you are considering. If there is any question about this, please feel free to call me (Will M., NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional) directly at 901-363-8406 or 1-800-203-1642 ext. 404.

You should first contact your local building code officials to see if you can install the unit and ask the requirements they may have on that type of installation and the permit required. After you know, you can install that locally.

Unfortunately, we do not carry an insert that is multi-sided.

Unfortunately, we have no inserts that can be installed in such a configuration.

Unfortunately, we do not offer refractory panels that are specific to your fireplace model. We do, however, offer universal refractory panels. They are manufactured by Hargrove, and we sell them single or in sets of two. Follow these links to see what we offer: Hargrove Replacement Fireplace Refractory Panel - 24 inch X 28 inch Hargrove Replacement Fireplace Refractory Panels - 24 inch X 40 inch - Set of 2

We do. You can find a great selection Here.

For replacement parts, please fill out this form.

Pellet burning appliances are certain the most efficient type of solid fuel heater on the market, however the do require a good deal of regular maintenance to keep them operating at top efficiency. If weekly cleaning of the appliance is not a realistic match for your application, I recommend looking at a high efficiency wood burning fireplace instead. A popular seller of ours in this category is the Flame Monaco XTD EPA Zero Clearance Wood Burning Fireplace.

In order to burn wood in this fireplace, it will need to be inspected for safe operation. For this, we recommend using the Chimney Safety Institute's website to locate a certified chimney sweep in your area. To answer your question regarding electric hearth systems, they will produce heat but are limited to around 5000 btus. This will heat a space of approximately 143 square feet.

The "shop by size" feature is in reference to the width of the fireplace insert itself.

You will need to remove the fireplace and replace it with an electric unit. What is the width and height of the opening in your wall?

Unfortunately, we do not offer and are not aware of any inserts that will work with see-through fireplace openings.

If you are wanting to know whether to choose a gas or electric fireplace insert to install into your masonry or prefabricated wood burning fireplace, there benefits and drawbacks with each option. For electric inserts, the positive aspect will be the low cost of the insert itself and installation. With electric systems, you will not have to pull any permits or hire a licensed or certified, however, the drawback of installing any electric insert is they are limited to around 5,000 Btus which will only heat a space of around 144 square feet. With gas inserts, the heating capacity is much greater. Additionally, the burner, logs and flame will provide a much more realistic appearance. The cost of installation will involve having to pay a licensed plumber to run a gas line to the hearth opening, but this may be roughly the same with the installation of an electric insert if electricity has not been run to the opening and a licensed electrician must be contracted. With gas inserts, the cost of the insert itself may also include additional components that would not be needed with an electric insert. Also, if you are considering a ventless insert, these are not allowed in all jurisdictions.

We will not offer any see-through inserts as products of this type are not currently manufactured. For a see through fireplace, our only recommendation will be to install two ventless inserts, back-to-back.

Up until a few years ago, we were still able to special order parts for this unit, including the interior panels. However, the manufacturer has now discontinued parts support and I'm afraid that we are no longer able to source a suitable replacement. I am very sorry for the inconvenience.

You would not need to remove the existing fireplace to install an electric insert, but you may want to remove the inner refractory to provide more space inside the fireplace opening. A model to consider that appears to work with your dimensions is the Modern Flames ZCR Series Electric Fireplace Insert with Trim - ZCR-3824 as this also offers optional trim to cover the remaining void left between your existing fireplace opening and the outer shell of the insert.

There is a wealth of information available here that should answer any questions regarding vented vs. vent free inserts. When deciding between electric vs. gas, the primary concern should be heating capacity as electric fireplaces and inserts are limited to 5,000 Btu. Another concern will be the aesthetics of an electric fireplace when compared to gas as only the higher end electric inserts will offer a comparable flame. The advantage of an electric fireplace will be the ease and cost of installation. Aside from potentially having to hire an electrician to provide power if it is not currently located where the fireplace is to be installed, you will not need to hire a licensed plumber or gas fitter to perform the installation.

Unfortunately, we do not offer a wood insert with double doors.

For accuracy, please answer the questions asked on our Chimney Pipe Design & Quote Form and you will receive a comprehensive list of components required for installation.

Media like fire glass or stones will be listed for use with the vent free appliance of your choosing and you will only be able to use media of this type if the product literature for the vent free system of your choosing has been tested with glass media. Fire glass burners are configured differently to accept fire glass and using this decorative material in a vent free system that cannot use glass media will likely result in unsafe operation.

If you have a gas log set installed into a masonry or prefabricated wood burning fireplace, there will be Firebacks for this.

This will involve removing the glass to remove the bricks via the retainer clips that hold them in place. After this is done, the baffle should easily be removed. Clarity is provided for removal of the manifold on page 14 of the installation manual.

Please note that the product in question is a fireplace insert, meaning that an existing masonry or prefabricating wood burning fireplace is required to install this appliance. However, this insert has a BTU input of 33,000 with 77% efficiency. To heat the space you have described, you will only need around 14,000 BTUs. Like all millivolt valves, the thermostatic remote would simply turn the burner flame off and on, depending on the temperature and the blower would operate independently.

So long as the television is installed per the mantel clearances outlined in the installation manual for the insert you have chosen, the television should be safe, however, I highly recommend installing a mantel at the required height and then installing the television above the mantel.

So long as you have the ability to route the flexible ducting, many wood inserts will offer outside air kits. The Drolet Escape 1400 Wood Burning Fireplace Insert w/ Blower Included - DB03120 is one model that offers outside air.

I would suggest the Dimplex DFI2310 Deluxe 23" Electric Fireplace Insert to be paired with the Dimplex DFI23TRIMX Expandable Trim Kit for DFI2309 and DFI2310 to cover the spacing left from the insert to the existing fireplace facing.

It is certainly possible to build the fireplace opening out in order to house a fireplace insert. You will only need to ensure that any combustible foundation or flooring is covered with noncombustible masonry or cement. You will also need to make sure the flue collar on the unit will not fall directly beneath the lintel, as this would cause issues with venting the insert.

So long as you select a facing that will cover the area between the insert and the masonry opening, there should be no problem with sizing down on an insert.

I have come across many of these heat exchange type firebox "sleeves" and in almost all cases, the brick firebox behind them was not finished to accept an insert. However, the only way to know for certain is to first remove the existing unit and inspect the interior of the firebox to ensure it was lined with firebrick and the chimney has a metal liner or clay flue in good working order.

The vent free fireplace inserts we carry do have a circulating blower as standard. This helps to make maximum effective use of the heat generated by the appliance.

The Napoleon GI3600 is a standing pilot/millivolt style of appliance and will indeed work in the event of a power outage. The accessory blower is the only component that will not operate.

By code, a stainless firebox should be installed in any outdoor application that will expose the unit directly to outdoor air. Even if covered, the humidity in the air will quickly corrode a standard sheet metal firebox, requiring it to be replaced within 5 to 8 years on average.

As long as the back, bottom, top, and sides of the unit are installed maintaining the clearances that are specified in the manual, no additional insulation will need to be used around the fireplace. Adding insulation could actually stifle air flow and cause an overheat situation. The unit will be designed to maintain safe temperatures, as long as the clearances listed in the manual are maintained.

One of our most popular smaller vented units is the Napoleon Vittoria Direct Vent Gas Fireplace - 19-in.. The overall framing width of 22 inches is great for installations with limited space.

It is not recommended to do so. The high heat generated in a fireplace insert can warp and damage the casting, as a fireplace insert will not have the dilution air pulled in that an open fireplace will.

There is potential for buildup of hardened creosote or corrosion of the damper throat to hold the damper plate open. I recommend having the damper and chimney inspected by a chimney sweep to confirm the issue and rectify it.

As long as your fireplace has the dimensions to house a pellet insert, installation of one should not be a problem. Pellet inserts use a different venting system than gas models. As such, the existing venting will need to be removed and a stainless liner installed for the pellet insert.

Because of the small size of your fireplace opening, you will need to utilize one of our smallest fireplace inserts. This unit is the Napoleon GDIZC Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Insert. This model is specifically designed to fit small masonry and prefabricated fireplaces, while still providing a substantial BTU output for the size.

Ideally, the Osburn 2400 High Efficiency EPA Woodburning Insert with Blower would be used. Another option would be the Napoleon EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert - EPI-1402, as it also features a relatively large firebox and an efficient hearth stove design.

If regular latex or acrylic paint is used, it would have to be stripped completely before installing a vent free gas log set. The paint would be heated to the point of releasing dangerous fumes into the room.

Unfortunately, no. Vent free appliances are specifically tested and listed as such. They cannot be safely modified to a vented version, as the chassis of the unit may be compromised.

Unfortunately, no. The units we carry use a single door. Most manufacturers have largely steered away from the double door models. This is due to the modern EPA units being smaller and the fact that double doors offer more opportunity for smoke leakage.

The particular brands of insert we carry are all of comparable high quality, save for the US Stove Medium EPA-Certified Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert, which is more of a basic, budget model. The Napoleon series offers some more contemporary models and a great warranty, however Drolet, Osburn, and Flame are all manufactured by SBI and are very well built as well. In these cases, it boils down to looks and capacity of the firebox.

Per the area given and your location, a unit that is capable of producing about 30,000 BTU would be appropriate. Your fireplace is sized to fit something like our a href="https://www.efireplacestore.com/cui-vfp28in23l.html">Empire Innsbrook. While vent free appliances are a great source of efficient heating, it is not a good idea to run them constantly. Extended use of a vent free appliance can lead to excessive moisture build up in the home. Additionally, as these units pull their combustion air from the room, excessive burn times necessitate that a window be opened in the home to allow for recovery of make up air. Additionally, it would be wise to check with your local code enforcement to confirm that vent free appliances are permitted in your area. Some jurisdiction prohibit the installation of these products.

As long as the fireplace in question is large enough and has been listed for use with a gas insert, you certainly could install one. The most common problem is finding an insert that is short enough to fit a prefabricated wood burning fireplace. Another common issue is finding an insert that has the 3 inch inlet and exhaust collars that line up with the exhaust collar on the fireplace. In many cases, one collar is too far forward or too far back, preventing you from routing one of the 3 inch liners properly.

You are at the cutoff point between needing to insulate and not needing to insulate. Your chimney is not overly tall and the interior location are points in your favor, but the chimney liner is large enough and your climate is cold enough that insulating would be prudent. Even if the unit does draft without the insulation, it will not operate as efficiently as it could if the liner was wrapped. You will not need to insulate around the unit itself.

Unfortunately, these early Majestic models were not tested and listed for use with a wood burning fireplace insert. Because of this, it is very possible that installation of an insert will subject the combustible framing around the unit to dangerous temperatures. The fireplace floor may also not be able to support the weight of an insert, as insert rated models usually have additional supports and gusseting.

We do indeed carry a unit that functions like a high efficiency fireplace insert, but can be enclosed into a combustible framed wall. The unit is the Flame Monaco XTD EPA Zero Clearance Wood Burning Fireplace. This unit is essentially a wood stove encased in a special chassis to maintain proper clearances. A licensed general contractor would be able to reframe the opening and install this model, along with the required chimney pipe.

Unfortunately, no. While some of the larger direct vent fireplaces we offer have the option of a power vented exhaust, the inserts do not have this feature. The chimney would have to be extended with prefabricated vent piping or a vent free insert used instead.