Wood Inserts

A wood insert turns an open fireplace, which takes more heat out of the home than it provides, into a highly efficient heat source without losing the irresistible charm, ambiance, and comfort of a real wood fire.

In picking a wood insert, be sure to check the efficiency rating - anything over 70% is good. Wood burning has been proven to be a carbon-neutral heating source, however higher efficiency ratings will mean that you will save up to 1/3 of the wood you are used to burning with your older, inefficient wood insert. Also, consider whether you want an insert made of steel, cast iron, or soapstone. Steel delivers high amounts of heat in a short period of time but it also cools quite quickly when you stop supplying it with wood. Cast iron and soapstone provide more comfortable, even heat over much longer periods of time - they are also significantly more expensive than steel to produce, meaning that cast iron and soapstone inserts will tend to cost more.

When installed, the insert simply sits inside your masonry firebox, then a liner is run up your flue and a cap seals the unit at the top. You will also need a hearth measuring 18 inches off the glass of the insert which, given that the insert protrudes from the firebox somewhat, means the total depth of the hearth may need to be as much as 24 inches or more. If you don't have the appropriate distance, you will have to extend it using any continuous non-combustible material which is fixed to the floor (cement board covered in tile is a popular option). The insert comes with a fan which plugs into a regular 110 volt power outlet.

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