Installing a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert like a Professional
by Jude McDonald on Jan 18, 2017
A wood burning fireplace insert has many benefits over traditional gas and electrical alternatives. Most significantly by choosing to heat your home using wood you can take control of your finances and cut your energy bills drastically - no longer having to be at the mercy of energy companies.
A wood burning insert is a particularly good choice since it decreases back drafts and the loss of heat up your chimney, which makes them extremely efficient at transferring heat into your home.
How Does an Insert Work?
Like all heating appliances of the stove variety, including wood stoves and pellet stoves, and insert contains a firebox in which the combustion of the wood logs occurs and in turn the production of heat. In the majority of insert models, the firebox is enclosed in a metal casing, which allows air to pass through to be heated. This casing serves one of the major functions of an insert, it ensures the heat generated is transferred efficiently into the living space instead of being lost into the surrounding masonry work and directly up the chimney.
In simple terms, the casing is acting similarly to a radiator, the metal is slowly radiating the generated heat into your living space, making the most of your heat for longer.
How to Install an Insert – Step by Step Guide
1.Assess the Area
To begin, you should assess your current fireplace area; to install an insert you will require a suitable hearth to place it upon, which is an essential safety requirement. This is usually composed of many inches of concrete or many layers of brickwork or a raised log store. The purpose of this is to provide a barrier between the intense heat and the potentially flammable materials that make up the construction work of your property.
2.Alter the Recess as Necessary
Next, you will need to determine the size of the recess and determine if the dimensions are adequate for the particular insert you want to install. This is the square area in which your insert will neatly slot into. If it’s too small you can use an angle grinder to remove and shape the brick or stone masonry and adjust the dimensions as required. You can often locate the dimensions of the insert in the product specifications.
3.Connect and Shut off the Power Supplies
If there is no electricity connection, then you will probably need to have this installed near the corner of the stove. A 110-volt connection is recommended and this will be used to power the ignition. Many modern inserts are equipped with controls for instant, hassle free lighting of the fire. The power supply will also help run other common features such as a blower that distributes the heat into your home evenly, this is similar to a wood stove fan. Also, you will need to have your gas pipes sealed by a professional, which is likely required if you are swapping your gas fire for a wood burning stove.
4.Assess the Fireback
Just like the recess, the fire back may also need adjusting to fit your insert, as the name suggests this is the area at the back of the fireplace. Using a hammer and chisel will allow you to easily remove any bricks you need, to open up more space for your insert. Once the dimensions of your fireplace are correct you’ll be able to easily slot in your insert.
5. Line Your Flue
Your venting is another important part of your heating system, for both safety and efficiency. You can easily utilize chimney liner kits to line your flue. First, using a ladder, safely go to your roof and feed a rope down your chimney and let it hang to the bottom. This will aid you in guiding the venting into space and up the chimney. Drop the vent liner down with ease, and from the roof trim the top. Next, you need to attach it to the adaptor on the top side of the insert, you will likely be able to do this quite easily utilizing a screwdriver. Once screwed in place, you will need to install a chimney cap and screw your insert panel firmly into position.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
92290 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
73139 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71255 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
51699 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30161 Views
Latest Articles
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginner's Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Global Real Estate Trends: What’s Driving Property Investments This Year?
For investors hoping to optimise returns in the ever-changing world of real estate, knowing current trends is not merely a matter of staying...
on Dec 19, 2024
5 Reasons to Use Gutter Cleaning Services
Gutters protect your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your roof, walls, and foundation. However, they often required regular...
on Nov 14, 2024
Before You Sign: How Home Inspections Identify Hidden Hazards in Your Future Home
Buying a home is exciting, but hidden dangers can turn that dream into a nightmare if not addressed early on. Beyond what is visible during a...
on Oct 18, 2024
The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...
on May 17, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginner's Guide
on Dec 19, 2024
Real Estate / Finance
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
Global Real Estate Trends: What’s Driving Property Investments This Year?
on Dec 19, 2024
Real Estate / Finance
For investors hoping to optimise returns in the ever-changing world of real estate, knowing current trends is not merely a matter of staying...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How to Improve Your Home Comfort with HVAC
Everyone wants a comfortable home because it provides us security, identity, privacy, control and belonging. But most of all, a home is a place we...
Tips for Waterproofing Your Basement
Water damage is the most common form of home damage and can be caused by rain, humidity, seepage, plumbing leaks, burst pipes, and overflows. Your...
Great Ways to Protect Floors from Furniture
Hardwood floors are beautiful and classic to have in your home, but an accidental scratch or dent can easily mar their appearance. Furniture...
6 Favored Methods for Foundation Waterproofing You Should Know
If you have ever walked down to your basement and noticed a small trickle of water or a small puddle on the floor, you may dismiss it as no big...
How Decking Improves Your Garden
There are many straightforward, cost-effective ways to improve and update the dynamism and look of your garden. From a quick, simple mow, to...