What is the purpose of a fireplace insert? A fireplace insert is a sealed box that is placed (inserted) into an existing masonry fireplace. As a result, the old inefficient wood fireplace is upgraded to a new high-efficiency wood, gas, or propane fireplace that will produce more heat and use less fuel.
Why do I need a fireplace insert? 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.
Are fireplace inserts worth it? Are Fireplace Inserts Worth the Money? … Savings: Fireplace inserts can help you to cut down on your heating bill. A fireplace insert is not recommended as a sole use of heating but when used in conjunction with turning down your thermostat, can save you money on your heating bill.
Should I remove fireplace insert? A wood-burning fireplace insert must be removed when your fireplace and chimney enclosure need cleaning. It’s easier than removing a gas insert because it’s not necessary to remove or disconnect gas lines. Most wood-burning fireplace inserts are heavy and are secured to the enclosure with screws or bolts.
What is the purpose of a fireplace insert? – Related Questions
How to calculate fireplace opening?
30″ and that equals 1080 square inches of fireplace opening. Step 2: If you are using a round liner and the chimney height is more than 8′ above the fireplace opening you can divide the 1080 by 12. This amount equals 90″.
Can you remove a brick fireplace?
A: Yes, you can remove the brick facade and replace it with another material. And you will still be able to use the fireplace. The only restriction is that the material around the firebox must be noncombustible. Common choices are marble, some other type of stone or tile.
How to deal with fireplace ashes?
Always treat your fireplace ashes as if they could still be hot. Remove them from the firebox using a metal shovel and place them inside a metal ash bucket. If your plan to keep the ashes in your house, the bucket should be closed with a firm-fitting metal lid, or place them in the garage or a well ventilated space.
How to clean brass plated fireplace screen?
Simply rub a thin coat onto the brass, let sit for an hour or so, and then clean the piece with hot, soapy water. Another option is to make a paste of equal parts salt, flour, and white vinegar. Apply the paste to the brass and let sit for up to an hour. Rinse with warm water and buff dry.
Can you use fireplace without damper?
Whether your fireplace is gas or wood-burning, if it was built with a pre-fabricated insert, then it almost certainly has a damper. And while older wood-burning fireplaces can function safely without a damper (gas fireplaces cannot), a chimney without a damper is just a gaping hole in the roof of your house.
How wide should fireplace surround be?
Your mantel should be wider than your fireplace. Typically, a mantel should be a minimum of 3 inches past the firebox on each side. However, more can be better. The average mantel is approximately 6 inches wider than the fireplace on either side, and some can be even wider.
How hang tv above fireplace?
Only mount a TV above a fireplace if temperatures in that spot do not surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit. You may have luck with a fireplace that produces less heat, features a deep mantel, and strong blower. Tape a thermometer to the wall in the approximate center of where your flat-screen TV might hang.
Is cedar ok to burn in fireplace?
You should not use most cedar species in any stove or fireplace you value. … Cedars are the next best thing to a resin-soaked pine knot for starting wood fires, and cedar makes for a great natural kindling source. Using it for starting your fires is just fine. But burning it exclusively is not recommended.
How to keep fireplace going all night?
In an extended fire, you load large pieces of wood into your wood burning stove, tightly packed, so the fire slowly spreads from log to log, extending your burn for 6 to 8 hours or more. You won’t need to reload any time soon. This sort of burn maintains a low, steady heat that can stay burning all night.
How thick is granite fireplace surround?
Granite hearths create a smooth, finished look surrounding the fireplace. This material is generally two inches (5.08 cm) thick, and may be installed so that it is level with the surrounding floor. Brick and slate usually require more depth and are often used for raised hearths.
How to install a river rock fireplace?
Mix the mortar according to package directions. Spread a thick layer over the chicken wire with your trowel. Set your river rocks in place and press firmly. Holding the rocks securely in place for about a minute each should allow the mortar to “take” and enable you to move on to the next rock.
How do i clean soot off of fireplace brick?
To do this, create a paste of either baking soda or cream of tartar mixed with a small amount of water. Apply it to the remaining soot and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub with a firm toothbrush or small scrub brush and rinse.
How to drill into a flat stone fireplace?
Using the masonry drill bit drill a hole into the stone/brick as deep as the lead anchor directions say to go. With a hammer tap the anchor into the hole. With a screwdriver insert the screw into the anchor leaving space to hang your art on the end. Hang your art!
How to operate an electric fireplace?
The fireplace must be plugged in at the wall and the wall socket turned on. The power button on the electric fireplace must be switched on. The flame effect switch must be turned on (if separate to the main power switch). The flame dial can then be used to control brightness of the flames.
How to clean modular home stone fireplace?
Thoroughly mix approximately one cup of Laundry detergent into 3 gallons of hot water. Never use detergents with bleach, any type of acid, or a pressure washer. Rinse the stone/brick with water to remove loose debris. Using a circular motion scrub the dirtiest areas first using a medium bristle brush.
How bad is fireplace smoke?
“Exposure to wood-burning smoke can cause asthma attacks and bronchitis and also can aggravate heart and lung disease.” … In addition to the fireplace smoke that can be released inside the home, research has shown that up to 70% of smoke released via the chimney re-enters your home.
What logs to use in a gas fireplace?
The three main types of gas log materials are refractory cement, ceramic fiber and refractory ceramic. Each are designed to be as realistic-looking as possible, but there are several differences to consider when choosing a gas log set for your fireplace.
How to seal around gas fireplace insert?
Adhesive Strips. Available at many hardware and home improvement stores, small rolls of fiberglass-based stripping can be cut to size and applied in noticeable gaps between an insert and the masonry on the outside face of a fireplace, underneath the insert.
How to move a fireplace?
If it is a masonry (stone or brick) fireplace, its impossible to move. If its a gas fireplace, it can be done but you’ll have to take the wall apart, rebuild the exhaust and move the gas piping. Don’t do this unless you are doing substantial remodeling or literally have money to burn.
How much space between mantle and fireplace?
As a general rule, the mantel is placed about 12 inches above the fireplace opening. Then adding an inch to the distance for every inch that the mantel protrudes. So a mantel 6 inches deep, would be attached 18 inches above the firebox opening.
How to clean inside of gas fireplace?
Bust the Dust: Dust your natural gas fireplace logs from top-to-bottom using a paintbrush or soft-bristled toothbrush. Next, wipe down the glass cover with a dry cloth and an alcohol-based fireplace cleaner (one that is not ammonia-based) for a spotless shine.