Wood burning fireplace inserts still allow you to burn firewood as the source of fuel as you would with a traditional open fireplace, but the efficiency of the burn and the heat output can be increased dramatically. Wood burning inserts can include both log-burning wood inserts and wood pellet inserts.
What is the difference between a wood fireplace and insert?
Pellet Stove Comparison Guide
- Differences Between Wood Heat and Pellets. Both types of stoves produce a comfortable dry radiant heat. ...
- Key Features. Modern wood heat stoves are safer and more efficient than past models, thanks to new EPA-certified models.
- Appearance. ...
- Sizes. ...
- Repair and Maintenance. ...
- Energy Use. ...
- Installation. ...
- Cost. ...
- Lifespan. ...
- The Verdict. ...
What is the best alternative to a wood burning fireplace?
- Alder (Red)
- Aspen
- Cedar (Red)
- Cottonwood
- Hemlock
- Pine (Lodgepole and White)
- Redwood
- Spruce (Sitka)
How much does a wood burning fireplace insert cost?
The back of the insert is connected either to the chimney or an outdoor vent. How Much Does a Fireplace Insert Cost? Most fireplace inserts cost between $1,000 and $2,000, but high-end models can sell for $4,000 or more. When you factor in the cost of installation, budget anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
How do you use a fireplace insert?
A fireplace insert is typically inserted into an open fireplace (like the one shown above).. The main types of fireplace inserts include wood burning, gas and electric.The insert may or may not take up the whole of the space within the fireplace firebox and an extra surround can be used to plug the gap between the insert and the opening of the fireplace.
What is the difference between a wood fireplace and an insert?
Inserts are much smaller than fireplaces again because they are designed to fit into the opening, they will have much smaller glass fronts for the same reason. Inserts are designed to replace the inefficient wood fireplaces with new, cleaner burning appliances inside of them.
Can you use fire logs in a fireplace insert?
Duraflame firelogs (other than stax logs) should not be burned in wood stoves or fireplace inserts that have doors that will affect airflow.
How do I know if I can burn wood in my fireplace?
Wood Fires If your fireplace has an empty firebox, it is a wood-burning system. Your wood-burning stove will have a door and a space to build your fire, but no ignitors or feeding devices like a pellet stove might have.
Can you burn wood in any fireplace?
Can You Use Wood-Burning Fireplaces in California? You can use a wood-burning fireplace in some California districts on most days, but it becomes illegal to do so in your area on no-burn days, which typically occur during the winter.
Are wood fireplace inserts worth it?
Studies have shown that as much as 95 percent of the residual heat in a traditional wood fireplace is expelled outside. A wood-burning fireplace insert offers a slower, more efficient burn rate providing up to five hours of uninterrupted heat. It consumes less fuel and has heating efficiencies of 80+ percent!
How do you install wood in a fireplace insert?
1:415:45building a wood fire in a fireplace insert - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn top like this and one of the most important things about this setup is that because the fire willMoreOn top like this and one of the most important things about this setup is that because the fire will be happening from the top and these logs at this moment are cold but as the skinning is burning.
Can you have a wood-burning fireplace without a chimney?
If you live in a house without a chimney, you may be wondering whether it is possible to have a wood burning or pellet stove. Fortunately for many, the answer is a resounding yes! Luckily for those living in modern homes, you do not need a chimney to install a wood burning or pellet stove.
How do I know if I have a fireplace insert?
You can generally tell you have a fireplace insert if the firebox is metal and surrounded by a steel shell. To know for sure what type of insert you have, look for the nameplate under the grill by the pilot light and gas valve.
Can a fireplace cause carbon monoxide?
Yes, gas fireplaces are one potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there are many potential sources of such exposure, including certain appliances and devices, motor vehicles and wood stoves, gas fireplaces are a common culprit.
What kind of wood should not be burned in a fireplace?
Trees like pines, firs, or cypress have "soft" wood, which burns fast, leaves few coals, and makes a lot of smoke that can coat your chimney with soot (not a safe thing in the long run).
What type of wood is best for indoor fireplace?
Oak is considered the best wood to burn in a fireplace, by far. Why? This type of wood produces a slow-burning fire that lasts longer and burns more evenly and hotter. In addition, oak is plentiful and found in almost any area of the country.
Do wood-burning fireplaces pollute the air?
In neighborhoods everywhere across California, residential wood burning is a growing source of air pollution. Most wood heaters, such as woodstoves and fireplaces, release far more air pollution, indoors and out, than heaters using other fuels.
Is it ok to burn wood in a gas fireplace?
Yes, however you must use the right type of wood. The best types are dry hardwoods like oak or maple because they won’t produce excess moisture whe...
Can you burn wet wood in a gas fireplace?
You should never attempt to use green or wet firewood, only dry hardwoods like oak and maple are recommended for burning in a gas fireplace. Burnin...
Should you use a fire starter for gas fireplace?
This is optional and up to your personal preference, but it might be helpful to use one if the wood is particularly hard or damp. Fire starters can...
Can you burn coal in a gas fireplace?
Coal is not recommended because it can cause excess moisture and creosote buildup, which can damage your venting system or lead to other problems d...
Does the fireplace have to be on?
No, you don’t necessarily need your gas fireplace turned on if you want to burn wood. However, it cannot be left off because this can cause an exce...
What are the benefits of burning wood in a gas fireplace?
A few reasons for this include being able to enjoy an authentic outdoor experience without having to worry about it getting too hot, enjoying crack...
What are the drawbacks of burning wood in a gas fireplace?
One drawback is that it can use up more storage space if you plan on keeping logs around to burn regularly. It’s also not recommended for people wh...
What type of firewood is the best for burning?
Dry hardwoods like oak or maple are ideal because they won’t produce excess moisture when burned which could cause problems with your venting syste...
How To Convert A Gas Fireplace To Wood burning?
The first question that probably comes to mind is: can I convert a gas fireplace into burning wood? The answer depends on whether you want to do this for aesthetic reasons or because of heating issues. If it’s the latter, then we recommend getting in touch with a professional as there are different steps involved and lots of safety hazards present.
Is It Possible To Use A Gas Starter Fireplace To Burn Wood?
It is possible to burn wood in a gas fireplace, but you need to follow all the safety precautions and rules. Any type of fire must be properly ventilated for carbon monoxide (CO) emissions as well as smoke particles that can cause serious damage if inhaled over extended periods.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Guidelines Although it may be tempting to simply use a wood fireplace as the same kind of fuel-burning appliance you would for gas or oil, there are some differences. The biggest difference is that modern gas and oil fireplaces can effectively burn much cleaner than their predecessors from hundreds of years ago.
FAQs
Yes, however you must use the right type of wood. The best types are dry hardwoods like oak or maple because they won’t produce excess moisture when burned. This is good for your venting system and can prevent damage caused by creosote buildup.
Conclusion
If you are wondering whether or not you can burn wood in a gas fireplace, the answer is yes! A lot of homeowners and renters feel unsure about using firewood with their gas-burning appliances.
How long have wood fireplace inserts been around?
Wood fireplace inserts have been around for more than 100 years, and their appeal is obvious. With a wood insert, you can get more heat without replacing the whole fireplace and chimney. However, with all their features and benefits, there is an installation requirement that not every homeowner is aware of. Wood-burning fireplace inserts need their ...
How much does a wood burning insert cost?
A DIY wood-burning insert may be found for under $2,000. However the chimney liner system could cost that much or more. By the time the liner system and installation and insert a bundle together cost could exceed $5,000. But this cost is worth it to insure the installed fireplace insert is safe and functional.
What happens if you use a fireplace liner?
If the original fireplace liner was used (assuming it’s in good shape) the exhaust would move very slowly and cause excessive creosote build-up.
How to prevent chimney fires?
Creosote build-up through a wood burning inserts chimney is the number one cause of chimney fires. There are a few ways to minimize chimney fires with wood inserts: 1 A properly installed wood insert fireplace and chimney liner system 2 Burning good firewood 3 Regular chimney sweeping maintenance 4 Annual Chimney Inspections
What are the different types of fireplace inserts?
There are 3 Types of Fireplace Inserts: Wood. Gas. Electric. 1. Wood-Burning Fireplace Inserts. Wood burning fireplace inserts give much more heat and enjoyment than a conventional masonry fireplace. If you plan on continuing to burn wood fire fires, and you wish for more heat, this is a good choice. Wood fireplace inserts have been ...
What is the best way to minimize chimney fires?
Simply being aware and doing these things regularly will minimize chimney fires when using your fireplace insert. 2. Gas Fireplace Inserts. If you’re done with wood burning, and you think you’d enjoy the warmth and convenience of gas logs in your fireplace, then consider a gas fireplace insert.
What is an electric fireplace insert?
Electric fireplace inserts use resistance from electrical elements to generate warm air for the room. Electrical heating appliances consume additional electricity beyond lights and a blower. Only verified electrical circuits should be used with all heating appliances, especially electrical fireplace inserts.
What is the best wood for a fireplace?
Oak. Image: pexels.com. Oak is quite possibly the best wood for fireplace. A lot of this has to do with its density and its energy content. Wood is generally measured in British Thermal Units, and oak ranks pretty high on this list, with red oak probably being the highest.
When will the fireplace be out in 2020?
March 24, 2020 by cutthetimber. Burning wood in a fireplace has long been a passion of many homeowners. The nice, relaxing crackling of a fireplace has been a mainstay in cultures for centuries. These days, it serves a more practical purpose in cutting down heating costs, as well as a great source of lighting in the event that the power goes out.
How long does it take for unseasoned wood to dry?
Fortunately, unseasoned wood is generally too wet to burn, so there's a chance that you may not be in any imminent danger. It generally takes wood a year or two to completely dry. If by chance you can burn it, you'll immediately notice that it gives off too much smoke.
Why are woods so expensive?
However, these woods are known to be a bit expensive due to their ability to be used both for cooking and heating a home.
Is ash a good wood to burn?
It's generally found in mixed cords, which are ash bundled with other hardwoods such as hickory or oak. In any event, ash is super user-friendly and doesn't kick out that much smoke. With ash, unlike oak, you don't have to worry about it being too wet when you want to burn it.
Can you burn softwoods outside?
If you must burn many softwoods, it's probably best to keep them outside and well away from your home, as they can work decently well in a fire pit or bonfire. Images: unsplash.com. Driftwood. While this isn't a problem in some areas of the country, driftwood is also another thing that you want to stay away from.
Is soft wood safe for a fireplace?
Some can be dangerous, while others can be downright toxic, or otherwise just not the best wood for fireplace. Soft Wood. While some softwoods are good to burn, there are a number of them that we think are worth avoiding at all costs.
Why burn wood pellets in a fireplace?
Burning wood pellets in your fireplace or stove can: Help reduce your heating cost expenses. Help you reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the environment. Help you find a cleaner alternative to burning cord wood. Energy Pellets of America makes our wood pellets from 100 percent recycled wood.
How to keep wood pellets from burning?
After you burn your wood energy pellets, you’ll need to clean out your fireplace or fireplace insert. Clear the ash from the inside of your tray. Remove the ash from your fireplace or fireplace insert according to your fireplace manufacturers recommendations. Keeping a clean fireplace and fireplace insert will help keep them burning efficiently.
How to burn pellets longer?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the amount of pellets your insert can hold. Start the fire as you normally would. You might need to use kindling like paper and firelighters. You will likely find that pellets burn longer and cleaner than other fuel sources.
Why are wood pellets cheaper than wood chips?
Because wood pellets are densely compressed food fibers, shipping and handling costs might be lower for wood pellets. Many consumers have found that is costs less to use wood pellets than wood chips. Additionally, wood pellets are easy to store because they are so compact.
How much moisture is in wood pellets?
These tests also prove that our wood pellets contain less than 1 percent ash, less than 8 percent moisture, and have a high heating value.
Can you use a pellet stove with an electric blower?
A pellet tray or basket can be used in most fireplaces. An electric blower is not required. It is a metal tray that you can use inside your fireplace or wood stove. Using a fireplace insert is simple. To use a fireplace insert, you place the metal tray inside your fireplace. The tray lets you heat your home with pellet fuel instead ...
Is burning wood pellets cleaner than burning cord wood?
Burning wood pellets in your stove or fireplace is cleaner than burning cord wood. Additionally, the clean burn process creates less carbon than the organic decomposition of pallets, wood products, and trees. All natural. Our pellets are made without any chemical additives.
What is wood smoke?
Wood smoke consists of fine and ultra-fine particulate matter that finds its way deep into your lungs when you inhale it, ...
Can you breathe in treated wood?
Breathing old treated lumber smoke is akin to breathing cigarette smoke laced with arsenic and chromium, which are common chemicals used for treating the wood. To keep yourself, your family and your pets safe, avoid burning old chemically treated wood.
Can you burn old wood in a fireplace?
The Hazards of Burning Old Wood in a Fireplace. It's tempting to burn old scrap lumber in your wood stove. It saves money by making use of old material that would otherwise end up at the dump, and old lumber is dry, so you can be sure it will burn efficiently and produce heat.
Can you put particle board in a wood stove?
Putting aside particle board – which is glued-together wood chips and should never find its way inside your wood stove – you may have a number of types of wood around the house. You may have the remnants of an old deck or fence forming an unattractive pile in the backyard, or you may have dismantled an old shed and stacked ...
Is burning untreated wood good for the environment?
While burning untreated wood or unpainted wood may not raise environmental red flags, it isn't good for your wood stove. Each of the processes that harvested lumber undergoes to become lumber, from transporting to milling and drying, introduces corrosive chemicals to the wood fibers. For example, many logs are floated in salt water and retain salt in their fibers.
Can You Burn Wood In A Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces cannot burn any form of wood, whether that’s firewood logs or wood pellets.
Can You Burn Wood In A Gas Starter Fireplace?
As gas starter fireplaces are designed to burn wood but simply use gas to help start the fire, it can be considered fine to burn wood in a gas starter fireplace. Once a wood fire has got going a gas starter can be turned off and gas therefore isn’t the primary source of fuel for a gas starter fireplace.
How Do I Know If My Gas Fireplace Can Burn Wood?
A fireplace will need to be inspected by a professional to confirm whether it is a gas fireplace or a gas starter fireplace. Wood cannot be burnt in a gas fireplace but can be burnt in a gas starter fireplace.
Is pine wood good for burning in a fireplace?
Deciding which types of firewood to utilize is crucial because you’re probably planning on warming or heating your place with it. Various firewoods are out there, but some of them are more efficient than others.
How does pine compare to other types of firewood?
Pinewood is not that much good as firewood with low BTU, comparing to other types of wood. Because pinewood is a bit smokey, produces low heat, has low-quality coal, emits toxic, and is difficult to chop, there are also lots of issues with pinewood. In this case, Black Locust wood is the best as firewood with high BTU.
What kind of wood should not be burned in a fireplace?
For approaching winter, crackling fire is the warmest and coziest. However, although open fires are excellent methods for staying toasty, they can be a dangerous source for your health as well as your house, particularly if you throw something wrong in it.
Do people burn pine wood?
People burn pine wood, but after completely dried them out. But I recommend not to use pine wood in a fireplace because they are a little smokey, and they can release toxic if you use them before drying completely.
How safe is it to burn cones of pine in a fireplace?
Yes, you can burn pine cones in the wood stoves or your fireplaces. But make sure that they are fully dehydrated to avoid cracking, popping, and additional creosote buildup. Dry pine cones produce excellent fire starters. So burn pines after drying them out; it will be safe.
Is burning pinewood toxic?
Burning pine wood can be dangerous because it has a high amount of sap content. When burning the sap, it makes tarry smoke which will coat the fireplace and possibly cause fire hazards. The deposits left in your chimney are creosote, and it happens due to wood smoke.
Does pine smoke when burned?
Pines are a little bit smokey. They tend to create a little smoke. And this is another reason why pine can’t become the best as indoor firewood. It would be best if you clean the chimney at least once a year to stop excess creosote deposits on your chimney.
Warm Up Safely
Thanks to modern heating technologies, homeowners today no longer have to rely on fire for heat. But that doesn’t mean a crackling fire in the fireplace isn’t a wonderful antidote to a cold evening. Take care, however, that in your zeal to achieve a warming, roaring flame, you don’t toss items that can harm you and your home into the fireplace.
Treated or Coated Wood
When you burn coated or pressure-treated wood, toxic chemicals can be released into the air you breathe. For example, wood treated to withstand rot or insects used to contain a form of arsenic, and painted, stained, or varnished woods contain other chemicals—and all these chemicals create toxic fumes when burned.
Cardboard
Small recyclables are often used to start a roaring fire because they usually catch fire quickly. The next time you need to get a fire going, however, don’t use cardboard (including pizza boxes and cereal boxes), which is often treated with chemicals.
Lighter Fluid
Never use lighter fluid, charcoal starter fluid, or any other type of accelerant to start a fire in a fireplace. These products are designed for very specific uses and should not be used to fuel an indoor fire, in part because they often contain methanol and petroleum-based chemicals that produce toxic fumes.
Magazines and Colored Paper
The inks used to create colorful magazine layouts contain chemical pigments that release toxic fumes when burned.
Wet Firewood
The best thing you can do to make sure your firewood is always fireplace-ready is to keep it dry. For starters, dry wood is easier to light than damp wood. Even more importantly, the moisture in wet firewood makes it smoke and leads to rapid creosote buildup in the chimney liner. In fact, creosote buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires.
Allergen-Producing Brushwood
You wouldn’t intentionally roll around in a patch of poison oak, but you’ll be putting your whole family at risk if you burn the woody vines from poison sumac, poison ivy, or plants that contain urushiol, a toxic irritant that causes rashes on contact.
