Something to consider in this case is that an insert could be put into the fireplace, and a freestanding stove installed at the other end of the house in a large room such as a family room or sun room. This way, the whole house would be heated. If there is a second level in the home it will be heated by rising warm air by either type of appliance.
Full Answer
Is a free-standing wood stove better than an inserted fireplace?
If you want to maximize the heating efficiency of an existing fireplace, then an insert is the best option. But if you want to heat a home or room that doesn’t have a fireplace, then a free-standing wood stove is an excellent choice. Still can’t decide?
Should I install a wood stove or an insert?
Your choice of an insert or a wood stove depends on your needs and whether you have an existing fireplace in your home. If you want to maximize the heating efficiency of an existing fireplace, then an insert is the best option.
What is a fireplace insert?
Fireplace inserts are essentially heating stoves that have been designed to fit directly within an existing masonry fireplace. In fact, homeowners that are unsatisfied with the heat from their current fireplace will often consider installing a fireplace insert. When compared to conventional fireplaces, fireplace inserts are far more efficient.
Do you need a blower for a fireplace insert?
With wood stoves, no blower is required to move the heat around – although some come with the option. Whereas, with fireplace inserts, a blower is needed in order to distribute heat to other areas of the home. Otherwise, inserts tend to only warm the space in which they are installed.
Are inset stoves as good as freestanding stoves?
However, in reality, a key benefit of an inset wood-burning stove is that it is much more efficient than open fires, with efficiencies in excess of 80%, while still providing a stunning additional feature to your living space.
Can you use a fireplace insert without a fireplace?
No, you do not need an existing fireplace--a pellet insert can be installed without a fireplace.
Which is better an insert or freestanding stove?
If you want to maximize the heating efficiency of an existing fireplace, then an insert is the best option. But if you want to heat a home or room that doesn't have a fireplace, then a free-standing wood stove is an excellent choice.
Can a pellet stove insert be used free standing?
Pellet stoves or fireplace inserts are the perfect alternative between gas and wood. Free standing or insert, a pellet stove can provide the perfect heating for any space.
Do fireplace inserts give off heat?
Do electric fireplace inserts produce heat? Yes. While electric fireplace inserts don't produce as much heat as gas- and wood-fueled inserts, most models can heat spaces up to 400 square feet.
Is a fireplace insert the same as a wood stove?
A fireplace insert is basically a stove, wood or gas, that is designed to be inserted into a fireplace that is already there. Usually a wood burning fireplace built with the home will get an “insert” put inside of it.
Do stove fans work on inset stoves?
Unfortunately, owners of inset or built-in stoves were unable to get the most from their appliance with a stove fan, as the fans were designed to sit on the flat stove top. Which is just inaccessible for the inset or built in stove.
Do inset stoves need a flue liner?
Our answer is generally yes. If you are going to be placing an inset stove within an existing chimney place, with a functioning chimney, then you don't technically require a flue liner. However, we would always recommend that you use a chimney flue liner with an inset stove.
How efficient are fireplace inserts?
The efficiency of fireplace inserts can be as much as 80%. 2. EPA-certified fireplace inserts can reduce wood-burning emissions to practically zero, meaning that your environmental footprint is much smaller than with an open hearth fireplace.
Can you burn pellets in a fireplace insert?
Can I Use Pellets in a Fireplace Insert? Yes, you can use pellets in a fireplace insert. You will need the same pellet tray or pellet basket to hold your wood pellet fuel.
Are pellet stove inserts worth it?
These innovative appliances are excellent heating solutions for homeowners who live in cold climates, where approximately one-third of annual utility costs go toward heating. If you are considering installing a fire product in your home, pellet stoves and pellet fireplace inserts are definitely worth a close look.
How often do you fill a pellet stove?
How often you must add pellets depends on the size of the hopper and how hot you run the stove. A pellet stove with a small hopper may need to be filled twice a day while stoves with large-capacity hoppers can run hot for four or five days before they need to be refilled.
What can I use if I don't have a fireplace?
4 Ways to Get Your Fire Fix Without a FireplaceSet up some decorative logs. Before you can build a fire, you have to have logs — and logs can be pretty! ... Plug in an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces have come a long way. ... Turn to Netflix. ... Light some candles.
What is a ventless fireplace insert?
A ventless gas fireplace insert is an enclosed box that fits inside of your fireplace. It helps trap heat and contains the flame. Like built-ins, the fireplace box reduces air leaks, is smokeless, and lowers energy bills by keeping heat inside instead of venting it out.
Why does a fireplace insert need a chimney liner?
When an insert has no liner, or a partial liner, it cannot be cleaned in the normal way (by putting a brush into the chimney through the insert). Doing so would cause ash and creosote to fall behind the insert, where it would build up and potentially ignite.
Are wood fireplace inserts safe?
Woodstove inserts provide superior safety by sectioning off the woodstove from the rest of the room. This means that sparks and gusts of wind are controlled, allowing your fire to burn peacefully.
What is a fireplace insert?
A fireplace insert is a self-contained heating appliance that fits inside an existing fireplace opening. Like a traditional fireplace, they are best for heating individual living spaces. An insert operates similar to that of a space heater transforming an inefficient traditional fireplace into a highly efficient heat producer without sacrificing aesthetics. EPA certified fireplace inserts are up to 90% more efficient and consume one-third less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. They are environmentally friendly, burn cleaner with less air pollution and creosote.
How efficient are EPA fireplace inserts?
EPA certified fireplace inserts are up to 90% more efficient and consume one-third less fuel to generate the same amount of heat. They are environmentally friendly, burn cleaner with less air pollution and creosote.
What is an optional blower motor?
An optional blower motor forces heated air into the room for maximum efficiency. There are also units equipped with adjustable thermostat and remote operation for the ultimate in heating comfort and convenience. When installed with a stainless chimney liner, an insert is efficient, clean and easy to maintain.
What are the advantages of a free standing stove?
They are available in different sizes and styles to fit any space. They are best for heating large spaces or an entire home.
How many sq ft is a medium stove?
A medium stove for up to 2,000 sq. ft.
Is a stainless chimney liner good for a wood stove?
When installed with a stainless chimney liner, an insert is efficient, clean and easy to maintain. Your choice of an insert or a wood stove depends on your needs and whether you have an existing fireplace in your home. If you want to maximize the heating efficiency of an existing fireplace, then an insert is the best option.
Where to put a freestanding stove?
A freestanding stove can be placed in the center of a home’s living space. A freestanding stove centrally located on the lower level of a home can heat an entire home. Vent also can be added to the floors of rooms above the heating stove to help those rooms take advantage of the heat transfer.
Can you put an insert in a fireplace?
However, there are some considerations. A prefabricated fireplace shouldn’t be fitted with an insert. Doing so would void the warranty and serve as a fire hazard. An insert also might not be the best option if your existing fireplace is located at one end of your home. To effectively heat your home, your insert or heating stove should be centrally located within your home.
Does an insert have sides?
Insert has no sides, the "gut's are open and "ugly", freestanding are enclosed with there controls built in the side and most have leg's or a pedestal, otherwise there exactly the same
Does Kuma use the same box as Enviro?
I'm not sure about Quadrafire, the Kuma and Enviro use the same box for there free standing stoves and inserts. It takes separate testing for each application that cost a lot of money, so in Enviro's case they did not test each to be used interchangeably. Kuma uses a different way to mount the firebox flanges for insert application and have tested and certified a number of their stoves to be used in multiple applications. Code uses tested certification for approval not the box itself so if code is not an issue just check with Quadrafire and see if they use the same box.
Do firebox inserts have pedestals?
inserts do not have a pedestal or legs which would move the firebox off the floor, and have not been tested and approved for freestanding use so your insurer will not be happy with it being installed.
What is the Alderlea T5?
Built around Pacific Energy’s legendary Super Series steel firebox, the Alderlea T5 combines the very best features of both cast iron and steel stoves. Elegant, historic cast iron styling that adds to the decor of any room, radiant and convective heat, huge glass for a full view of your fire, a concealed cook top for … Continue reading#N#Pacific Energy Alderlea T5
How do fireplace inserts work?
Make no mistake, fireplace inserts are highly efficient. When properly installed, the way fireplace inserts operate is that they minimize heat loss and also transfer heat into your home by way of air convection. There is an outer box surrounding the firebox top, bottom, and sides. The airspace is open only to the front. Ultimately, superheated air flows into your home while replacement air is drawn into the bottom of the airspace that surrounds the insert.
Do you need a blower for a freestanding wood stove?
Although blowers can assist with the efficiency of a fireplace insert, no blower is needed for freestanding wood stoves. Consult with professionals at any of our member stores, to learn about the various materials wood stoves are made with and which ones provide a greater amount of radiant heat.
What is a fireplace insert?
Fireplace inserts are essentially heating stoves that have been designed to fit directly within an existing masonry fireplace. In fact, homeowners that are unsatisfied with the heat from their current fireplace will often consider installing a fireplace insert. When compared to conventional fireplaces, fireplace inserts are far more efficient. However, like regular fireplaces, they are best suited for heating individual living spaces.
What is a wood stove?
Conventional wood stoves use a simple, metal firebox to burn wood and generate heat. The greatest advantage to these free-standing stoves is that it can be placed pretty much anywhere in your home. They come in a wide array of sizes and styles to fit any space. Unlike fireplace inserts, wood stoves are ideal for heating large living spaces or an entire home.
How much does it cost to install a fireplace insert?
Whereas, the cost to install a fireplace insert into an existing fireplace is between $900 and $3,100, including materials and labor. Costs vary based on the type of insert, type of chimney liner, and the conditions of the home.
How much does a wood stove cost?
When it comes to cost, most wood stoves range from $1,000 to $2,000. Though, you can often find some priced as low as $500, or as high as $3,000. This does not include the installation, which can cost between $250 and $800 for labor, and between $300 and $3,500 for the installation of a chimney or ventilation system.
Which is more efficient, a wood stove or a fireplace?
More efficient: Overall, wood stoves burn more economically than fireplace inserts, produce more heat, and radiate heat on all sides.
How many square feet can a wood stove heat?
A large wood stove can heat a home up to 3,000 square feet.
What is a blower motor?
A blower motor is an extra feature that can be added to force heated air into the room, maximizing efficiency. Some units are also outfitted with an adjustable thermostat and remote operation.
