My Fireplace: I Think it's an Insert

The fact is, what is pictured above, if it has any black metal showing and no fixed glass or heavy cast/steel doors, is what we call, as professionals, an open wood burning or vent free factory built fireplace. It could be wood burning or have gas logs in it. It could even have bifold glass doors. 

Our terminology for an insert is an additional appliance, not including gas logs, that is inserted into an open wood burning fireplace. This is where things can get confusing.

There are several types of factory built fireplaces that cannot have inserts installed. They are vent free gas fireplaces, direct vent gas fireplaces, high efficiency  fireplaces with fixed doors and b-vent gas fireplaces.

 To make more sense of fireplaces you cannot install and insert into,  you need to know that some fireplaces have dedicated interiors, like integrated gas burners. These cannot be removed. The entire system would have to be replaced if you wanted to change use.

Types of inserts are; high efficiency wood burning inserts, direct vent gas inserts, b-vent gas inserts, vent free gas inserts and biofuel (pellet) inserts. All of them are "inserted into an operational wood burning fireplace".

Fireplace inserts (wood or gas) are typically installed in fireplaces that no longer serve their intended function or a fireplace that a customer wants to make more efficient.

Updating and inefficient fireplace with a wood or gas insert can be a huge upgrade to your home.

If I have confused you, you're not alone. There are so many things available that it is always a good idea to have your fireplace professionally inspected by someone that is certified by the National Fireplace Institute as a Fireplace Design Specialist.

At Top Hat Chimney Sweeps we have our Certified Chimney Sweeps also certified as NFI Design Specialists. We can help you decide what type of fireplace, gas logs or fireplace insert is best for your needs.

Feel free to browse our web site, visit our retail outlet at 1280 Financial Court in Auburn Alabama or call us at 334-749-3559. 

Stay safe and warm!