What is a Wood Burning Insert?
A wood burning insert may be used to refurbish an existing fireplace, or to finish a fireplace in a new construction. Wood burning fireplace inserts are self-contained and relatively easy to install, with all the components needed to provide the warmth of a real wood fireplace in one energy-efficient package. The front of the wood burning insert is generally encased in glass, and an adjustable fan blows a stream of heated air into the room through vents. The crackle and aroma of a nice, warm log fire is very enjoyable for many people. And, while non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal or gas do burn cleaner than wood, they cannot truly duplicate a wood fire. Unlike coal or gas, wood is a renewable resource. However, open wood fireplaces provide inefficient heating, allowing most of the heat to escape right up the chimney. A wood burning insert is made to be extremely energy-efficient, and to provide a cleaner burn than a wood furnace or typical fireplace. Heating efficiency is measured