What is the difference between a stove, a fireplace and an insert?
Stoves are freestanding units burning various fuels for heat. Stoves are appropriate for homes where there is no pre-existing fireplace structure (or an old fireplace has been sealed up) and room heat is desired. Stoves also bring an old world feel that many homeowners enjoy. Most stoves require a hearth for floor protection. Fireplaces are structures built into a house (either a new construction or an addition), often made of brick or stone on the outside, with the chimney generally lined with heat-resistant terra cotta or zero clearance metal pre-fabricated fireplace. Installing or removing a fireplace generally requires a contractor and a permit from the local building department. Fireplace inserts fit into an existing fireplace to combine the benefits of a fireplace and a stove, displaying lovely flames and dramatically increasing heating efficiency. (All wood appliances require 18″ of floor protection in front of the opening.
