If you are not familiar with fireplace inserts, they are basically designed to be installed in an existing fireplace location and convert the operation of that fireplace to another fuel source. Other fuel sources include wood, gas, and propane. Of these, the most popular used to be wood-burning, but due to restrictions in some areas regarding wood-burning appliances, gas-fired appliances are rapidly increasing in popularity and becoming the preferred choice for many consumers.
Fireplace inserts can cause problems if installed in a fireplace that is not designed or approved for that particular insert. The chimney is often overlooked, you must ensure that the chimney is equipped with an approved vent; this may require you to reline the chimney. Additional modifications to your fireplace may be required depending on the type you install, ie wood, gas, or other type of insert, check with the manufacturer for details.
Instructions for installation and operation are usually included with the fireplace, as well as information on whether the inserts can be safely installed in that particular style of fireplace. To ensure safe use of the fireplace, try to retrieve as much information about your fireplace as possible, check that no paperwork has been left behind, often fireplace installers will leave the information inside the bottom of the fireplace. You can access this by opening the bottom vent cover. If you still can’t find the make and model of the fireplace, try contacting the previous owner. If you don’t have the information, ask for the name of the home builder, they should have a record of the chimney manufacturer and the company that installed the unit. .
If you choose to install an insert, I strongly suggest having it professionally installed by a certified technician to ensure proper performance and safety. A qualified professional will be familiar with the manufacturer’s and building code requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, clearances between the unit and the vent system and combustible materials, protection from combustible floors, and assembly of the unit and the vent system.
Fireplace inserts are a great way to update that old fireplace, but remember that a wrong or poorly installed unit may not be visible at first, but the consequences can be devastating. Installation is not for the average do-it-yourselfer; consider having a professional install the insert. One final note: make sure you have it inspected by a professional once a year to make sure it’s in safe and proper operating condition.