What is an insert?
Different options for inserts
At All Pro Fireplace, we offer a wide range of top quality wood, pellet or gas inserts that will be inserted into a masonry firebox and add warmth and style to your home. Our fireplaces come in different designs and finishes to suit your unique style and preferences. We guarantee that you'll find the perfect fireplace for your home. Inserts are not meant to go into wood framed walls. They can only be inserted into masonry fireplaces.
Wood Inserts
Wood inserts are designed to burn wood more completely, resulting in higher heating efficiency compared to traditional open fireplaces. This means more heat is generated from the same amount of wood, leading to lower fuel consumption. Open wood burning is typically only 10% efficient for heat, while burning with a wood insert is 70% or more efficient for heat. Wood inserts provide a safer alternative to open fireplaces by containing the fire within a closed unit, reducing the risk of sparks and embers escaping. Before picking out a wood insert it is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned to make sure the fireplace is structurally sound and no water issues before installation and that a technician checks for clearances to combustibles and venting requirements. We remove the damper plate and frame, seal the liner at the top at the cap to prevent cold air from coming down the chimney and install the wood insert and install all necessary accessories. Wood inserts can only be installed into masonry fireplaces and we will NEVER install them into prefabricated (zero clearances fireplaces). In a power outage you can still use your wood stove, but just not be able to operate the blower.
Pellet Inserts
Pellet inserts are designed to burn pellets efficiently, providing a high heat output with minimal waste. They feature automated feeding systems and programmable controls, making operation simpler. The only con with a pellet insert compared to other inserts is that they need electricity to run the hopper, so in a power outage without a back up generator you would not be able to use it. Before picking out a pellet insert it is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned to make sure the fireplace is structurally sound and no water issues before installation and that a technician checks for clearances to combustibles and venting requirements. We install the pellet insert into an existing masonry firebox opening running the venting up the chimney with a chimney cap at the top. Pellet inserts can only be installed in a prefabricated (zero clearance) fireplace if the brand and model of our existing prefabricated fireplace allows you in the manual to install a pellet insert and only if the pellet insert installation manual says that you can put it in a prefabricated fireplace. This is very rare and usually only installed into a masonry fireplace.
Vent Free Gas Inserts
Before picking out a pellet insert it is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned to make sure the fireplace is structurally sound and no water issues before installation and that a technician checks for clearances to combustibles and venting requirements. Vent free inserts are more affordable options for a gas product as they do not need any venting for installation. Vent free takes room air for combustion and there is some exhaust into the room. Vent free can be odorous and can cause lung irritation. However, these fireplaces are very efficient for heat. There are battery back ups to use in case of a power outage you use the batteries to turn on the fireplace and get heat but your blower will not work.
Direct Vent Gas Inserts
Before picking out a direct vent gas insert it is important to have your chimney inspected and cleaned to make sure the fireplace is structurally sound and there are no water issues before installation and that a technician checks for clearances to combustibles and venting requirements. The direct vent gas insert is installed into a masonry fireplace firebox and we run two co-linear venting pipes up the chimney and attach it to the gas cap and flashing at the top of the chimney. The direct vent gas insert has a sealed combustion with glass and a safety screen on the front so no exhaust can come out of the fireplace. One pipe is going to take oxygen from outside for fire combustion and the other pipe send the exhaust out of the chimney. This is the safest gas product that can still give you heat. There are battery back ups to use in case of a power outage you use the batteries to turn on the fireplace and get heat but your lights or blower will not work. These are also known more for their aesthetics because there are so many design choices than the other inserts.
Exceptional Customer Service
At All Pro Fireplace, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about our products or services. Our goal is to ensure that you have a seamless and stress-free experience when shopping for your fireplace.
Wood insert
Catalytic, Non-Catalytic, and Hybrid Wood Inserts: Key Differences
Catalytic, Non-Catalytic, and Hybrid Wood Inserts: Key Differences
Combustion Method
Catalytic Inserts: Uses a ceramic catalyst to combust smoke at lower temperatures, enhancing efficiency and burn time.
Non-Catalytic Inserts: Relies on insulation and baffle systems for combustion, typically burning faster.
Hybrid inserts: Combines both catalytic and non-catalytic technologies for optimal performance.
Efficiency
Catalytic Inserts: Higher efficiency with longer burn times, ideal for extended heating.
Non-Catalytic Inserts: Generally lower efficiency, but simpler maintenance and quicker heat-up.
Hybrid inserts: Offers a balance of efficiency and ease of use, adapting to conditions.
Maintenance
Catalytic Inserts: Requires periodic cleaning of the catalyst.
Non-Catalytic Inserts: Minimal maintenance; no combustor to clean.
Hybrid inserts: Maintenance needs vary based on usage and technology employed.
Heat Output
Catalytic inserts: Provides consistent heat over longer periods.
Non-Catalytic Inserts: Heats up quickly but may require more frequent refueling.
Hybrid inserts: Efficient heat output with flexibility in operation.
Ideal Use
Catalytic inserts: Best for long, unattended burns and primary heating.
Non-Catalytic Inserts: Suitable for quick heating and simpler setups.
Hybrid Inserts: Versatile for various heating needs and conditions.
We offer a range of wood inserts that cater to different heating preferences and requirements, ensuring that users can find a suitable option based on their specific needs
HHV stands for Higher Heating Value
HHV is a measure of the total heat energy produced when wood is burned, including the heat contained in the water vapor produced during combustion. This value is important for assessing the efficiency of wood stoves, as it reflects the maximum potential energy available from the fuel.
Importance of HHV
- Efficiency Measurement: HHV is used to calculate the efficiency of wood stoves
- Real-World Application: The HHV takes into account the moisture content of the wood, which typically ranges from 19% to 25% during actual use.
- We more look at the HHV % when comparing stove brands
Comparison with LHV
- LHV (Lower Heating Value) only considers the heat produced without accounting for the energy in the water vapor, making it a theoretical measure not recognized by the EPA.
Understanding HHV helps consumers choose more efficient wood-burning appliances, ultimately leading to better energy savings and reduced emissions
BTU and heat
Every home is different. When they test wood and give you a square foot range of the home it is tested if the home was just a box. There can be many areas of the home that can cause heat loss and can not be tested. BTU and square footage alone do not accurately reflect heating needs. While BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot can provide a rough estimate for heating requirements, they overlook several critical factors that influence how heat is distributed and felt within a space.
Key Factors Affecting Heating Efficiency
- Insulation Quality: Homes with better insulation retain heat more effectively, reducing the required BTUs.
- Window Area and Type: Larger or less efficient windows can lead to significant heat loss, impacting comfort levels.
- Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings require more heating to maintain comfort, as heat rises.
- Air Infiltration: Drafts and leaks can drastically affect how warm a space feels, necessitating adjustments in heating calculations.
- Local Climate: Regional temperature variations can influence heating needs beyond what square footage suggests
Wood Insert Information
How often do you have get your wood insert cleaned and inspected?
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The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), National Fire Institute (NFI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 211) both recommend annual inspection and cleaning for all wood-burning appliances. Inspections should occur more frequently, typically every 1 to 3 months during peak usage periods. The frequency of cleaning can depend on factors such as how often the stove is used, the type of wood burned, and how quickly creosote builds up. The "3-2-1 rule" has emerged as a practical guideline within the wood-burning community to help users maintain their stoves safely. This rule suggests inspecting the chimney after burning three cords of wood, cleaning when there is two millimeters of creosote buildup, and performing a thorough cleaning once a year. This approach aims to minimize fire hazards and ensure efficient operation of wood stoves.
Heavy Use (Primary Heat Source): Every 6 months or after burning 2 cords of wood.
Moderate Use (Supplemental Heat): Once per year.
Light Use (Occasional Fires): Every 1-2 years.
