What Is the Difference Between an Insert Fireplace and a Built-in Fireplace?

The primary difference is that a fireplace insert is an appliance that can be installed into an existing masonry fireplace to make it more efficient. A built-in fireplace, also known as a wood-framed fireplace, is a new installation into a home where you do not already have a fireplace.

What Is a Fireplace Insert?

An insert is an enclosed device added to a prefabricated or masonry fireplace to improve its heating capabilities. Fireplace inserts were invented in 1896 but didn't start becoming popular until efficiency advancements in the late 1980s. You can find inserts to match your preferred fuel type, including electric, wood, or gas fireplace inserts.

Are Fireplace Inserts Worth It?

Over the past few decades, fireplace inserts have become a popular home heating option. These hearth add-ons are more efficient than traditional masonry fireplaces while adding beauty to a home. In this guide from HVACDirect.com, we look at the types of fireplace inserts and how they help you stay warm.

How Do Fireplace Inserts Work?

At their core, inserts are a fireproof box that traps heat. They're made of cast iron or steel with insulated glass doors to create a closed combustion system. Some also have blowers and front vents to help push heat back into the room.

There are wood-burning inserts, gas inserts with a direct-vent system and gas inserts that do not require a vent. Let's take a closer look at each one.

What Are Wood-Burning Inserts?

Most people love the attractive, rustic look of a brick masonry fireplace. The trouble is that they are not efficient heaters. An open wood-burning fireplace can only burn at up to 25% efficiency - and most are much lower. Oftentimes, the amount of air needed to sustain the fire actually draws more heated air from the home than the fireplace produces! An open wood-burning fireplace goes through wood very quickly as well. It is common to have to add more logs after only one to two hours of burning.

A wood-burning insert, on the other hand, can typically burn for five to 10+ hours. This means less wood is needed, significantly improving their efficiency. There is also less clean-up, saving you maintenance time.

What Are Gas Direct-Vent Inserts?

Looking for a more convenient way to heat your home? Gas direct vent inserts are appliances that are installed into wood burning fireplaces to increase the efficiency. They typically burn between 70% and 80% efficient, operate with blowers, and are also rated as wall furnaces as well as decorative appliances. They use air from outdoors for combustion and also exhaust their burnt flue gases to the outdoors through two aluminum flexible vents that connect to the top of the appliance and run up to the top of the chimney. No more losing air you have already paid to heat up your chimney!

What Are Vent-Free Inserts?

Vent-free technology is the most efficient way to supplement your home's heating system. At 99.9% efficiency, they do not require any venting. This makes them more economical to purchase and install. Installing an insert vs. just installing a vent-free gas log set allows you to use a blower, further increasing the appliance's heating ability.

Gas vent-free inserts also add about a gallon of water vapor into the air every four hours. This is typically welcomed as most homes are dry in the wintertime. Excessive use of a vent-free insert can cause issues with moisture levels, so make sure to read the manual. They can also burn any impurities in the air such as air fresheners, fresh paint, cooking odors, pet odors, etc., causing the appliance to produce a similar odor. Despite these potential issues, they are certainly worth considering for your home.

If you still have questions about fireplace inserts, contact our experts by phone, email or instant chat. We have a large assortment of fireplace inserts for sale at wholesale prices.

Fireplace Insert Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a fireplace insert?

Fireplace inserts typically cost anywhere from $650 to $3,700 for the unit alone. Installation costs by a professional will add another $500 to $1,000 to the total cost, with additional expenses if the home requires a new gas line to be run or other special considerations. The total combined cost of purchasing and installing a fireplace insert is $1,150 to $4,700 on average.

Can you put a fireplace insert in an existing fireplace?

Installers can add a fireplace insert to traditional wood-burning masonry fireplaces. You will need to know the height, width and depth of the existing fireplace to determine what insert will fit the space.

Does a fireplace insert need a liner?

A fireplace insert requires a chimney liner to work properly. This component, which is often made of stainless steel, helps carry the smoke and combustion gases safely up the chimney so they don't leak back into the home. It also helps the insert work more efficiently.