Are you a chimney sweep or fireplace professional looking to serve your customers a great option for upgrading their existing hearth? You'll want to consider suggesting a wood-burning fireplace insert, a remarkable solution that marries the charm of a classic hearth with modern efficiency and safety. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into the world of wood-burning fireplace inserts to help you offer your clients an informed choice.
What is a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert?
A wood-burning fireplace insert is a specialized appliance designed to retrofit into an existing masonry or prefab fireplace. Its primary purpose is to enhance the efficiency and heating capabilities of a traditional fireplace while maintaining the charm of an open fire.
Key Features of a Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert
Enclosed Design
Unlike open fireplaces, which allow a significant amount of heat to escape through the chimney, fireplace inserts are enclosed units with insulated doors. This design traps more heat inside the customer's home, maximizing its efficiency.
Efficient Combustion
Inserts are engineered to burn wood more efficiently, often featuring advanced combustion systems and secondary air supplies that help reduce emissions and increase heat output. This increased efficiency means less smoke and creosote build-up over time.
Heat Distribution
Many inserts come equipped with built-in fans or blowers that help circulate warm air into the room, ensuring even heating throughout the space. If your client is in search of an effective supplement heating appliance, a wood-burning fireplace insert is a great option.
Safety
Fireplace inserts offer a higher level of safety compared to open fireplaces, as they contain the fire within a sealed chamber, reducing the risk of sparks and embers escaping.
Aesthetics
While efficiency is a key focus, inserts are also designed to maintain the aesthetic appeal of a traditional fireplace. They often have decorative fronts and viewing windows to enjoy the beauty of the flames.
Can You Burn Real Wood in a Fireplace Insert?
Yes, you can burn real wood in a wood-burning fireplace insert. In fact, burning seasoned hardwoods, such as oak, maple, or cherry, is the preferred fuel for most inserts. These woods burn hot and clean, producing less creosote buildup and fewer emissions compared to softwoods like pine or spruce.
Is a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert Safe?
Wood-burning fireplace inserts are considered safe when installed and operated correctly. They offer several safety advantages over traditional open fireplaces:
Containment
Inserts enclose the fire within a sealed chamber, reducing the risk of sparks, embers, and burning debris escaping into the room.
Reduced Creosote Buildup
Because of their improved combustion efficiency, inserts produce less creosote, which is a major cause of chimney fires in open fireplaces.
Heat Shields
Many inserts come with built-in heat shields that prevent excessive heat from reaching the surrounding walls, reducing the risk of fire.
How Much Should a Wood Burning Fireplace Insert Cost?
The cost of a wood-burning fireplace insert can vary widely based on several factors, including the brand, size, features, and installation requirements. On average, your customers can expect to invest anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 for the insert itself. Here's a breakdown of cost considerations:
Insert Cost: Basic models with fewer features are more affordable, while high-end inserts with advanced technology and aesthetics can be pricier.
Chimney Liner: In some cases, a new chimney liner may be required to ensure safe venting. This can add another $500 to $2,000 to the cost.
Accessories: Additional accessories like blowers, fans, or decorative doors can also increase the overall cost.
You can remind your clients to consider the long-term savings on heating bills and the added value to their home when evaluating the cost of a wood-burning fireplace insert. While the initial investment may be significant, the efficiency gains and the ambiance it provides can make it worthwhile.
Popular Wood-Burning Inserts by Price Range
Entry Level ($2000-$3000) |  | Osburn 1700 Wood Insert |
Middle of the Road ($3000-$4000) |  | Napoleon S20i Wood Insert |
High End ($4000 and up) |  | Osburn Matrix 2700K Wood Insert |
Are Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts Worth It?
The worth of a wood-burning fireplace insert depends on your customer's specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. Let's consider the key factors that can help your clients determine whether a wood-burning fireplace insert is worth the investment:
Heating Efficiency: Inserts are significantly more efficient than traditional fireplaces, as they produce more heat and lose less through the chimney. If they're looking to reduce heating costs, they can be an excellent choice.
Environmental Impact: Many modern inserts are designed to burn wood cleanly and efficiently, producing fewer emissions. This can be a more environmentally friendly option compared to older, less efficient fireplaces.
Home Value: A wood-burning fireplace insert can increase the value of your customer's home, as it's seen as a desirable feature by many homebuyers.
Safety: Inserts are safer than open fireplaces due to their enclosed design and reduced risk of sparks and embers escaping.Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost can be significant, the long-term savings on heating bills can make a wood-burning insert a financially sound decision.
How Long Does a Wood-Burning Fireplace Last?
The longevity of a wood-burning fireplace insert depends on various factors, including the quality of the insert, how well it's maintained, and how frequently it's used. A well-constructed and well-maintained wood-burning insert can last for several decades. Here are some key considerations for the lifespan of a wood-burning insert:
Quality: Higher-quality inserts tend to have longer lifespans. Look for models made from durable materials, such as cast iron or steel.
Usage: How often the insert is used can impact its lifespan. Inserts used frequently may experience more wear and tear and may require replacement parts sooner.
Upkeep: Remind your client to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and use to ensure the longevity of their insert.
In general, with proper care and maintenance, you can expect a wood-burning fireplace insert to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. However, it's essential to monitor its condition regularly and address any issues promptly to maximize its lifespan. If your customer purchases a wood-burning insert, you can guarantee yourself steady business with them for many years to come.
Helping Your Clients Find the Right Fireplace Insert
Wood-burning fireplace inserts offer a compelling blend of classic charm and modern efficiency. They can enhance the ambiance of any home, reduce heating costs, and provide a safe and environmentally friendly heating option. If your customers are interested in a wood-burning fireplace insert, then Spotix can help. We have the best inventory of hearth products on the market, and our expert team can provide the service other retailers can't.
SpotixPro is our program specifically designed for tradespeople, builders and designers. We offer exclusive trade pricing, a dedicated account team and priority order processing and shipping to help keep you on time, under budget and in the know about everything in the hearth, patio and barbecue industry.