Wood
Wood is a renewable, green, and efficient energy source. Today’s wood stoves are EPA Phase II certified and have extremely low emissions. They are incredibly clean burning and are more efficient than ever.
Types
Traditional Insert
- Often provides a larger firebox and easier fit.
- Room for cooking & a steamer pot.
Cast Iron Insert
- Cast Iron back plate/shroud gives a built-in look
- Comes with optional enamel finish that enhances look and is easier to clean
Applications
Fireplace insert for existing home
Add a wood insert into an existing fireplace to turn it into an energy efficient heater. The insert must go into a working fireplace.
Benefits
Zone heating saves money
An insert delivers heat most efficiently to the general area where it is located. If located in a central part of the house, and the central heating is turned off or down, the insert will heat the common areas while delivering less heat to the hallways and bedrooms. Heating in this manner generally saves about 20% on heating bills.
Large common areas are often too cold
Large common areas often have large windows and not enough heating ducts. Inserts offer supplemental heat and comfort.
Fewer Restrictions
Open wood burning is heavily regulated. EPA approved, low emission wood inserts are typically either exempt from “no burn days” or far less restricted.
Key decision points
Will it work in your fireplace?
If your home is newer than 1980, you likely have a zero clearance fireplace. Only a limited number of wood inserts will fit mostly due to the limited fireplace opening and ceiling heights. Sometimes the fireplace has to be entirely removed and replaced with an EPA wood fireplace to get efficient wood heating.
Is your hearth deep enough?
Wood inserts extend onto the hearth and then require 16 to 18 inches from the insert door to the end of the non-combustible hearth. Your hearth may need to be extended. Custom Fireside offers hearth extension pads that can be laid or fixed in front of the existing hearth to meet this requirement.
What is the condition of your chimney?
Some chimneys are not wide enough to fit a stainless flue liner. A liner is required for most wood inserts.
Stove size is critical
Wood stoves primarily function by heating up the stove mass to 300-400 degrees like an old-fashion radiator. In general, the larger the mass and fuel load, the larger the space a stove will heat. Key considerations are cubic feet of the firebox, stove weight, and stove efficiency. The air shutter only offers limited adjustment. If the stove is too big for the space, you will roast; too small and you won’t be warm enough. Flush units have less radiant surface and a fan is included and important to use for full efficiency.