Want A Cleaner, Longer, More Efficient Burn? Invest In A New Wood Insert Or Stove

What Is the Difference Between a Wood Insert and a Wood Stove?

A wood-burning insert is a metal box that is installed into an existing fireplace. It is designed to improve the efficiency of your fireplace compared to a traditional open fireplace, which can help you save money on heating costs. An insert can utilize your existing chimney system if it’s still functional. It’s a good solution if you have a fireplace that doesn’t produce enough heat or you want to update the look and feel of your living space without major construction.

A wood-burning stove is a freestanding heating appliance that can be installed anywhere in your home as long as there is proper clearance and a working venting system in place. A stove is a good alternative if you don’t have an existing fireplace or you want more flexibility in placement. They come in a variety of designs and styles for homeowners to create a custom decor that fits their personal aesthetic.

What Are the Advantages of Wood Inserts & Stoves?

Wood heating appliances offer a wide range of advantages for homeowners such as:

• With modern wood stoves and inserts, there’s no guilt about emissions and wasted heat.
• You’ll enjoy all the bone-warming comfort a wood fire provides, with the latest in clean burning technology and convenience features.
• Enjoy increased efficiency and lower energy bills.
• You’ll be using renewable and easy-to-access fuel that won’t break your bank.
• We offer a long list of different styles and design options, so whether you’re adding a new stove to a room in your home or you’re looking for a wood insert that will fit perfectly inside your fireplace, we can help.

How Do I Properly Maintain a Wood Insert or Stove?

Maintaining a wood insert or stove isn’t much different from maintaining a traditional fireplace. A solid maintenance routine will ensure that your insert or stove works efficiently and extends its lifespan.

We recommend the following tips to keep your stove or insert in prime condition:

• Schedule regular chimney inspections with a qualified chimney technician to monitor your fireplace and chimney for changes and damage.
• Book annual chimney sweepings to clear out creosote buildup, bird nests, or other blockages that could pose a fire hazard.
• Clean out ash and any other remnants after you use your heating appliance.
• When your insert or stove isn’t working properly, schedule an appointment to have it inspected.
• Promptly schedule follow-up appointments for repairs if your chimney inspection reveals a problem.

Can I Use a Wood Insert or Stove as My Primary Heating Source?

Standalone wood stoves are generally more efficient than open fireplaces, but they can still lose some heat up the chimney. They radiate heat outward in all directions and could be suitable for an open-concept living area. If you have a larger home or one with multiple floors, you will likely need to supplement your wood stove with another heating source such as baseboards.

We often recommend wood inserts when your current fireplace isn’t working efficiently. Inserts are built to capture more of the heat that would normally escape up the chimney, and they tend to be the most efficient option for wood-burning heat. Still, you have to take your own needs and the setup of your house into consideration when determining if an insert can serve as the primary source of heat.

What Kind of Firewood Should I Use in My Wood Insert or Stove?

This shouldn’t come as a major surprise but using the correct firewood is vital in maintaining your stove or insert. We suggest that you only use seasoned firewood in your heating appliance – oak, hickory, and mesquite are popular options in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Wet or unseasoned wood leads to quicker creosote buildup which greatly increases your chance of having a chimney fire. You should also avoid painted wood as it can produce toxic chemicals when burned.