You can buy a fireplace insert to avoid energy costs associated with you masonry fireplace. An insert is basically a wood stove designed to fit into a conventional open fireplace. Ensure the insert you buy is EPA- certified to be at a safer side.
WHERE DO YOU HAVE YOUR INSERTS?
Inserts are manufactured using quality plate steel or cast iron. They have glass doors to see the flames. Inserts are fitted either in the opening of the fireplace or protrude onto the hearth. Out of the both, the latter position is comfortable because the sides, top, and bottom supply additional radiant heat. Inserts are mostly designed with blowers, to increase the burning efficiency. Fireplace inserts are suitable for wood, pellet and gas stoves, which you can fit into a traditional open fireplace.
Designs and Benefits:
The gas fireplace inserts convert existing wood burning fireplaces (both factory made and masonry) into the sealed gas appliances. They have a gas log set installed into a steel or cast-iron heat exchanger and are usually sealed on the front with glass. These inserts are found with fans to subside the heat. Inserts are available with remote controls, wall switches or wall-mounted thermostats.
Direct vent inserts applies a sealed combustion direct vent system to produce heat and keep the home with effective indoor air quality.
Natural vent inserts use existing masonry or factory built metal chimney as housing for a flexible liner. It uses the room air for combustion and exhausts to the outside of the home via a flexible liner installed in the chimney. (Include prices approximate.)
Maintenance:
Inserts are normally heavy, approximately they weight around 400 pounds or more. When cleaning the inserts need to be removed, it would be rather difficult to handle. The chimney sweep professional would do it better. In certain cases, however, you need not remove the insert for cleaning the chimney. For non-removal of insert you can set up a full relining collar, a stainless pipe which is able connect the insert and goes directly to the top of chimney.