Wood Burning Insert Stoves: Upgrade Your Fireplace for Efficiency & Warmth

Key Summary

Wood-burning fireplace inserts transform a wasteful open hearth into an efficient, high-output heating system. This comprehensive guide covers how wood stove inserts work, the benefits of upgrading (from dramatically higher efficiency and heat output to cleaner emissions and longer burn times), and key factors in choosing the right insert for your home. We also highlight top North American brands like Drolet and Englander, known for their high performance and build quality, to help you make an informed decision. Upgrade your fireplace with a quality wood insert to enjoy cozy warmth, lower heating costs, and a more eco-friendly home heating solution.

TL;DR (Key Takeaways)

• Inserts boost fireplace efficiency: An open masonry fireplace wastes most of its heat (only ~10–15% efficient), whereas a wood stove insert seals the fire in a closed box, achieving 70%+ efficiency. This means far more heat stays in your home instead of escaping up the chimney, keeping you warmer with less fuel.
• Greater heat output & longer burns: By improving combustion and reducing heat loss, inserts can produce much more heat (often 40,000+ BTU for mid-sized units) and sustain a fire for 6–8 hours or longer on a single load of wood. Many modern inserts provide overnight burns, so you get steady warmth without frequent refueling.
• Lower emissions & cleaner burn: EPA-certified wood inserts burn fuel more completely, cutting smoke and creosote dramatically. New high-efficiency inserts emit as little as ~1–2 grams of particulates per hour, compared to the heavy smoke of an open fire. This means a cleaner chimney (less creosote buildup) and a smaller environmental footprint from wood burning.
• Improved safety and comfort: A wood-burning insert stove keeps the fire safely enclosed behind a glass door, preventing sparks or embers from popping out and eliminating indoor smoke spillage. The sealed design also stops cold drafts from your fireplace when not in use. Many inserts include built-in blowers to circulate warm air, delivering comfort throughout the room.
• Quick retrofit with space savings: Installing an insert is a convenient way to upgrade your existing fireplace without major renovation. The insert unit slides into your current masonry fireplace opening, saving floor space (no bulky freestanding stove in the room) and typically can be installed in a day. It uses your existing chimney (with a new liner), avoiding the expense of building a whole new flue system.
• Choosing the right insert matters: When shopping, consider your heating needs (square footage to warm), the insert’s size and firebox capacity, and whether it’s catalytic or non-catalytic. Look for features like blowers, adjustable air controls, and air-wash systems to keep the glass clear. Ensure the insert is EPA 2020 certified for emissions and sized to fit your fireplace dimensions.
• Top brands like Drolet & Englander excel: High-performance North American brands such as Drolet (manufactured in Canada) and Englander (made in the USA) are renowned for their quality wood-burning inserts. These companies offer durable, efficient inserts backed by decades of expertise, giving you confidence in long-term warmth, reliability, and support.
• Save on heating (and get credits): Upgrading to an efficient wood insert can significantly cut heating costs. You’ll burn less wood for the same heat output and can turn down your central thermostat by using the insert as zone heating for main living areas. Plus, most new inserts qualify for a 30% federal tax credit (under the biomass stove tax credit program) due to their high efficiency, putting money back in your pocket.

What Is a Wood Burning Insert Stove?

A wood-burning insert stove, often called a fireplace insert, is essentially a wood stove designed to fit into an existing fireplace. It’s a sealed firebox that slides into your masonry fireplace opening, transforming your open hearth into a high-efficiency wood heater. Unlike a traditional open fireplace (where most heat escapes up the chimney), an insert stove encloses the fire behind a glass door and metal shell, delivering controlled combustion and much more heat to your room. In simple terms, it’s a way to upgrade your old fireplace into a powerful wood stove without major remodeling.

An example of a wood-burning fireplace insert installed in an existing masonry fireplace. The insert fits into the fireplace opening and connects to the chimney with a dedicated liner, greatly improving efficiency and safety.

Wood stove inserts are built with steel or cast iron bodies and firebrick-lined combustion chambers, just like free-standing wood stoves. They often feature air intake controls to adjust burn rate and air-wash systems that help keep the glass window clean for a nice view of the flames. Many inserts also come with heat-sensitive blowers that force warm air out into the room once the unit is hot, further increasing heat circulation.

To install a wood-burning insert, your existing chimney flue is typically fitted with a stainless steel liner that connects to the insert’s exhaust outlet. This ensures proper draft and carries smoke safely up through the chimney. The insert’s front is finished with a surround panel (faceplate) that covers any gaps and gives a clean, built-in look. Once in place, the insert effectively seals off the fireplace opening, so your home’s warm air isn’t drawn up the chimney when the insert is not in use. The result is a sealed combustion system in your fireplace that can generate substantial heat for your home.

In summary, a wood-burning insert stove is a retrofitted wood heater for your fireplace. It provides the charm of a fireplace fire but with the efficiency, heat output, and emissions control of a modern wood stove. If you have an existing masonry fireplace that doesn’t deliver much warmth, adding an insert can truly turn it into a functional heating appliance.

How Do Wood Stove Inserts Improve Efficiency?

Installing a wood insert dramatically boosts the heating efficiency of a fireplace. Traditional open fireplaces are notoriously inefficient as heating sources – they may have an efficiency of only around 10–15%, meaning up to 90% of the fire’s heat goes up the chimney as waste. You might enjoy the ambiance, but an open hearth actually can make your house colder by pulling in cold outside air to feed the fire. In contrast, a properly installed wood stove insert can operate at 70% or more efficiency, converting most of the wood’s energy into usable heat in your home. This huge jump in efficiency is a game-changer for heating performance.

There are a few reasons inserts are so much more effective:

• Sealed Combustion: The insert’s firebox is enclosed and gasket-sealed. It controls airflow to the fire, ensuring the wood burns at an optimal rate and temperature. By preventing excess air from rushing through, the insert achieves a more complete combustion of the fuel, extracting more heat from each log. The sealed door also stops warm room air from being sucked into the fire and up the flue (a common issue with open fireplaces).
• Heat Exchanger Design: Wood inserts are built to harvest heat from the fire. The metal firebox and baffle design force the hot gases to circulate around, transferring heat to the metal, which then radiates into the room. Many inserts have blowers or fans that push hot air from around the firebox out into your living space. Open fireplaces lack these features – most heat just rises away. With an insert, that heat is captured and delivered forward.
• Chimney Liner: As part of installation, a insulated chimney liner is usually added inside your existing chimney. This improves draft (helping the stove run efficiently) and keeps flue gases hotter, reducing creosote. It also means the insert exhausts through a properly sized flue for better combustion conditions. All these factors help the insert maintain high efficiency and stable, hot burn temperatures.

The efficiency gains are dramatic. In real-world terms, upgrading to a wood-burning insert can turn a fireplace from a net heat loser to a serious heater. The increased efficiency not only means more warmth, but also less wood consumption for the same heat output. For example, instead of burning a huge stack of logs and still feeling chilly, an efficient insert might heat your living area all evening with a few logs. Homeowners report that their wood piles last much longer once they switch to an insert, because the wood is being used so effectively.

More Heat & Longer Burn Times

One of the first things you’ll notice with a wood stove insert is how much more heat it throws into the room compared to an open fire. Even a mid-sized insert (with say a 1.5–2.0 cubic foot firebox) can easily generate 40,000–60,000 BTUs of heat, enough to warm a typical living room or even an entire small house. Larger inserts can produce 70,000+ BTUs to heat multiple rooms or bigger spaces. In contrast, an open fireplace’s heat mostly goes up the chimney; you feel some radiant heat when you’re near it, but it won’t effectively raise the overall room temperature. An insert turns your fireplace into a genuine heating system, capable of heating several hundred to a couple thousand square feet (depending on the insert size and your home layout).

Inserts also offer longer burn times, meaning you don’t have to feed the fire constantly. The combination of controlled airflow, insulated firebox, and secondary combustion systems allows the wood to burn steadily and slowly while still maintaining high heat. Many quality inserts advertise burn times of 6–8 hours on a single load of wood, and some larger or catalytic inserts can achieve overnight burns of 10+ hours under optimal conditions. For example, you can load up the stove before bed and wake up to a home that’s still warm with embers in the firebox, ready to rekindle – something impossible with an open fireplace that burns through fuel rapidly and is cold after an hour or two.

These longer burn cycles are extremely convenient. You’ll spend less time tending the fire and more time enjoying the warmth. It also further improves efficiency – a slow, controlled burn extracts more heat from each log. In practical terms, one load of wood in an efficient insert can provide as much usable heat as several loads in an open hearth, because the insert minimizes wasted heat and fuel.

Zone Heating Benefits

Using a wood-burning insert can also allow zone heating to save energy. Since inserts generate substantial warmth in the room they’re in, you can turn down your central thermostat for the rest of the house while the insert heats the main living area. Many homeowners use a fireplace insert to primarily heat the family room or whatever area they spend the most time in, thereby easing the load on their furnace. This targeted heating can reduce your overall heating bills – why heat unoccupied rooms to 70°F when the family is cozy around the insert in one area? The ability to zone heat with a wood insert is a smart way to improve comfort while using less fossil-fuel-based heating (oil, gas, or electric). It’s a win-win for your wallet and comfort: you get the pleasure of wood heat exactly where you want it, and you can cut back the expensive central heating for the rest of the home during those times.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Wood Insert

Installing a wood-burning insert stove comes with a host of benefits beyond just better efficiency. Here are some key advantages to consider:

Higher Efficiency = Lower Heating Costs

Because wood stove inserts extract far more heat from each piece of wood, you’ll save money on fuel over time. If you currently go through a large amount of firewood for relatively little heat, an insert will change that equation – you’ll get substantially more heat per log. This can reduce the volume of firewood you need to purchase or gather each winter. Additionally, as mentioned, you may be able to lower your furnace usage and heating bills by using the insert as a primary heat source in milder weather or to supplement in cold spells. Over a heating season, these savings add up. Modern inserts are so efficient that they qualify for government incentives; in the U.S., most EPA-certified wood inserts with 75%+ efficiency are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit on purchase and installation costs. That credit can make the upfront investment more affordable and accelerates your return on investment through fuel savings.

Cleaner, Eco-Friendly Heating

Swapping your open fireplace for an EPA-certified insert is better for air quality – both inside and outside your home. Open fireplaces tend to smolder and smoke, releasing a lot of particulate pollution and creosote (those black sooty deposits) into the air. In contrast, a new insert burns much cleaner. As of 2020, U.S. EPA standards require wood stoves and inserts to emit no more than 2.0 grams of particulate per hour (for non-catalytic models) to be certified. Many inserts on the market today have emission rates in the 1–2 g/h range, which is a tiny fraction of the smoke an old fireplace or uncertified wood stove produces. This means less creosote buildup in your chimney (reducing chimney fire risk) and less pollution in your neighborhood.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, a high-efficiency wood insert is a great way to enjoy wood heat while minimizing impact. The more complete combustion also means higher thermal efficiency – essentially, you’re getting “more heat per tree,” which is a more sustainable use of the wood resource. And by using wood (a renewable fuel) efficiently to displace some of your fossil-fuel heating, you’re potentially lowering your carbon footprint as well.

Inside the home, the insert’s sealed door and venting ensure that smoke and fumes go out the chimney, not into your room. If you’ve ever experienced a smoky fireplace that spills smoke or has a sluggish draft, you’ll appreciate that an insert virtually eliminates that problem when used correctly. You get the ambiance of a fire without the smokiness, and your indoor air quality remains healthy.

Safety Improvements

Fireplace inserts can make using your fireplace safer. With an open hearth, there’s always a risk of sparks or embers popping out onto your floor, causing burns or even igniting nearby combustibles. A wood insert’s closed-door design keeps any popping embers safely contained. The glass door is made of high-temperature ceramic glass, which is very tough, and it provides a protective barrier between the fire and your home’s interior. This greatly reduces the risk of accidental fires from stray sparks.

Additionally, because the insert sends its exhaust up a dedicated sealed liner, the chances of smoke spillage or backdraft into the house are minimized (assuming proper installation and adequate airflow). Many inserts also have features like airtight ash pans and controlled airflow, which prevent situations where a fireplace might otherwise flare up or burn unpredictably. Of course, you still need to follow standard fire safety (like using dry, seasoned wood and not overloading the firebox), but overall an insert is a more controlled system.

Another safety plus: when the fire is out, an insert with closed doors acts as a barrier in your fireplace, so you don’t get a downdraft of cold air (which can bring ash or odors) and you’re not losing warmth up the chimney. It essentially plugs the open chimney when not in use, whereas traditional fireplaces can be a source of drafts even with the damper closed. This keeps your home more secure and weathertight.

Ambiance and Comfort

Beyond practical considerations, a wood-burning insert still provides that cozy fireplace ambiance many homeowners cherish. The large glass window offers a beautiful view of the flames, turning your inefficient fireplace into a captivating focal point that also pumps out comforting heat. Many people find that because an insert actually warms the room substantially, they enjoy their fireplace more often and for longer periods. Instead of needing to sit right next to the hearth for a bit of heat, you can curl up across the room and still feel toasty. An insert effectively turns the fireplace into a combination of aesthetics and functional heating appliance. The gentle roar of the fire, the radiant warmth, and the glow through the glass can create a wonderfully cozy atmosphere on cold evenings – except now you’re also comfortably warm, not shivering or only getting heat to your knees.

Choosing the Right Wood Burning Insert Stove

If you’ve decided to upgrade to a wood insert, the next step is selecting a model that fits your needs and your fireplace. Here are important factors to consider when choosing a wood-burning insert:

• Fireplace Size & Fit: Start by measuring your existing fireplace opening (width, height, and depth). Inserts come in various sizes; you need one that will fit within your fireplace’s dimensions. Pay attention to the minimum fireplace opening requirements listed by the insert manufacturer (including width/height at the back of the fireplace, which often tapers). Most inserts have surround panels to cover gaps, but the unit itself must physically fit. Also ensure your chimney height meets the insert’s specs for proper draft. Getting the right size insert will make installation smoother.
• Heating Capacity: Consider the area you want to heat. Inserts are usually rated by BTU output and square footage they can heat. Small inserts (e.g. 1.3 cu ft firebox) might heat up to ~1,000 sq ft, medium ones (1.7–2.0 cu ft) around 1,500–2,000 sq ft, and large inserts (>2.5 cu ft) up to 2,500+ sq ft. These figures assume a reasonably insulated space. Choose a size that matches your space – you don’t want to undersize (leaving you cold) or greatly oversize (could lead to smoldering fires if you constantly run it low). If your home layout is very open, the heat can spread further; if it’s compartmentalized, focus on the primary area. It’s often better to slightly oversize if you want longer burn times, as you can always build a smaller fire, but you can’t magically get more heat from an undersized insert.
• Efficiency & Emissions: Check that any insert you consider is EPA-certified (2020 standard). Almost all new inserts on the market are, but if you’re looking at older models or secondhand units, verify the emissions rating. EPA-certified inserts will be far cleaner and more efficient. Look at the insert’s efficiency percentage (usually given as an HHV or LHV value – Higher Heating Value is a stricter measure; anything in the 70%+ HHV range is excellent). Also note the grams/hour of particulate emissions; lower is better for air quality. Many top inserts are 1–2 g/h. High efficiency not only means less pollution, but often qualifies for the biomass stove tax credit (in the US) which currently covers 30% of the cost – so it’s a key spec to consider.
• Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic: Wood inserts achieve clean, efficient burns in two ways: some use a catalytic converter (ceramic honeycomb coated with catalyst) to burn off smoke at lower temperatures, while others use a non-catalytic design with secondary air tubes or baffles to re-burn gases. Catalytic inserts tend to get longer burn times and extremely low emissions (they excel at slow burns), but the catalyst element will require maintenance and eventual replacement (typically after 5–10+ years). Non-catalytic inserts are simpler, no part to replace, and still very clean-burning, though their efficiency peaks when the fire is burning a bit hotter. If you want the longest steady burns and don’t mind a little extra care (monitoring the catalyst and using the bypass damper on startup), a catalytic model is worth considering. If you prefer a more straightforward operation, non-cats are great and dominate the market. Some newer models even combine both technologies (hybrid) for ultra-clean performance. Decide which approach fits your lifestyle; either can be a good choice if it’s a quality unit.
• Heat Output & Burn Time: Manufacturers will often list maximum BTU output and maximum burn time. Use these as comparative guides. Higher BTU output means it can throw more heat at full burn (useful for very cold days or larger spaces). Long burn time indicates the unit can hold coals a while and has a good design for slow burns (useful for overnight heating). Keep in mind these are often tested values; real-world performance can vary with wood type and user technique. But it’s a good way to compare inserts. For instance, one insert might max out at 8 hours burn on a load, another might manage 12 hours – if overnight burn is a priority, that matters. Also check the firebox volume (cu ft) and maximum log length the insert accepts – a larger firebox generally means more heat output and longer burns, but make sure you can accommodate the logs you commonly use.
• Features and Convenience: Think about which features are important to you. Blower fans are very common and help distribute heat; some inserts include a blower, others have it as an add-on – but you’ll likely want one if heating efficiency is the goal. Look for thermostatic blower control (many inserts have a temperature sensor that turns the fan on/off automatically at certain stove temperatures). Consider the design of the ash management – does it have an ash pan for easier cleanout, or do you need to shovel ashes out? An air-wash system for the glass is nice to keep the view clear (most inserts have this now). Also check the aesthetics: do you prefer a large glass window for viewing fire? Modern styles or traditional cast iron look? There are a variety of door designs, faceplate trims, and surrounds available to match your decor. Some inserts even offer variable surrounds or shrouds to fit different fireplace sizes or a trim kit for a polished built-in look. Pick a model that not only performs well but also will look great in your home.
• Installation Requirements: Every insert will have specific clearance and chimney requirements. Ensure your chimney is compatible or can be made compatible (you’ll need to line the chimney with the correct diameter liner, usually 6-inch for most inserts). Make sure your hearth extension (the non-combustible floor in front of fireplace) meets the required depth to protect your floor from heat and sparks – you may need to extend it or use a hearth pad if it’s too short. Check the clearance for any wood trim or mantel around the fireplace; inserts usually have minimum clearance specs for side and top trim to avoid overheating them. If your mantel is low, you might need a heat shield or a specific small-flange insert. Planning for these details in advance will save headaches during installation.
• Budget and Quality: Finally, consider your budget in tandem with build quality and warranty. Good inserts are an investment that will last decades. High-quality brands might cost a bit more upfront but often come with long warranties (5-year, even lifetime on some parts) and robust customer support. Don’t skimp on safety and performance just to save a couple hundred dollars – a poorly made insert or one without support can cost more in the long run (in repairs or lower lifespan). That said, there are excellent value options from reputable brands at various price points. Also include installation costs in your budget (professional installation is highly recommended). The federal tax credit can offset a big chunk of the cost if the unit qualifies, which is worth factoring in.

By weighing all these factors – size, capacity, efficiency, type, features, and installation needs – you can narrow down to the wood insert that best suits your home and heating goals. It pays to do a bit of homework; an informed choice will ensure you’re delighted with the results: a warmer home, lower bills, and a safe, efficient fireplace insert that you’ll enjoy for many winters to come.

High-Performance Wood Insert Brands (North America)

Not all wood-burning inserts are created equal. It’s wise to choose a reputable brand known for quality construction, safety, and support. Two leading names that homeowners and experts often trust are Drolet and Englander – both companies manufacture high-performance wood stoves and inserts in North America and have earned strong reputations.

Drolet (Made in Canada)

Drolet is a well-known Canadian brand with a long heritage in wood heating. Founded in 1875, Drolet has over a century of expertise in making stoves and fireplace inserts. The company is part of SBI (Stove Builder International), one of the largest stove manufacturers in Canada, and their products reflect a blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Drolet inserts and stoves are built tough to handle harsh winter climates, and they emphasize durability, high efficiency, and clean-burning performance. All Drolet wood-burning inserts are EPA-certified and designed to meet strict emissions standards, often boasting emissions under 2 g/h. This brand has made its name by delivering reliable, long-lasting heaters at an affordable price point – providing exceptional value.

One hallmark of Drolet is that their appliances are proudly manufactured in Canada, using high-quality steel and components. This North American production ensures solid build quality and supports local manufacturing. Drolet inserts typically come with robust features like secondary burn systems for efficiency, powerful blowers, and convenient accessories. For example, the popular Drolet Escape series inserts are known for their excellent heat output and long burn times, with models like the Escape 1500-I capable of heating up to ~1,800 sq. ft with efficiencies around 75%. Drolet also often includes lifetime warranties on key parts (firebox, door, etc.), reflecting confidence in their product longevity.

Homeowners choose Drolet for a combination of performance and value. These inserts tend to be reasonably priced while still offering top-tier heating capability comparable to more expensive brands. If you’re looking for a stove insert that’s high-performance, rugged, and no-nonsense, Drolet is a brand worth considering. Their inserts will keep you warm through the winter and are built to last for years of heavy use.

Englander (Made in the USA)

Englander (England’s Stove Works) is a U.S.-based manufacturer that has been producing wood stoves and inserts since 1976. Based in Virginia, Englander has built a reputation as a leading manufacturer of high-quality wood and pellet stoves, known especially for their reliability and efficiency. Englander’s philosophy from the start was to make quality hearth products at an affordable price, and they’ve stayed true to that mission. Their wood-burning inserts are made in the USA with a focus on sturdy steel construction and user-friendly design features.

Englander offers a range of wood inserts sized for different needs. One example is the Englander “Blue Ridge” series of fireplace inserts, which are modern EPA-certified inserts designed to fit common fireplace openings. The Blue Ridge 150-I, for instance, is a medium-small insert (1.1 cu ft firebox) that can comfortably heat about 1,200 sq. ft. It’s rated at around 42,000 BTU output and an impressive 80% optimum efficiency. Despite its relatively compact size, it achieves a low emission rate (~1.5 g/h) and can deliver up to 7 hours burn time on a load of wood – a testament to Englander’s efficient design. For larger needs, Englander’s lineup includes bigger inserts like the 300-I, which can heat up to 2,000+ sq. ft with a larger firebox.

One of the strengths of Englander is their commitment to customer support and serviceability. They design their stoves and inserts to be as straightforward as possible to operate and maintain. Many Englander models are known for having easy-access components and available replacement parts, making DIY maintenance feasible. Englander inserts also often qualify for the 30% tax credit thanks to high efficiency (they advertise 75%+ efficiency on most models). With features like high-capacity blowers, large ceramic glass windows, and insulated fireboxes, Englander inserts deliver great heat while showcasing the fire nicely.

People often choose Englander as a brand because it offers solid performance for the money. These inserts might not have all the ultra-fancy bells and whistles of some premium European brands, but they are workhorses that do the job well. They’re built in America, by a company that has been family-founded and is now under the umbrella of SBI (the same parent as Drolet). If supporting U.S. manufacturing is important to you and you want a stove insert that is known for dependability, Englander is a top contender. It’s a brand that consistently produces high-efficiency, high-output stoves that have warmed countless homes. With Englander or Drolet in your fireplace, you can trust that you’re investing in proven quality that will keep your family comfortable.

(Of course, there are other excellent insert brands on the market – Osburn, Regency, Pacific Energy, Napoleon, and more – but Drolet and Englander are two that stand out for their combination of performance and North American-made quality. You’ll find that Rise offers products from these trusted brands to ensure you get a dependable heater.)

Installation and Usage Tips

Installing a wood-burning insert is not an average DIY project for most homeowners – it’s highly recommended to have it professionally installed by a certified technician or chimney professional. Proper installation is critical for safety and performance. Here are a few tips and considerations regarding installation and use of your new insert:

• Chimney Liner: As mentioned, a stainless steel chimney liner kit will almost certainly be required. The liner connects directly to the insert’s flue collar and runs up your chimney to exhaust smoke. This ensures correct draft and protects the chimney structure from excessive heat and creosote. Make sure to insulate the liner if required (insulated liners help maintain flue temperatures and improve draft, especially in cold climates or oversized chimneys). A pro installer will size the liner correctly (usually 6″ diameter for most inserts) and secure it properly at the top and to the stove.
• Address Chimney Condition: Before installation, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. Any existing creosote should be removed, and the flue should be in good structural shape (no cracks or unsealed gaps). Since the insert will be venting through this flue, it must be safe. Most inserts require a full-length liner; do not attempt to “slip in” an insert without one, as venting into the open chimney space is unsafe and usually against code. Also, ensure the chimney height meets the insert’s minimum for draft (typically at least 12–15 feet tall).
• Hearth Protection: Check that your hearth extension (the non-combustible floor area in front of the fireplace) is adequate. The insert manual will specify how far out in front the hearth must extend (often 16 inches or more from the door) to catch any fallen embers and protect flooring from heat. If your current hearth is too short, you’ll need to extend it with an approved hearth extension or pad. Similarly, any surrounding trim or mantel must meet clearance requirements – sometimes heat shields can be used if clearances are a bit tight.
• Professional Expertise: A qualified installer will help ensure everything is done to code and manufacturer specs – from the liner connection to sealing any gaps around the insert surround (fire-resistant insulation or sealant may be used to block the old damper area, etc.). They will also test draft and make sure the insert is operating correctly before finishing. Professional installation not only gives peace of mind safety-wise but can also be necessary to validate your warranty and insurance coverage.
• Operating Your Insert: Using a wood insert is similar to a wood stove. You’ll need to burn seasoned hardwood for best results (wood that’s been dried to ~20% moisture or less). Avoid burning trash, treated wood, or green (wet) logs. Start the fire with kindling and small splits, get it hot, then add larger logs. Many inserts have an air control lever – generally, you start with it fully open to get the fire going and establish draft, then gradually reduce the air supply to burn longer and cleaner once it’s hot. If your insert is catalytic, you’ll have a bypass damper to manage – make sure you engage the catalyst (closing the bypass) once the stove is up to temperature, otherwise it won’t do its job. Always refer to the manual for the proper operation of your specific model.
• Using the Blower: The blower fan on an insert greatly helps push heat out, but you typically should wait until the insert is hot before turning it on (many units do this automatically). If you turn the fan on too soon, it can cool the firebox and slow the stove’s heating-up. Let the fire establish for 10–15 minutes, then use the blower to really distribute the warmth. On the flip side, when the fire dies down, shut off the blower to avoid just blowing cool air. Some inserts have thermostatic blowers that handle this for you.
• Maintenance: Keep your insert in top shape with regular maintenance. Clean out ashes periodically (excess ash can block air flow; many stoves perform best with a modest ash bed of about an inch, but empty when it gets too full). Inspect and clean the glass if soot builds up – a bit of damp newspaper dipped in ash can polish off white haze on the glass (when the stove is cool!). Check the door gasket periodically; if you see smoke seeping or the fire is hard to control, the gasket might need replacing to keep the seal tight. At least annually (typically before each burning season), have your chimney and liner professionally cleaned and inspected. Even with clean-burning inserts, some creosote will accumulate over many fires, and you want to remove that to prevent chimney fires. Also inspect the catalyst (if applicable) and clean it as directed (or replace it when it reaches end of life per the manufacturer).

By following installation guidelines and good burning practices, your wood-burning insert stove will operate safely and efficiently for many years. Once set up, an insert is relatively easy to use and maintain – a small effort for the large reward of a warm, inviting home and efficient heat. Always prioritize safety: use smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, keep a fireplace tool set and gloves handy, and never leave a roaring fire unattended for long. With reasonable care, you’ll enjoy all the benefits of your insert while minimizing any risks.

Product Spotlight: High-Efficiency Wood Fireplace Inserts

When you’re ready to upgrade, it’s important to choose an insert that meets high standards for performance and build quality. Below, we feature some of the best wood-burning fireplace inserts available, all vetted for efficiency, safety, and durability. These inserts are well-suited for residential heating and have been selected to cover a range of sizes and styles. Notably, you’ll see top North American brands like Drolet and Englander – renowned for their high-performance, made-in-North-America designs – in our lineup. Each of these inserts can help turn your drafty fireplace into a robust heat source for your home.

Shop the Wood Stove Inserts Collection → (Explore our curated selection of wood-burning inserts and find the perfect fit for your fireplace)

Sources

1. extension.psu.ed Using Your Wood Stove Efficiently and Effectively – Penn State Extension – In-depth guide (updated July 2024) with tips on operating wood stoves and fireplace inserts for maximum efficiency, using dry wood, and reducing smoke
2. welovefire.com How Fireplace Inserts Work – We Love Fire – Explains what wood-burning inserts are, how they are installed, and the efficiency gains (mid-80% vs. single-digit efficiency for open fireplaces) and pollution reduction benefits of upgrading to an insert
3. buildwithrise.com Best Wood Stoves for Home Heating in 2025 – Build With Rise – A comprehensive homeowner guide (July 2025) covering why to choose modern wood stoves/inserts, understanding efficiency and EPA certifications, sizing, installation basics, and safety tips. Features top eco-friendly stove brands (like Drolet & Englander) known for high efficiency and low emissions
4. hearthstonestoves.com EPA 2020 Emission Standards – HearthStone Stoves – Summary of the latest U.S. EPA clean-air requirements for wood stoves and inserts (effective May 2020). New heaters must emit <2.0 grams/hour of particulates (with even lower limits for tested cordwood/pellet units). Highlights how modern designs with secondary combustion or catalysts achieve extremely low emissions (~0.5 g/hr in best cases)
5. epa.gov Energy Efficiency and Your Wood-Burning Appliance – US EPA (Burn Wise) – Explains how EPA-certified wood stoves/inserts are up to 50% more efficient than older fireplaces, using one-third less wood for the same heat and dramatically cutting smoke and creosote. Includes tips on identifying certified units and optimizing performance (overall vs. combustion efficiency, using seasoned wood, etc.).
6. energystar.gov Biomass Stove 30% Federal Tax Credit (2023–2032) – ENERGY STAR – Official details of the U.S. federal tax credit for wood/pellet heaters. Homeowners can get 30% of purchase and install costs (up to $2,000/year) back for qualifying biomass stoves/inserts installed 2023–2032. (Units must be ≥75% efficient HHV to qualify.) Includes links to IRS forms and guidance on claiming this credit.
7. chimcare.com Maximize Heat with a Wood-Burning Stove Insert & Blower – Chimcare – Provides essential usage and installation tips (May 2024) for getting the most heat out of a wood-burning insert. Covers how blower fans can improve heat circulation by up to 80% and offers advice on maintenance and safe operation of inserts with blowers