Fireplace inserts are devices that placed within the old fireplace.
Typically, they are made of steel and most are built with glass doors.
There are vents which are located on the front or the side, depending on the type of insert.
A number of inserts also come with blowers.
Be it manually operated or self-regulatory, blowers are helpful in providing greater heat circulation.
Old school fireplaces are deemed as heavy polluters and thus, are not considered to be energy efficient.
Inserts are eco-friendly devices that maximize energy usage and prevents heat loss.
Due to this reason, fireplace inserts are known to be less costly than a traditional fireplace.
The different types of fireplace inserts available on the market include Vent Free, Direct Vent and Wood Burning.
Direct vent fireplace insert is device that uses air from the outside for creating flames.
On the same note, with such a device, the possibility of stuffy air within the house is greatly diminished.
Why? Because residual air from the heating up process flows out via the direct vent.
Vent Free inserts are devices that come without a vent or opening for emitting residual air to the outside.
While these ones are sometimes commended as effective in heating up areas, they are also somewhat controversial.
Many suggest that there has to be an exchange of room air with outdoor air, in order maintain high levels of air quality.
Wood-burning inserts are self-explanatory.
It burns wood logs.
Most of this type are factory-built and not as costly as other types.
Such inserts also boast an impressive safety record and are easy to install.