September 10, 2010

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Woodburning Fireplace Insert Installation Guide

September 2, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment
Woodburning fireplace inserts such as these give new life to old fireplaces.

Woodburning fireplace inserts such as these give new life to old fireplaces.

Woodburning fireplace inserts are unique because they are not a free standing wood stove. A wood stove insert actually fits into your existing firebox which can save you space. These inserts can be cheaper than free standing wood stoves as well. Installing a woodburning fireplace insert can salvage an older fireplace or chimney that is in need of repair. If your firebox is in need of major overhaul then a fireplace insert basically replaces the firebox for you. Fireboxes that are old may have missing mortar joints or missing bricks. It is not safe to burn fires in a firebox which needs repaired.

Installing a woodburning fireplace insert must be done according to manufacturer instructions. There are technical specifications which must be met that may not be easy to attain without the aid of a professional. Make sure that the flue system of your existing chimney is large enough to fit a stainless steel chimney pipe that is the same size as the opening in the top of your insert. You will

Warmer chimney flues allow less creosote to condense inside of it, reducing creosote buildup in woodburning stove insert liners.

Warmer chimney flues allow less creosote to condense inside of it, reducing creosote buildup in woodburning stove insert liners.

want to be able to fit a half-inch of insulation around the stainless steel chimney pipe as well. An insulated chimney pipe is more efficient than a stainless steel chimney pipe that is unlined because the insulation helps the pipe stay warmer. A warmer chimney flue pipe is less conducive to allowing creosote to build up because more of the products of combustion which cause the actual creosote buildup stay hot enough to rise up and out of the chimney rather than condensing on the walls of the liner.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a woodburning fireplace insert. You will need to be careful about connecting the chimney liner pipe and the wood stove. Usually there will be three screws with which you attach your stainless steel liner and the wood stove pipe.  Another important area of installation is the termination kit. The termination kit is finishing off installation at the top of the chimney. You will have  a storm collar and a stainless steel chimney cap. Chimney liners come with termination kits, and some of the better chimney liners have top sealing dampers that act as stainless steel caps. These caps actually open and close with the damper handle. These top sealing dampers, or LockTop dampers save money on your energy bill.

Be sure that if you do not purchase your stainless steel chimney liner and your stove insert together that you have the correct type of pipe to vent a woodburning stove insert. Wood burning inserts put out more heat than a regular open fireplace. A chimney professional can help you evaluate your needs. If you choose to install the products by yourself you must follow all fire and building codes and it is recommended to have a professional come and check out the job after you are finished to ensure that things are installed safely.

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What Is a Fireplace Insert?

February 17, 2010 By askthechimneysweep Leave a Comment

A fireplace insert? Is that like a wood stove? Not exactly. It is like a stove, but modified specifically by the manufacturer to fit for insertion inside a masonry fiinsertarebox (hence, insert.) Fireplace inserts are much more efficient than regular, open wood burning fireplaces and emit a fraction of the pollutants while warming your home.

There are two main parts to a fireplace insert, the actual firebox and its surrounding steel shell. This outer shell delivers heat created in the firebox directly to the room. This air “padding” area prevents heat from being wasted on heating the actual masonry structure itself so more heat is ejected into the room. Air freely flows between the firebox and the steel shell, allowing it to be warmed and blown into the room.Some larger inserts can heat one or two thousand square feet, like this Napoleon insert. Smaller inserts heat smaller areas of the home.

It is imperative that your insert be lined from top to bottom.  Some older fireplace inserts were lined only partly, allowing smoke to meander up the chimney after a certain point. This makes for extremely expensive upkeep, seeing that the entire insert must be removed in order for it to be cleaned.  You should have your insert installed and the chimney lined by a professional, or if you choose to do it yourself, be sure that ALL of your methods comply with local building and fire codes, or you may face some costly repairs.

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2009 Wood Stove Tax Credits You Should Be Taking Advantage Of

July 21, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

wood-stoveIf you have ever entertained the idea of purchasing a woodburning stove, or even a pellet stove, now is the time to do it. For the year of 2009, the government is willing to pay 30% of the cost of the actual appliance itself, plus labor.

Having been in the business of chimneys and their appliances for a while, I would have to say that a lot of the cost of an energy efficient appliance comes hidden, in areas like ventilation, inspection to be deemed “up to code,” and labor. Do not fear, the tax credit even covers those things, up to $1500! This is a clear push from our government that biomass appliances are the way to go for our future.

This offer does have a few guidelines. Your appliance must be at least 75% efficient wood or pellet burning stove. Burning wood or pellets help reduce heating costs immensely. Also, the prices for wood and pellets will always stay about the same, seeing that they are a renewable resource. The same cannot be said for propane, natural gas, or oil.

Wood burning units burn wood for fuel and are carbon neutral. They do not emit much particulate matter into the air and create a warm glow in whatever room you choose to burn in. Pellet stoves, much the same emit very little particulate matter, even less than wood!

Pellets are also extremely affordable and a 40 pound bag (about 24 hours of heat) run about 5 dollars a piece. Pellets are actually recycled biomass that would otherwise be taking up room in landfills. They burn cleanly and qualify for green construction building programs.

Now, the truly beautiful part of this whole deal? The fact that you don’t have to deal with paperwork or filing. The tax credit is granted to you when you file your taxes. All you need is a certificate of qualification which you can obtain from the appliance’s manufacturer.

All in all? If you are looking into a wood burning stove or pellet burning stove, now is the time to do it! This tax credit is only valid for stoves installed thru 2009 via the stimulus plan and should be taken advantage of!

Keep in mind a tax credit is more valuable than a similar tax deduction. A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions lower your taxable income. If you are in the highest 35-percent tax bracket, the income tax you pay is reduced by 35 percent of the value of a tax deduction. But a tax credit reduces your federal income tax by 100 percent of the amount of the credit. See one of the more popular wood stoves that qualify for this tax credit.

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Wood Burning Fireplaces – How to stop cold air from coming in fireplaces

April 16, 2009 By admin 7 Comments

wood burning fireplace

Although wood burning fireplaces are aesthetically pleasing, they can be very inefficient. With rising energy costs, a wood burning fireplace is a great alternative to save money on home heating costs. Although fireplaces radiate heat, they can also allow some of the heated air to be pulled back out of the home. If you have a metal flue and/or a metal damper, this can make this inefficiency even worse.  Here are a few things you can do to increase the efficiency of your fireplace and show you how to stop cold air from coming in fireplaces.

1. Use a top sealing damper

top sealing damper

A top sealing damper prevents cold air from coming down the flue

The purpose of a top sealing damper is to act like a storm door to keep your heated or conditioned air in the home. It is placed on the top of the chimney much like a cap but it is easier to install and comes with a rubber attachment piece to keep it air tight.

The cool or hot air outside the home will be kept out. When not burning the fireplace, this small investment will pay for itself and then some in a very short while through the money you’ll save in heating and cooling costs.

throat damper

Metal throat dampers rust and warp, allowing cold air in

Top sealing dampers can replace throat dampers. Throat dampers are installed just above the firebox. They do not create an airtight seal, and are made completely of metal. While they will prevent some draft, over time these dampers will warp or rust, making them less efficient. While top sealing dampers are preferred, either of these options are better than having no damper at all.

2. Install a fireback

fireback

Cast iron firebacks protect the firebox

Another inexpensive way to increase your fireplace’s efficiency is to install a fireback. A radiant fireback is a cast iron plate designed to protect the firebox from damage. Decorative designs also add to your home’s décor.

The fireback absorbs heat from the fire and radiates it back into the room. A fireback prevents heat from being absorbed by the liner of the flue and gives your fire more bang for your buck.

3. Fireplace heaters

fireplace-heater-1Fireplace heaters are another option to increase the efficiency of your fireplace. These are closed circuit heaters that take air from the room, circulate it through a chamber heated by the fire, and then release it back into the room as warm air. Since it is closed circuit, no smoke will be pouring into the room.

4. Fireplace glass doors

fireplace glass doors

Fireplace glass doors

Making an investment in fireplace glass doors for a chimney offers another level of safety for your home by protecting pets and children from the flames, as well as increasing the efficiency of your fireplace. Installing these doors yourself can help save on some of the cost of purchasing them. If you have an open, wood burning fireplace, it is wise to make an investment in a mesh screen to protect carpet and family members from the burning embers that are frequently shot out of the firebox. Some of the most modern doors are crafted beautifully and can really add character and charm to any living room. Since the fireplace is using less inside air from combustion with the doors closed, the doors increase your fireplace’s efficiency.

5. Grate heaters

fireplace grate heater

Fireplace grate heater

Grate heaters are another great option to increase your fireplace’s efficiency and can be used in conjunction with glass doors. Hollow tubing from grate heaters get hot from the fire and a fan blows this heat into the room. Some are controlled by thermostats, others are manually controlled. This is a relatively inexpensive way to help heat your home.

If you plan on heating your home with a fireplace, these small investments can increase the efficiency of your investment and save you money. Look into a few of these options, you’ll be amazed at the savings you’ll find!

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