When first conceived, fireplace inserts were intended to simplify installation problems and allow anyone with a fireplace to quickly and simply adapt to solid fuel burning. It soon became apparent that inserts present unique installation and safety problems. 

The principal problem with inserts is the excessive formation of creosote. Allowing the cool smoke from the insert to linger in the large volume areas of the masonry firebox and smoke chamber prior to entering the chimney flue will cause excessive creosote. Further cooling of the smoke stream is caused by cold air leaking in around the edges of the insert. The cooled smoke readily condenses on the inner walls of the masonry chimney causing excessive amounts of creosote to be deposited. This build-up of creosote is the major cause of serious chimney fires. 

Installation of inserts is compounded by the physical weight of the units. Most are heavier than freestanding heaters, causing difficulty in installing and removing them for cleaning and inspection. This difficulty encourages chimney sweeps to charge additional fees for cleaning inserts. In turn, these additional charges discourage users from having their chimneys cleaned at proper intervals or when needed. The result is a greater possibility and likelihood of chimney fires with inserts. 

National Fire Protection Association Code 211, requires that all fireplace/woodstove inserts (unless otherwise specifically listed) be installed with a direct connection from the insert to the first flue liner.

Also required are:

1. The cross-sectional area of the chimney be no greater than three times (3x) that of the flue collar or smoke part on the insert.
2. Cleaning and inspection be possible.
3. No dilution air should be allowed to enter the chimney.

National statistics indicate the IMPROPERLY INSTALLED fireplace inserts are a leading cause of serious chimney fires. 

Most major stove and chimney manufacturers have since recognized this problem and have taken steps to correct it. They have introduced products to properly connect the insert to the chimney, which greatly reduces the creosote build-up in the smoke chamber area. 

If you are presently operating a fireplace insert that is not properly installed in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations or the above code, YOU ARE AT RISK. You are requested to consider the following list of options, as it may affect your personal safety.

 

OPTIONS

1. Cease operating the fireplace insert if it is not properly installed to the above code. This provides complete fire safety to the home and the cost is zero.
2. Remove the fireplace insert and convert your fireplace to its’ original intended use. This would require a thorough cleaning to remove excessive creosote build-up. Then re-install a glass door set and fire grate. Cost for these items could be recovered by the sale of the used insert. Homeowner fire safety would be satisfied at little or no cost. This option will of course, remove your wood heat source, as fireplaces are very inefficient heating devices.
3. The excessive creosoting caused by inserts can be removed by chimney sweeps, but this type of cleaning may be required as often as twice a year to be thoroughly fire safe. Few, if any homeowners, will clean their units as often as they should, due to time and cost involved. This causes a serious decrease in homeowner safety as chimney fires can and will occur due to inadequate or infrequent cleaning.
4. NFPA code 211 requires inserts to be directly connected by means of a flue pipe from the insert-to the masonry chimney flue. The actual accomplishment of a good direct connection as described above has proved to be extremely difficult by even the most experienced chimney technician. The cost for this option is determined by your particular insert and chimney. Homeowner safety is improved, but cleaning and inspection of this option is somewhat difficult.
5. The ultimate solution in regards to fire safety is the installation of a full-length stainless steel chimney liner system. These systems are very safe, efficient and easy to inspect, clean and maintain. They meet and exceed all requirements of NFPA code 211. Cost for this option is of course higher than all the others due to the material and labor involved.

Please take the time to carefully consider all of the above options before choosing one or a combination of several. There are many variables in individual wood burning systems that need to be considered and discussed. 

Your professional certified chimney sweep has the responsibility of providing you with the correct information you need in formulating a decision. 

The Chimney Department will be glad to answer any additional questions you have and work with you toward a final, safe solution, in regards to your fireplace/woodstove insert.