Short guide: Everything you need to know about fireplace inserts and decoration

The fireplace insert is a heating appliance consisting of a cubic cast-iron or steel module that fits into an existing cavity. The front is glazed, and the flue is integrated into the existing one. The fireplace is fed with wood logs or pellets. Once the fuel is ignited, heat is diffused either by infrared radiation or convection.

Infrared radiation is emitted by embers and fire, producing intense heat that spreads through the glass. Convection uses fresh air, which is heated as it passes through the insert’s double wall and circulates along the chimney, finally exiting through the hot-air grilles. This system multiplies the fire’s output thanks to its closed hearth and ducted air supply. It is therefore more efficient and more economical than an open fireplace.

The different types of inserts and their installation

Types of inserts

There are several models of fireplace inserts that use different fuels:

• The traditional insert: Made of a cast-iron or steel block, it fits directly into an old fireplace. Wood logs or pellets are fed into the firebox. It can heat a room or even an entire house.

• The electric insert: Lighter in weight, it can be installed in a piece of furniture, a wall or, of course, in the combustion chamber of an old fireplace. Identical in shape to a standard insert, its distinctive feature is that it runs on electricity. This decorative fireplace spreads gentle, even heat that can warm a 30m2 room, thanks to its power of up to 2000w.

• The bioethanol insert: It requires no flue, and operates with a tank that carries the fuel to the burner. The energy used is generally ethyl alcohol, also known as bioethanol. The flame is warm but not very efficient, and cannot heat an entire room.

• The gas insert: It is installed in a standard chimney. It will need to be connected to a chimney flue or to a watertight suction cup. It uses a town gas connection or a bottle of liquefied gas.

 

Installation of the various models

To install a traditional or gas-fired insert, you need to place it in the existing hearth of the fireplace. It will be necessary to adjust the position, certainly reducing it to avoid soot accumulation. Metal plates will frame and protect the walls, as an insert accumulates much more heat than an open fireplace. The flue will also need to be insulated with mineral wool tiles combined with aluminum foil to keep the heat in until the fumes are extracted.

An electric insert is easier to install. If there’s an electrical outlet nearby, the cavity must be adapted, neither too large nor too small. It’s a good idea to provide access for electrical cables. All that’s left to do is mount the installation bracket and install the fireplace. Both ethanol and electric fireplaces are mounted on a support made of resistant, non-flammable material. Care must be taken to maintain a suitable containment area to ensure adequate ventilation.

Installation may require specialized technical skills, in which case the help of a professional will ensure a successful outcome.

Which mantelpiece to choose?

It’s a good question, but to answer it, you’ll need to analyze your needs. Is it to increase heating performance, or is it to enhance aesthetic appeal? If the aim is to heat an entire home properly, then a wood-burning insert is recommended. It’s efficient and effective, and produces five times more heat than an open fireplace.

Ash and ember projections are avoided. This means less maintenance and greater safety. Gas fireplaces are also highly efficient. It requires no fuel supply or storage, and produces no soot. Power and flame height are adjustable, and the temperature can be selected. Both systems require flue connection.

The electric insert doesn’t heat as well as the other two, but has the advantage of being suitable for all types of home. Very easy to install, there’s no need for a chimney flue. Its performance remains acceptable, however, with a heat output of 1 or 2 kws, which is appreciable during the winter season. Maintenance is simple and the risk of fire is non-existent. You can choose the flame color, and adjust its height and intensity.

The ethanol insert is the least efficient of all and the least economical. It is not designed to heat, but rather to embellish an interior. Mobile, since it doesn’t require a flue, the ethanol fireplace decoration can be floor-standing, suspended or wall-mounted.

Where to buy a fireplace insert and at what price?

Buying a fireplace insert

DIY stores generally sell traditional fireplace inserts, using wood or pellets as fuel. Other models are less common. If you’re looking to decorate your fireplace with electricity, the best thing to do is to visit specialized sites like Chemin’Arte. Professionals are on hand to listen, advise and answer all your questions.

Price range

The cost of a fireplace depends on the model and the fuel used.

– wood-burning insert: from €500 to €4000

-Pellet insert: from €500 to €5000

-Gas insert: €1,000 to €3,000

-Bioethanol insert: €500 to €4000

-Electric insert: €200 to €3000

Decorative fireplace glass

Wood-burning inserts are generally fitted with a glass-ceramic pane that does not expand at high temperatures, allowing heat to pass through.

Electric gas or bioethanol inserts use glass.

Glass cleaning

Wood-burning fireplaces quickly foul the insert glass. Soot, smoke and various other deposits settle and clog the glass. There are various ways to clean this surface:

You’ll find specific chemical products in supermarkets. Very effective, but harmful to health.
Wet newspaper and soot. This tried-and-tested trick is very economical.
White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, soak a cloth in water with white vinegar, then dab the cloth in the bicarbonate of soda and wipe the glass.
Steam cleaner, powerful and easy to use.
We recommend checking the door seal: a tight seal keeps the glass cleaner for longer.

The advantage of electrically-powered decorative fireplaces is that they don’t emit dirt, so the glass remains translucent. It is still necessary to clean the exterior glass with a soft cloth.

To avoid tedious scouring, opt for self-cleaning glass. The principle is based on the fact that the outer surface is coated with a resistant pyrolysis coating, which helps to keep the glass clean.

Replace glass

To replace the glass in a fireplace insert, you can call in a professional. For greater economy, you can also do the job yourself. To do this, simply unbolt the glass door and lay it flat for greater safety. Unscrew the various fasteners and remove the glass. Clean the frame thoroughly. Position the new glass using the mounting brackets. Refit the door and glue the seal.

Maintenance and cleaning of an insert

It’s essential to use good wood as soon as you install your heating appliance. It should be well-dried, with a moisture content of less than 20%. Species such as oak, elm, beech, hornbeam and chestnut are preferable, as they have a higher calorific value.

Drawer or box ashtrays should be emptied and vacuumed before they become full. The fans on some models need to be dusted, and the motor and blades lubricated. Ashes should also be vacuumed from the rest of the fireplace, and soot deposits removed with a wire brush. Clean the interior walls with a soapy cloth.

Electric decorative fireplaces are much less restrictive in this respect. Start by turning off the main circuit breaker, then vacuum the air vents. Then dust the ventilation grilles with a microfiber cloth, as well as the walls and glass. It’s quick and easy maintenance.

Chimney sweeping

Chimney sweeping is a legal obligation. It must be carried out at least once a year by a Qualibat-qualified professional, or one with at least 3 years’ experience. A chimney sweeping certificate will be issued to you after the work has been carried out, and must be sent to your home insurance company. The chimney sweep usually works from above, i.e. by climbing onto the roof, inserting a hedgehog brush into the chimney flue and removing all residues. The use of a chimney sweep log can also help. If clogging is too severe, a chimney cleaner is used to remove the refractory layers.