Fireplace Insert Installation

Fireplace is definitely the best part of your room. It gives a warm feel and calm appearance to the area. Most commonly a focal point of your house, a fireplace is decorated in the best possible way. You might have a classy fireplace mantel embracing it and adding to the beauty of your home decor. While this looks really amazing, you might be wondering of replacing this fireplace due to high maintenance and energy cost. As opposed to the conventional fireplace, the inserts lower the amount of smoke generated and are more cleaner. If you plan to get one, you might be wondering how to install the insert. In the following paragraphs, you can get a step-by-step procedure of fireplace insert installation. Keep reading.

What are these Inserts For?

An insert is basically a device that is designed to fit into the existing fireplace masonry. This device has a firebox which is surrounded by a steel shell. The air from inside your home flows into this shell, which is further warmed up by the radiant heat. This warm air is then redistributed back into your home. This insert increases the heat output, reduces the pollutant output and is much more efficient than the conventional fireplace. So, if you want to get rid of conventional problems, this is the option to consider.

Installation Instructions

Things you will need are as follows. Screwdrivers, screws, heavy cardboard, flue liner, aluminum snips, chalk, and a chimney caulk.

Step 1
Start the procedure by placing the piece of heavy cardboard on the hearth. Well, those who don't know what is a hearth, let me tell you that it is a slightly raised platform which is right in front of the fireplace.

Step 2
Now place the insert on the cardboard and slowly slide it towards the rear wall of the fireplace.

Step 3
Remove the damper and through the top of the chimney, insert a flue liner. Now join the flue liner's bottom end to the flue collar using the screws. Cut off excess liner at top of the chimney using aluminum snips.

Step 4
Take chalk to mark lines on the insert. Do markings along the top and both sides of the insert in alignment with the borders of the fireplace opening in the fireplace mantel. Now move on to the tricky step.

Step 5
You have to carefully pull out the insert. Pull out until you can access the pre-drilled holes on the insert. The insert already has these holes on top and both sides. Now use the screws supplied to fasten the top extender panel to the insert. Make sure you do not tighten the screws completely. First position the insert so that the chalk lines are covered and then tighten the screws. Similarly install both the side panels.

Step 6
Now take the chimney caulk and insert it between the panel and insert joints from all sides. Now the last step is to attach the insulation strips. Attach them to the backside of the panel. Finish by sliding the insert back to its initial position.

The fireplace insert can cost you about USD 1500 to USD 2500 excluding the cost of accessories like glass door, flue liner, etc. But you can simply save the cost as it is an easy do it yourself project. So get the insert installed in your existing fireplace mantel and warm up your house.