As Bay Area homeowners look for cleaner, more reliable ways to heat their homes, wood-burning fireplace inserts are seeing a major comeback. In fact, during the last winter season alone, we installed more inserts than we had in the previous five to seven years combined. With growing concerns over the long-term cost and reliability of gas appliances, more people are recognizing wood as a renewable, dependable, and highly efficient heat source.
But before you run out to purchase a wood insert, it’s important to understand what’s involved in the installation process. As well as, how it differs from other heating options like free-standing wood stoves. At The Irish Sweep, we specialize in wood insert installation, (not to be confused with wood stove installation) and we want to make sure you’re fully informed before you make your next move. Let’s talk about everything you need to know to prepare for a successful, code-compliant, and clean-burning wood insert installation.
What Is a Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert?
A wood-burning fireplace insert is a specially engineered appliance designed to fit inside an existing masonry fireplace. Unlike open fireplaces, which lose a large portion of heat up the chimney, wood inserts are enclosed systems that burn wood more efficiently, produce significantly more heat, and reduce emissions. Many modern models are EPA-certified and designed to meet today’s clean-air standards, making them a smarter and more environmentally conscious choice.
It’s important to note that a wood insert is not the same as a free-standing wood stove, both of which are gaining in popularity. While both burn wood for heat, inserts are built to slide into an existing firebox and vent through the existing chimney with a stainless steel liner. Free-standing stoves, on the other hand, are separate structures that sit on hearth pads and typically vent through a new or dedicated flue system. If your goal is to transform your inefficient open fireplace into a powerful heat source, a wood-burning insert is a great solution.
What to Do Before You Buy Your Insert
Before you visit a hearth store or make any purchase decisions, there are a few important steps to take to ensure your wood insert installation goes smoothly. While The Irish Sweep does not sell wood-burning inserts or installation materials, we play a key role in helping you select the right product for your home.
1. Schedule a Firebox Measurement with The Irish Sweep
The first step is to have us visit your home and measure your existing firebox. During this appointment, we’ll gather the dimensions needed for proper insert sizing and assess the condition of the firebox and chimney to identify any masonry modifications that may be required later. We will also sweep the chimney if needed.
2. Take Measurements and a Fireplace Photo to a Hearth Dealer
Once you have the firebox measurements, take them, along with a clear photo of your fireplace (not the chimney), to a local hearth retailer. These stores specialize in selling wood-burning inserts and will help match you with an appliance that meets both your heating needs and the physical dimensions of your fireplace.
3. Purchase the Insert and Materials from the Dealer
You’ll purchase the wood insert and any required venting or installation materials directly from the hearth dealer. Most retailers will bundle the appliance with the appropriate stainless steel liner and components needed for a safe installation.
By taking these steps before scheduling your installation, you’ll avoid common sizing issues and ensure a smoother, more efficient process when installation day arrives.
What to Expect During Installation
Once you’ve selected and purchased your wood-burning insert and all necessary materials from a hearth dealer, The Irish Sweep will handle the rest, making the installation process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Scheduling and Delivery
We’ll book a dedicated installation day on our calendar and coordinate the pickup and delivery of your new insert and installation materials. Everything will be brought directly to your home, so you don’t need to worry about transportation or logistics.
Chimney Preparation and Modifications
Before the insert can be installed, we may perform a chimney cleaning if needed to ensure a safe and proper fit. If masonry adjustments are required, such as resizing the firebox opening or creating space for the liner, we’ll complete those modifications during the visit.
Assembly and Installation
Our team will assemble the appliance on-site and install all the venting components, including the stainless steel liner that’s required for wood insert operation. Because this liner runs through your existing chimney, it ensures proper draft and safe venting for the high-efficiency burn of your new appliance.
Clean-Up and Handoff
Once installation is complete, we remove all debris from the job site and leave your home as clean as we found it. We’ll also provide the homeowner’s section of the installation manual and make sure you understand the next steps for operating your new insert safely.
From start to finish, we aim to provide expert-level craftsmanship, clear communication, and a safe, code-compliant installation you can rely on for years to come.
Understanding the Role of the Metal Flue
One of the most important components of a proper wood insert installation is the metal flue liner. Unlike open fireplaces that vent smoke and gases through a clay-lined masonry chimney, wood-burning inserts must be connected to a stainless steel flue liner that runs from the appliance up through the chimney to the top. This liner is essential for safety, performance, and compliance with modern building codes.
Why the Metal Liner Matters
Wood inserts are sealed systems that rely on precise drafting to operate efficiently. The stainless steel liner ensures that combustion gases are vented properly and that creosote buildup is minimized. It also protects the interior of your chimney from heat damage and corrosive byproducts.
What About Ceramic Coating?
Ceramic coatings are sometimes used to repair damaged clay flue liners and mortar joints. However, when installing a wood insert, ceramic coating is not needed. That’s because the new stainless steel liner bypasses the existing clay liner entirely. The only scenario where ceramic coating might be considered is if the chimney structure is severely deteriorated, something we’ll evaluate during your inspection.
With the metal liner included as part of the insert system, you can feel confident that your installation will meet safety standards and perform reliably for years to come.
Ready to Install Your Wood Insert? Let’s Get Started
Wood-burning fireplace inserts offer an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly way to heat your home. Especially as more homeowners move away from gas. While the appliances themselves are highly engineered and may carry a higher price tag, their performance, heat output, and clean-burning design make them a worthwhile investment.
At The Irish Sweep, we bring decades of hands-on experience to every installation, ensuring your insert is installed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with modern codes. From initial measurements to final clean-up, our team handles the details so you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of your new heating system without the hassle.
Ready to schedule your firebox measurement or ask questions about the process?
Call us at 510‑521‑4088 or email [email protected] to get started. Don’t wait until the cold weather hits, book your wood insert installation today and be ready for winter!
