How to install an insert in my fireplace?

Liz
by Liz

I’d like to install an insert in my 2-way burning fireplace for it to burn more efficiently.

  12 answers
  • Cheryl Cheryl on Nov 02, 2018

    You need to take a trip to a fireplace/wood stove store (yes, they exist), and see what type of products are possible for your 2-way fireplace. Different options for wood burning vs gas fires.

  • William William on Nov 02, 2018

    This is not a job for a DIY. You need a PRO to determine inf it can be done and what modifications are needed. Like Yor suggests. A fireplace shop would be where to go to get advice.

  • Virginia S. Virginia S. on Nov 02, 2018

    We bought one years ago and the tech from the store where we bought it came to install it. Maybe it is a DYI job, but we didn't dare. Good luck!

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Nov 03, 2018

    Yes - use a professional. Some inserts need a stack inside the chimney.

  • Ramona Ramona on Nov 03, 2018

    I agree with the other comments. I put an insert in last year. Definitely not a DIY job. We hired an independent installer. It was not that expensive because we helped with the labor. He was the brains.

  • Weeje Weeje on Nov 03, 2018

    There are some diy projects that should be left to the professional

    this is one of them. They have the know how and can get the job done CORRECTLY.

  • Paleo Paleo on Nov 03, 2018

    Don't even try to do it yourself !!!

    Call the experts on this job. It may cost more, but the job will be done right from the start.

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 03, 2018

    We both a used wood stove but had the pros install it. It is well worth forking out a few bucks to make sure it is done right. Plus if you do it yourself there is a chance that your home owners insurance won't cover it unless it is done by a pro.

  • Mae Franco Mae Franco on Nov 03, 2018

    This can be a fun and frustrating project. My wife and I did it ourselves, took some time but we did it, perfectly. We had a direct vent insert so we had to install a fresh air and exhaust tubing into the current fireplace flu, very easy.

    all in all not too bad of a project. If you have a handyman skill set no a proble. If you don not have a handyman skill set, hire a pro.

  • Siropav Siropav on Nov 03, 2018

    Usual inserts are only one way, they are not made for 2way fireplaces. Please do not DIY this or you will die of CO2 poisoning. You need a professional. Good Luck!

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Nov 04, 2018

    With gas logs, or the more modern colored stones with gas flames does your chimney still need cleaning or how is your chimney retrofitted?

  • Liz Liz on Nov 05, 2018

    Our current fireplace is wood burning with gas start and can also be converted to a gas burning fireplace and it is already cleaned out.