Is a Fireplace or Insert Right For Me?

What is the difference between a Fireplace and an Insert? There is a lot of confusion about the difference between a fireplace and an insert.  The actual definitions vary by region. 

Category 1 – Fireplaces
A fireplace is a self-operating system that is able to burn fuel.  A fireplace will have its own chimney flue system.  There are 2 main types of fireplaces:

1.  Factory built fireplace – Acucraft manufactures factory-built fireplaces that are pre-engineered systems where the chimney system and combustion air inlets along with controls for both are incorporated.  The factory built fireplace is set in the home and built around, with framing and stone.

2.  Open Heart Fireplace – Open hearth fireplaces are typically built on site by a mason.  The firebox is lined with real firebrick.  Open Heart Fireplaces provide a lot of ambiance; however, the efficiency is approximately 335%.  The average open heart uses very little outside air combustion and approximately 300 cubic feet of air per minute is pulled from your home and goes up the chimney flue.  Please note:  all Acucraft wood burning fireplaces can be operated as an open hearth by simply removing the doors or burning with the doors open, providing your home has adequate make up air.

Category II – Inserts
Inserts are units that are designed to fit inside a fireplace.  They are most popular inside the open hearth fireplace type.  Acucraft manufactures custom inserts that are designed to fit within a specific opening, we are able to create the largest viewing area possible while maximizing the viewing area. 

The advantages of a custom insert from Acucraft are a dramatic increase in efficiency (from 35% to 70%) and with the insert custom designed it will look like it was installed from the beginning.  Many inserts require a lot of steel around the insert, called flashing, to close off the area between the insert and the fireplace opening.