Plainfield, IN – February 11, 2010 The fireplace is the heart of every home, but did you know that when you add an insert, your fireplace can also bring you hours of comfort and warmth? Fireplace inserts are a special type of stove specifically designed to fit into the firebox of an existing fireplace and use the fireplace flue to vent smoke and other by-products of combustion.

A wood insert transforms a 10 percent efficient fireplace to a 70-80 efficient wood heater. Most air-tight inserts allow one load of wood to heat a home all night. Inserts can achieve sizable payback in 2-3 years in money saved on heating bills. Inserts also eliminate cold air drafts down the chimney as they provide both radiant and convection heat to better distribute heat evenly throughout the entire room.

Gas-fired inserts are also available to be installed in fireplaces. These gas inserts have a greater heat output than conventional gas logs and are designed to be like a wood-burning insert. Gas inserts are convenient heat that's easy and safe for the whole family to use. Simply flip a switch, tap a remote or set a wall thermostat and sit back and enjoy a fire-viewing experience.

Homeowners installing a new hearth appliance are reminded to have their chimney and venting systems inspected by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep before the installation process begins. A qualified chimney professional, like a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep^®, will report on the condition of the chimney and venting system, the flue size, liner condition, chimney height and the home’s air pressure, all to help ensure that your system can handle a new appliance. Find a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep and learn more about fireplace inserts online at www.CSIA.org.