What is the Difference Between a Fireplace Insert and a Built in Fireplace?

There are several different types of fireplaces and several types of fireplace inserts. The primary difference is that a fireplace insert is an appliance that can be installed into an existing wood burning fireplace to make it more efficient. A built in fireplace is new installation into a home where you do not already have a fireplace. There are inserts that burn wood, gas with a direct vent system, and gas inserts that do not require a vent. Wood Burning Inserts- Most people love the look of a brick masonry fireplace. They are attractive and rustic. The trouble with them is that they are not efficient heaters. An open wood burning fireplace can burn up to 25% efficient. Often times, the amount of air needed to sustain the fire actually draws more heated air from the home than the fireplace produces. An open wood burning fireplace goes through wood very quickly as well. It is common to have to add more logs after only 1-2 hours of burning. A wood burning insert can (depending on size) can typically burn for 5-10+ hours. This means less wood is needed and also less clean up. Gas Direct Vent Inserts- Looking for a more convenient way to heat your home? Gas direct vent inserts are appliances that are installed into wood burning fireplaces to increase the efficiency. They typically burn between 70% and 80% efficient, operate with blowers, and are also rated as wall furnaces as well as decorative appliances. They use air from outdoors for combustion and also exhaust their burnt flue gases to the outdoors through two aluminum flexible vents that connect to the top of the appliance and run up to the top of the chimney. No more losing air you have already paid to heat up your chimney! Vent Free Inserts- Vent free technology is the most efficient way to supplement your homes heating system.  At 99.9% efficient they do not require any venting. This make them more economical to purchase and install.  Installing an insert vs. just installing a vent free gas log set allows you to use a blower. This further increases the appliances heating capability. Because of how efficient they burn, gas vent free inserts add about a gallon of water vapor into the air in about 4 hours. This is typically welcomed as most homes are dry in the winter time. Excessive use of a vent free insert can cause issues with moisture levels in your home so make sure to read the manual. They can also burn any impurities in the air such as air fresheners, fresh paint, cooking odors, pet odors, etc.. This can cause the appliance to produce an odor similar to burning that impurity. These are only potential issues that are worth mentioning but not a reason not to consider one for your home.