WHY CHOOSE A GAS FIREPLACE INSERT? A GAS INSERT is a stove that inserts into an existing fireplace, offering a conversion from an open hole in the wall where heat escapes the house into a powerful heating source. Even our small direct vent gas inserts can heat 800-1200 sq. ft. - several rooms in the average home. A gas insert converts your fireplace into a powerful heating source.  An open burning fireplace is the least efficient way to enjoy a fire in your home. With the open damper and large fireplace opening, an open fireplace uses conditioned (preheated) room air to provide combustion to the fire, and the existing large chimney (often 12" x 12" or larger) sucks away the heat produced by the fire at a faster rate than it can be recovered for usable heat in the home. Therefore, most open burning fireplaces (no matter the fuel, wood or gas) are 10% to minus 10% efficient - you're often sending more heat up the chimney than you're gaining in the room when burning an open fire! We specialize in period style fireplaces and the inserts that fit them. We carry several styles that function in a variety of ways to suit your needs: Closed Front, Direct Vent Models with Glass Window HIGH EFFICIENCY This appliance offers the greatest efficiency of all vented appliances. A dual liner system (usually two 3" diameter liners) are installed through the length of the chimney. One liner provides outdoor air for combustion while the other provides a passageway to exhaust the fumes; this system balances incoming combustion air with outgoing exhaust air for a "balanced" operation. Direct vent models are the most efficient; they do not remove heated room air to provide combustion for the fire; their performance is not generally affected by home construction issues and they can most often work perfectly in all installations. These models produce the most heat; they can heat 800-1200 sq. ft. or more. Open Front B-vent Models (Natural Vent) Without Glass Window. LOW EFFICIENCY This classification of appliance is the least efficient insert but most "authentic" in style. There's no glass window in front of the fire, but the reduced opening means heated room air enters the fire at a lower rate. The chimney is lined with aluminum or stainless steel pipe (usually 4") to reduce the amount of air that can exit the house. Combustion air comes from the house and fumes exit through the new liner. While rated as "decorative" appliances with no efficiency rating, we find these models will generally provide about 40% to 50% efficiency in most homes; 20,000 btu input will give about 10,000 btu heat output into the room. However, even when not being burned, the open front allows heated room air to escape up the flue so keep in mind this type of appliance is least desirable in terms of overall efficiency.   About Vent-Free Gas Appliances Vent-free appliances use room air for combustion and exhaust fumes (and tremendous moisture)  back into your home. These exhausts are irritable to most people and hazardous to those with certain medical conditions. Having used them ourselves we never would again! We do not sell vent-free appliances; we figure if we don't like them, you probably won't either. here's why »  Large Selection of Inserts, Nationwide Shipping We offer a wide variety of inserts, all specially chosen for their style, size and specialty features. If you need help meeting your specialized needs then please call us, 804-355-1688.  Our friendly, knowledgeable and highly trained sales and design staff is equally accessible, whether you walk in the store or contact us from across the nation. We're here to help!