Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert Inspection - Things to Look For?

The chimney guy is the best judge of that, but I'd say that if it doesn't pour smoke out into the room when you build a fire (don't forget to open the damper) it will be fine.

I assume that it is a commercial product, installed properly.

Does it have heat circulation? It would have vents on the front if it does.

Can you post a picture?

If it's what we had, it is really much better than a brick fireplace with no insert.

One thing about a fireplace, it sucks lots of air from outside the house, unless it has an external air vent.

Your main potential problem is creosote. If the chimney is clear of this, you are probably ok.

The chimney should be lined; if the liner is good and the creosote is cleaned out you are golden.

"things to look for?"

Answer: The inspector's report.

If you hire an expert I would ask him what he is looking for and why, then what he found.

Generally, they will run a camera up the liner to look for damage or cracks.

Look for critter nests in the chimney, especially since it has been idle for long. My brother once had an owl fall into his burning fireplace; fortunately he got it out quickly and to the vet; it survived.

Make sure the chimney inspector gives it a good cleaning. If there is extra build up in the chimney it may catch on Fire. Then every once in the while I'd burn one of the chimney cleaning logs sold at your local hardware store to help reduce the soot build up. Also check the insulation inside the stove itself and and the door to make sure both are in good shape. An anti-squirel cap on the top of the chimney will help keep critters out.

Solar eagle, I don't know how or who gave you a good rating, but it is a nice pic. I would give a good rating to the advice for the Wett inspection. Sorry I forgot your handle. One little point. We purchased 2 wood stoves recently, one as an insert in a fireplace the other, a micro wood stove in our bedroom/sitting area at the far end of the house. When we did we asked for and had installed a double wall stainless steel exhaust duct in order not to take any chances at all with heat transfer to wood structure and the SS inner duct is a one piece. The top of the exhaust is totally screened but can be easily removed for a straight cleanout and inspection.

Double or triple wall pipe through walls is an excellent way to go.

If the actual flue is deteriorated, there are castable solutions; one is a castable refractory that is poured in place around an inflatable form. It can be used even if - as in older multi-flue chimneys - the flue isn't straight.

I assume a northern location so if they installed an outside air source for the fireplace combustion and you have a reasonably good air tight doors then you can use it and even gain some heat. If there is no outside air source no matter how safe it will still waste a lot of energy drawing heated air from the house for combustion. The ambience of sitting in front of a nice fireplace with your favorite lady and a glass of wine I am unable to put a price on. So what if you waste some heat it may be worth it.

Wait for your "experts" inspection and report.

That is your final word. the inspector will be able to tell you everything you need to get it working again.

If you still have questions that the inspector could not answer, then get his supervisor out there to finish the job you're paying for!

BA

You also have to look for the possibility of old or current beehive activity, if you put a mirror at the bottom of the fireplace and the internal space is straight you can actually see the hole at the top,alternatly if you use a mirror at the top at the right angle you can reflect light down the hole as well.