How to Build a Fire in a Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are metal boxes the same size as the fire pit of a fireplace. They are used to house the burning wood and improve the efficiency, circulation and smoke output of a fireplace. The mechanism is simple, and has only a few parts. You will control the amount of air going in and out of the insert and the heat coming into the room. There is also an access door on the front for adding wood. These doors can be made of glass or metal, depending on your model.

Firewood
Gasoline
Match

Instructions

- 1
  Open the damper and the draft as far you can. The levers to control these are located where the top of the insert and the chimney meet.
- 2
  Open the door of the insert. Lift the door off its hinges, if you need to, in order to reach the bottom of the insert.
- 3
  Place small pieces of firewood onto the bottom of the insert.
- 4
  Set the wood on fire. Use the gas lighter of the insert if yours has one, or use gasoline and a match to set the fire.
- 5
  Let the small pieces of wood burn for a minute or so, until the flame is steady.
- 6
  Add large firewood logs to the insert on top of the already burning pieces.
- 7
  Close the door and let the insert heat up.
- 8
  Lower the damper until it is open only halfway, and lower the draft by 3 notches. You can turn the blower on at this time to circulate the air.
- 9
  Adjust the draft to control the heating. If it gets too hot, lower the draft; if it is cold, open the draft wider.

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