A wood insert installed to its manual in McDonald

EPA emission limits for new wood heaters

Under the federal rule for residential wood heaters, 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart AAA, a fireplace insert counts as a wood heater just like a freestanding stove. Any unit made or sold at retail from May 15, 2020 on has to meet the Step 2 particulate limit, which EPA sets at 2.0 grams per hour when tested on crib wood.

A compliant heater carries a permanent label, and EPA keeps a public database of the models that meet the limit. When you are weighing a particular unit, our specialists look for that label and that listing with you, so the insert you pay to install is one that is allowed to be sold new.

Following the manual protects the maker's warranty

Insert manufacturers tie their warranties to installation and use according to the manual. The Travis manual, for example, warns that burning any fuel other than cord wood voids all warranties and safety listings, and other makers attach similar conditions to how the unit is installed.

Our installers follow the manual step by step, and our own workmanship warranty covers the work we perform. Together, those protect you on both the product and the installation, and we explain at handover which parts of each warranty depend on how the insert is used.

How an insert estimate should read

A clear insert estimate separates the unit, the liner and its connector, the top plate and cap, the surround, any hearth extension, any fireplace repairs, any electrical work by an electrician and the removal of old parts.

Every line carries upfront pricing with no hidden fees, so you can see where the money goes and compare our proposal fairly with anyone else's. Book within 72 hours after the inspection and 10% off is applied right on the estimate.

• Insert model and surround size
• Liner type, size and length
• Top plate, rain cap and any cap change
• Hearth or floor protection work
• Repairs found at the inspection
• Removal and haul-away of old parts

Raised hearths and flush hearths

A raised hearth stands above the surrounding floor, while a flush hearth sits level with it. The Pacific guide treats the two differently: a hearth raised above a combustible floor meets its requirement at one depth, and a flush hearth has to reach further out in front of the opening.

We measure the height and depth of your hearth and read the manual for your model before deciding whether it passes. The result, and any extension it needs, goes into the estimate in plain words.