How to Start a Fire in My Fireplace Insert

Fireplace inserts are positioned in a fireplace opening. They are steel structures that help circulate heat generated from the fireplace to a wider area that would be possible with a fireplace alone. They are energy efficient devices that help heat a home and save energy costs.

Directions:

1. Pull the handles on the insert doors so they open up and gain you access to the fireplace.


2. Add a few sheets of paper into the insert beneath the metal rack where the logs are sitting. For quicker fire starting, it is best to ball up the newspaper separately.


3. Position kindling wood on the metal rack (called a grate). The kindling wood must be dry. 


4. Use a match to set the paper on fire in the fireplace. Control the flame by gently blowing on it, which help move through the newspaper and spread. Watch the flame and allow it to catch onto the kindling. 


5. Add additional pieces of kindling to the fire, after the first pieces of kindling have caught fire. This will increase the intensity of the flames and ensure the fire to grow.


6. Position a log on top of the kindling wood that is burning. Use a log of the right size (three to four inches in diameter) so the kindling will light it as well, and spread the fire throughout the chamber.


7. Push the doors to the insert closed for the fire to continue burning. Once the fire starts to die down, add additional logs to keep it going and prevent burning itself out.