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Wood Inserts: Efficient, Eco-Friendly, and Made for Montreal
At Melrose Fireplaces, we specialize in offering high-efficiency wood inserts that transform your existing masonry fireplace into a powerful, clean-burning source of heat. With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, more homeowners are choosing wood inserts not just for their charm and warmth, but also for their compliance with strict local emissions standards.
Why Choose a Wood Insert?
Traditional open fireplaces lose up to 85% of their heat through the chimney. A wood insert solves this problem by sealing off the opening with an insulated, high-efficiency unit that captures and radiates heat directly into your home. With a properly installed wood insert, you gain:
- Higher heating efficiency (up to 80%)
- Reduced wood consumption- Improved indoor comfort
- Stylish, modern or classic looks
- Safe operation with airtight combustion
Most importantly, wood inserts drastically lower emissions, making it a smarter, more sustainable choice for today’s environmentally conscious homeowner.
Built for Montreal: Eco-Responsible and Bylaw-Compliant
The City of Montreal has implemented strict wood-burning regulations under By-law 21-012, which prohibit the use of wood-burning appliances by emitting more than 2.5 grams of fine particles per hour. All our wood inserts at Melrose Fireplaces are EPA-certified and fully compliant with these local regulations.
We believe in clean air, and our product selection reflects that. By installing one of our approved wood inserts, you ensure your home heating system is safe, eco-responsible, and legal under current Montreal laws.
How do wood inserts work?
A wood insert is essentially a high-efficiency wood stove designed to fit inside an existing masonry fireplace. The insert includes a sealed firebox, insulated glass doors, and a steel or cast-iron frame. It is typically connected to a liner system that runs up the chimney flue, ensuring proper draft and safe smoke evacuation.
The design allows for slow, controlled burning, which means more heat is retained inside your home instead of being lost through the chimney. Many modern inserts include fans or blowers to help circulate warm air efficiently.
Catalytic vs. Non-Catalytic Wood Inserts: What’s the Difference?
At Melrose Fireplaces, we offer both catalytic and non-catalytic wood inserts, each with their own advantages depending on your heating needs and lifestyle.
Catalytic Wood Inserts
These units use a catalytic combustor (similar to what you’d find in a car exhaust system) to re-burn the gases and smoke that would otherwise be lost up the chimney. This secondary burn greatly improves efficiency and reduces emissions.
Benefits:
- Longer, slower burns (ideal for overnight heating)
- Greater fuel efficiency
- Lower emissions (even under 1.0 g/hr. in some models)
- Excellent heat output
Things to consider:
- Requires occasional maintenance of the catalytic combustor
- Generally, it costs more up front
Non-Catalytic Wood Inserts
These inserts achieve secondary combustion without a catalyst, relying instead on engineered firebox insulation, air flow design, and baffles to burn off smoke and gases.
Benefits:
- Easier to operate
- Lower maintenance (no catalyst to replace)
- Strong, consistent heat output
- Lower cost of ownership
Things to consider:
- Slightly shorter burn times
- Higher emissions than catalytic units (but still under the 2.5 g/hr limit for Montreal)
Advantages of Installing a Wood Insert
Whether you’re upgrading for environmental reasons, heating efficiency, or simply refreshing the look of your fireplace, a wood insert offers a range of benefits:
- Energy Savings: With hydro and gas rates continuing to rise in Quebec, a wood insert is a smart long-term investment. Many of our customers use their inserts as a primary or supplementary heat source, significantly reducing monthly bills.
- Reliable Heat During Power Outages: As demand for Quebec’s electric grid continues to increase, more homes are experiencing frequent and unpredictable outages, especially during winter storms or peak usage periods. A wood insert provides dependable, off-grid heating-no electricity required. When the power goes out, your wood insert keeps running, offering warmth and security when you need it most.
- Reduced Environmental Impact Our EPA-certified wood inserts burn cleaner, using less wood and emitting fewer particulates. Not only are they good for the planet-they help protect the health of your family and community.
- Improved Comfort – Modern inserts are designed to radiate heat evenly and can warm up to 2000 square feet depending on the model. They also maintain consistent room temperatures, unlike open fireplaces that can create cold drafts.
- Increased Safety – Old fireplaces often pose risks: creosote buildup, backdrafts, and heat loss. A properly installed insert with a chimney liner significantly reduces fire risk and ensures clean, safe operation.
- Aesthetic Appeal – From rustic cast iron to sleek, modern steel designs, wood inserts add style and value to your home. You can choose trims and doors to match your decor, all while improving function.
- Property Value – Buyers increasingly look for homes with high-efficiency heating systems that comply with local bylaws. A wood insert adds resale value by offering both beauty and practicality.
Our Process: From Selection to Installation
At Melrose we guide you through the entire process
- Home Evaluation: We assess your current fireplace, chimney, and heating needs.
- Product Selection: Choose from leading brands offering catalytic or non-catalytic options.
- Installation: Our licensed technicians handle everything, from inserting the unit to installing the chimney liner.
All our installations are carried out by RBQ-licensed professionals and comply with CSA B365 and Montreal’s wood-burning bylaw requirements.
Ready to Upgrade Your Fireplace?
Whether you want cozy ambiance, emergency backup heating, or a green solution for your home, a wood Page 4 Melrose Fireplaces – Wood Inserts insert from Melrose Fireplaces is the ideal choice.
Contact us today for a consultation or visit our Montreal showroom (by appointment) to view models and speak with our knowledgeable staff.