# Pellet Stoves vs Pellet Inserts: Which Should You Buy?

- Link: https://hearthsidepatio.com/wood-inserts/pellet-stoves-vs-pellet-inserts-buy/
- Published: 2014-12-08T21:21:41-05:00
- Author: hearthsideri

As the cost of gas and oil increases, maybe it is time to consider a free-standing
wood pellet stove or wood pellet stove insert. The following are some important 
things to consider when deciding if one of these would work for you. Before you 
put your money into a pellet stove, contact your insurance company to find out if
your insurance rates will go up if you have a pellet stove installed. If you don’t
let them know so they can update your policy, your insurance coverage can become
invalid.

### Inserts

There are two types of [pellet stoves](https://hearthsidepatio.com/product-type/hearth/stoves/pellet-stoves/):
free-standing stoves and [pellet inserts](https://hearthsidepatio.com/product-type/hearth/inserts/pellet-inserts/).
The insert type is typically installed into an existing fireplace. The variables
that determine the costs of installing an insert over a fireplace include the age
of the fireplace, the condition of the flue, and interior and exterior chimney. 
If those three things are in good shape and can function as they need to, you won’t
have the cost of repairs to add to the cost of the stove.

The stove insert should be positioned in the fireplace to get as much aeration as
possible and so that the smoke can move up through the chimney easily. You will 
need a surround to finish the front of the fireplace once the stove has been installed.

### Free-Standing

One of the great benefits of a free-standing wood pellet stove is that you can put
it anywhere in your house as long as you are close enough to an outside wall to 
vent it to the outside. There are building codes that indicate how far away the 
stove needs to be from walls to the sides and in front of it as well as how far 
it needs to be from any combustibles. Once you have made the decision to purchase
a wood pellet stove, we recommend you consult with a professional installer to determine
the optimal place to put your stove and the correct size of stove for the square
footage of your house.