Lesson plan
Fireplace insert
A fireplace insert is a device that can be inserted into an existing masonry or prefabricated wood fireplace. Fireplace inserts can be fuelled by gas, wood, electricity, coal, or wood pellet. Most fireplace inserts are made from cast iron or steel. Fresh air enters through vents below the insert, where it then circulates around the main chamber and back into the room. Separate adjustable air vents control airflow into the firebox which then exits through a chimney. Typical fireplace inserts have insulated glass doors that allow the fire to be viewed while closed, improving its heat output and fuel efficiency while maintaining ambiance of a traditional fireplace. Air is directed across the interior surface of the glass to prevent a build-up of ash. Wood burning fireplaces are ineffective in heating a home as more than 90% of the heated air is pulled up the chimney. Using an EPA certified fireplace insert can improve heating efficiency by up to 50% while using less wood fuel, reduce creosote build-up in the chimney and lower smoke pollution inside and outside the home. Fireplace inserts are categorized primarily by the type of fuel used (natural gas, propane, EPA-certified wood heaters, pellet, coal or electric).
Article summary
A fireplace insert is a device that can be inserted into an existing masonry or prefabricated wood fireplace. Fireplace inserts can be fuelled by gas, wood, electricity, coal, or wood pellet. Most fireplace inserts are made from cast iron or steel. Fresh air enters through vents below the insert, where it then circulates around the main chamber and back into the room. Separate adjustable air vents control airflow into the firebox which then exits through a chimney. Typical fireplace inserts have insulated glass doors that allow the fire to be viewed while closed, improving its heat output and fuel efficiency while maintaining ambiance of a traditional fireplace. Air is directed across the interior surface of the glass to prevent a build-up of ash. Wood burning fireplaces are ineffective in heating a home as more than 90% of the heated air is pulled up the chimney. Using an EPA certified fireplace insert can improve heating efficiency by up to 50% while using less wood fuel, reduce creosote build-up in the chimney and lower smoke pollution inside and outside the home. Fireplace inserts are categorized primarily by the type of fuel used (natural gas, propane, EPA-certified wood heaters, pellet, coal or electric).
Key claims
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.