Pellet Inserts

A Reliable Heating Source For Your Home

Please browse our vendors’ for the current makes, models and specs:

Quadra-Fire

Harman

Here's a Breakdown of How a Pellet Insert Works:

  • Fuel source: Wood pellets are small cylinders made from compressed sawdust or other biomass materials.

  • Hopper: The pellets are stored in a hopper at the top or rear of the insert.

  • Auger: An auger feeds the pellets from the hopper into a burn pot at a controlled rate.

  • Burn pot: The pellets are burned in a burn pot located at the bottom of the insert.

  • Combustion chamber: The hot air and gases from the burning pellets circulate through a combustion chamber, heating the insert.

  • Blower: A blower fan circulates the warm air from the insert throughout the room.

  • Exhaust: The exhaust fumes from the combustion process are vented out of the house through a flue pipe, typically using the existing flue liner from your former wood fireplace.

Pellet Insert FAQ

  • Most existing wood-burning masonry fireplaces can accept a pellet insert, making them a popular upgrade option for Jackson County homeowners who want to transform an underused fireplace into a functional heating appliance.

    The key factors a technician needs to evaluate are the fireplace opening dimensions to confirm the insert fits properly, the condition and accessibility of the existing flue for liner installation, and the proximity of a standard electrical outlet since pellet inserts require electricity to power the auger and blowers.

    A certified technician from The Grate Haus can assess your specific fireplace during a free estimate visit and confirm compatibility before any purchase is made. Call (517) 750-0300 or visit our website to schedule.

  • A pellet insert is a self-contained pellet-burning heating appliance designed to fit directly into an existing wood-burning fireplace opening.

    It converts a drafty, inefficient masonry fireplace into a high-efficiency, automated heating unit that burns compressed wood pellets as fuel. The insert slides into the firebox and connects to the existing chimney through a liner. An auger feeds pellets from an onboard hopper into a burn pot where they are ignited and burned, and a blower circulates heated air into the room.

    A thermostat controls the feed rate automatically to maintain your desired temperature. The result is a clean-burning, efficient, and largely self-managing heat source that looks like a traditional fireplace from the room.

    The Grate Haus carries pellet inserts from top brands and can help you find the right fit for your existing fireplace opening.

  • Both pellet and gas inserts fit into an existing fireplace opening and dramatically improve on the heating performance of an open wood-burning fireplace, but they differ in fuel type, operation, and practical considerations.

    A gas insert connects to your home's natural gas or propane supply and operates with the push of a button or remote control with no fuel loading required.

    A pellet insert burns compressed wood pellets stored in an onboard hopper and requires periodic refilling, typically every one to three days depending on the model and heat setting. P

    ellet inserts require electricity to operate the auger and blowers, which means they will not function during a power outage without a generator or battery backup.

    Gas inserts with standing pilots can often operate without electricity.

    For homeowners who prefer a renewable, locally available fuel source and are comfortable with occasional maintenance, a pellet insert is an excellent choice.

    For those prioritizing total convenience and power outage reliability, a gas insert may be the better fit.

  • Pellet inserts are among the most efficient solid fuel heating appliances available, with most quality models achieving efficiency ratings of 70 to 85% or higher. This compares very favorably to a traditional open wood-burning fireplace, which can lose 80 to 90% of its heat up the chimney.

    Because the insert creates a sealed system within the existing fireplace opening and uses forced air to circulate heat into the room, very little of the energy produced escapes without contributing to the room temperature. The automated feed system also optimizes combustion by controlling exactly how much fuel is burned at any given moment, reducing waste.

    For Michigan homeowners looking for a cost-effective way to heat a room or open living area through a long winter, a pellet insert delivers meaningful efficiency gains over both the fireplace it replaces and many conventional heating methods.

  • The cost of a pellet insert installation depends on the specific model, hopper capacity, BTU output, and the condition of the existing fireplace and chimney liner.

    Quality pellet inserts typically range from $2,000 to $4,500 or more for the unit depending on brand, features, and output.

    Installation including the chimney liner and any necessary modifications generally adds $500 to $1,200 to the total project cost.

    Most complete pellet insert installation projects at The Grate Haus fall in the $2,500 to $5,500 range.

    Free estimates are available so you get a detailed, accurate quote specific to your fireplace and home before any commitment is made.

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