Replace the Insert or Improve It?

[hugebob]

Hi All,
We currently have a wood burning fireplace insert that came with house. At times it smokes up the house and we were wondering if a replacement is in order. We noticed that the insert doesn't have a dedicated air supply from outside the house. Would providing it with one solve the smoke problem or is replacing it the way to go?

 

[stoveliker]

What is the brand and model?

Smoke coming in often has to do with insufficient draft(suction from the chimney).
I'd have the chimney and cap checked first.
How tall is the flue?

Other possibilities are that there is a leak (clean out?) at the bottom of the flue that kills the suction on the stove.

Or if your home is tight, and a fan (kitchen, bathroom) is exhausting air, there may not be enough new air leaking in, leading to air (and smoke) coming in through the insert.

Draft will also get worse when the outside weather is warm (45-50 or above).

 

[mellow]

Please post pictures of your setup and more info if you want answers.