If your talking gas, theres lots of efficient inserts to convert your wood burning fireplace to a efficient gas burning fireplace, this does not include gas logs. If you want a wood insert, you will likley have the same draft issues that you do now. Your chimney is the problem, not your fireplace. Either its not tall enough, its to close to roof lines or trees, or you have major negative pressure problems, ie super tight house with lots of exaust fans like in your kitchen.

We'd like a wood burning insert and realize raising the chimney is a probability; the fireplace is just not efficient and we're thinking an insert would be better. Once again,is there one any can recommend for this application?
Thanks, salbwil

Shure, quadrafire insert series, jotul inserts like the kennebec.. go down to your local hearth shop and listen to the sales person's pitch. To many factors for your original thread, how large is the heating area you want to heat? how long a burn time is important? are you willing to extend your chimney and get it properly lined? What look are you going for? is price your main concern? How open is the floor plan? Are celing fans installed through out the house?

Look is traditional,heating area is first floor, approx. 1200 sq. ft. Burn time isn't as much of a factor as looks. We have a new direct vent heating system, so the only flue to be lined will be the one for the insert. We assume we'll have to line that with stainless ???. I'm trying to arm myself with information before going to look. I appreciate your help.
salbwil

look at this http://www.jotul.us/content/products/ProductArticle____3118.aspx
i think it would be perfect for the heating area, and looks somewhat traditional. Decent burn time, heats about 1500 square feet, and you should find this unit for around 1800 bucks. The liner and installation can cost in the neighborhood of 1000-1500 bucks. Its a well crafted unit that has a decent fireview. THere are others on the market, but this is one im familer with. Yes you do have to line it with stainless and make shure that they bid it with a insulation wrap around it. If you dont install the insulation you will be cutting corners, they perform better insulated and create less creosote. Good luck and let me know what you find out.

Thanks again for your help !
salbwil