Free Standing vs. Masonry Best for Heat?

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robertmcw

Member
Aug 27, 2008
139
Texas
I MAY build a new house next year. I am looking at a 3500 sq. ft. house. If build, I would use 2X6 studs and use closed foam because you then you get an R-39 in the walls vs. bats of an R-19. I will add about an R-50 minimum in the ceilings

Now as the fireplace. I currently use an Avalon Olympic 1190 Insert. My dad built it in the 1960’s and it has a brick fireplace. The new ones are built as a free standing fireplace. I may look at a new Perfect Insert. I am 62 and I want the option if get old to use wood, I can change to gas.

The question is – does it matter if you use a free standing or masonry? I think the price for a new masonry fireplace would cost about $8,000.00 more than a free standing unit but – I would really care only about the extra price if the insert works the same or not.

Thanks, Robert
 
Never use an insert when you don't absolutely have to.
 
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Inserts and masonry fireplaces use different technologies and strategies to accomplish the goal of heating the house. Both are effective providing you have electricity to run the fan on the insert. I'd decide which look you like more and then go for it.

Matt
 
just out of curiosity, why would you use closed cell foam in the walls vs. straight isonene?
 
Than you “My Oslo heats my home”

I did not know there are so types of closed foam.

I guess the best kind is Phenolic injection foam?

Robert
 
Save your money and go freestanding on a good looking hearth. It will heat better.
 
I have a wife and she would not like that.
 
LOL No problem, let her live in the old house. ;)

I jest. If you put in a good quality zero-clearance unit it will do the job well for many years.
 
I would love to keep the house but the state is going to build a new overpass where the house is and tear it down in about six months.
 
A zero clearance installation offers you the option of ducting off some of the heat. In a big house that can help with more even and comfortable heating. There are some very nice units out there by RSF, Fireplace Xtrordinair, Kozy, Quadrafire and BIS that are worth looking into.
 
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