Help with fireplace insert

I recently installed an Osburn Matrix, which is basically a 2000 with a different door/surround. Based on my experience, I have two suggestions.

First, check the dimensions of your existing hearth. If your drawing is to scale then your hearth probably needs to be extended to meet modern safety requirements. Mine was similar -- too small, and sitting an inch or so above the fireplace interior. I demolished what was there and rebuilt the hearth to be flush with the floor, which helped make room for the insert is generally better for us.

Second, consider a freestanding stove that can sit in front of your existing fireplace instead of inside it. I dismissed this idea out of hand when I was planning my installation, but now that I'm actively heating my house with wood my perspective has shifted. The insert fan is a constant source of noise, and inserts are inherently less efficient than freestanding stoves, which means acquiring, storing and managing that much more wood.

How tall is the fireplace ? the Osburn 2000 says up to 32" tall.

Can you put up some pics for better understanding ?

http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Fireplace-Accessories/Fireplace-Inserts

This is a good site and they provide great customer service it may be worth a look. I buy things from them often.
Pete

The Englander would be to small if your trying to heat the whole house in my opinion. If price is an issue there is also Century heating-
http://www.century-heating.com/en/products/wood/wood-insert-model-cw2500

http://www.century-heating.com/en/products/wood/wood-insert-model-cw2900

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577754_200577754

Pete

The Drolet escape 1800 is another nice looking one for the price.

http://www.drolet.ca/en/products/wood/escape-1800-i-wood-insert

Pete

Edit ) come to think of it SBI stove builders international owns these two brands and a few others.

http://www.sbi-international.com/en/nos-marques.asp

Welcome to the forum, MT.

I have a similar set up. I am assuming that the opening of the fireplace is facing the smaller area to the left?

May I suggest a free standing stove, then, against the back of the FP, facing the area to the right side of your diagram?

It will be also easier to move heat through the house. Those doorways can be tricky, if an insert is used.

Mine, pre refacing & insert install

Mtnyota said:

I don't really want to extend outward into the room due to the living room being on the narrow side.

What is the difference between the price points of the stoves? (US Stove, Englander, Drolet, ect vs Regenct, Osburn, Quadrafire, ect)

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Doesn't look any narrower than the room to the left.

Englander is a great stove. Love ours.

Mtnyota said:

I don't really want to extend outward into the room due to the living room being on the narrow side.

What is the difference between the price points of the stoves? (US Stove, Englander, Drolet, ect vs Regenct, Osburn, Quadrafire, ect)

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I believe the Drolet is between 900 and 1200 price tag.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_365186-66915-DB03120_0__

Englander is in the same range usually.
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/englan...ing-fireplace-insert-13-nci.html#.UOOBPaXv6s0


Osburn usually runs around 1500 - 2000 at least when we looked.
http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Fireplace-Accessories/Osburn-Fireplace-Inserts

I am not sure on the rest.


Pete

Mtnyota said:

Thank you, what I was asking is what is the difference in the stove. I know the Osburns/Napoleans/Regency stoves are usually around $2000 for a mid size stove w/ ~2cf box. What is the difference with the lower priced stoves(Drolet/Englander/US Stove)? ( appearance, burn time, durability)

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My bad.

In terms of burn times that will depend on the box size type of wood and how dry of wood more than anything. Personally I have not owned any of these so what I know is mostly second hand ! From my understanding of it Englander and Drolet are very good quality Englander has excelent customer service too. I have owned a US Stove Wonderwood and it was a pos I will never buy anything US Stove again after there terrible quality and customer service. Hopefully others way in with their personall experience before you buy !

I do think if you don't have a lot of money US Stove is safe to use I am just bias after owning and disliking their stove quality and customer service others do like them. Their newer stoves look much better made.

Pete