Choosing a Fireplace Insert

Wood is a mmmmmmmmmajor part of it! However, stuff the largest one in that you can. Even ones that protrude out a good bit. This may be a clearance to combustible concern but go big!

ehanson7 said:

First post!

I'm looking to heat my 2100sqft two-story traditional home with one of these two:

Enerzone Destination 2.3-i

or

Hearthstone Clydesdale

My take is that the Enerzone has a better warranty and a better price while the Hearthstone has the soapstone in the firebox and a larger glass / window for viewing, which is important for me.

I've heard some concern about the Clydesdale's blower / fan having issues, or more accurately, that when it's on, humming, buzzing, or rattling can be heard from metal in the unit. Should this be a concern for me?

Also, my home has an electric heat pump, so I hope that the fan will help with circulating heat from the fireplace throughout most of the house.

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated for this first-timer. I'm looking forward to learning more about heating my home with a wood burning insert this winter!

Thanks!

Click to expand...

ehanson7:

I bought/installed my Clyde in 2010. So I am going into my 4th year of Clyde operation.

Initially Clyde's blower fan did rattle at certain fan speeds, at certain air intake settings, and how hot the firebox was. This problem was fixed by a retro-fit provided by Hearthstone. I installed the retro-fit and I no longer have the rattle. It is my understanding that Hearthstone re-designed the metal fan shroud that caused the problem and the rattle is no more. However, if it still is a problem, the dealer must make good and fix it.

As with any insert, you will need to operate the installed fan to circulate heat to other parts of your home. By the way, this issue is also true of many freestanding stoves - a need to circulate heat beyond the area where the stove is located. You can read many posts on this site discussing how to circulate heat away from a freestanding stove - that is, where to locate an independent fan to achieve whole house heating.

Regarding Clyde's heat output and fan noise - I can heat my entire house - about 2000 square feet and ranch design - with the stove fan running on low - with almost no sound coming from the fan at all. When Clyde is operating - I don't burn 24/7 - our natural gas heat plant never calls for heat.

Regarding the warranty: I looked at both the Enerzone site and the Hearthstone site (actually the ChimneySweepOnline site). The warranties appear to be exactly the same - word for word. It is likely that one manufacture copied from the other.

Regarding Clyde's overall performance - I think that you will not be disappointed. I've had three years of excellent wood burning experience with no complaints. However, to achieve maximum performance from Clyde, I installed an insulated SS liner, an insulated block-off plate at the bottom of the liner, and an insulated top plate where the liner exits the terra-cotta flue. I also burn only dry wood measured with a moisture meter. These factors all add to Clyde's overall performance. Also, the fit and finish of Clyde is excellent. Clyde still looks like he's brand new. I have the blue/black enamel version. Clyde is expensive relative to other inserts that one can buy. But in my view, the cost is justified by the quality of the unit. If there were a Consumer Reports rating of woodstove inserts, I think that Clyde would be rated highly.

About the Enerzone, I know nothing. So I can't give you any advice about it's performance.

Good luck with your woodstove insert choice.

I think the blower issues were associated with the old Clydsdale. About 2 years ago they completely redesigned it. We have installed a few of them and haven't had any issues with them. It's a nice looking unit.

Welcome ehanson, where are you located? Is your house well insulated? If you are in a colder region, or have a drafty house you may want to consider an insert with a larger firebox. Both inserts you mentioned are attractive unites and have good reputations around here, but you may want to look in the 3 cf firebox range. Either way, good luck in your search. Get that wood supply up to snuff.

ehanson7 said:

Wow, I'm really impressed and grateful for the helpful and speedy responses. This forum seems to be a pretty cool community.

I'm in Mechanicsburg, PA, near Harrisburg, so our winters are relatively mild.

My home was built in '75 and has good insulation but original windows that can be a bit drafty if I don't winterize at all.

Thanks again for the help. My heart says to go with the Clydesdale, but my brain is telling me to go with the $800 cheaper Enerzone. I'll keep you all updated on my choice!

Click to expand...

Follow your heart

And get that wood pile going

Welcome to the forums !

I'm in a similar situation and this is also my first post. I've had multiple stoves and burned wood in most of my houses for year, but trying to decide on an insert for my new house that sounds similar. From what I've read and seen I would agree with others that the Clyd is probably your best bet. I'm no expert but people have said they do well with it. In addition, many people have said that firebox size is the single most important factor and bigger is better. With that said, I found its a trade off with clearance, budget etc.

Best of luck with your choice.