I've been looking for a wood stove insert for the past few weeks and found the forum (and quickly lost four hours in exploration). I'm looking for an efficient insert that will fit my nearly square large fireplace.
Fireplace is 36 inches wide x 33.5 inches tall x 20 inches deep (pictures below) and is on the first floor (1000 sq ft) of a 3000 sq ft. 3-story 1920s tudor outside of Boston (with not excellent insulation). I currently have steam heating and looking to upgrade to forced hot water (high efficiency gas boiler) around the same time as upgrading the fireplace to an insert.
I'm looking for a stove that can provide additional heat to the first two floors of the house and provide ambiance. I really like the look of the Regency CI2600, but it doesn't look like it will fit my dimensions. The Pacific Energy NEO 2.5 seems like it would almost fit my fireplace and has a similar design, but I worry that it will be slightly too small even with the oversized surround. Any recommendations for an insert with a surround that could fit this fireplace with a somewhat contemporary look?
Also, does anyone have experience with using a wood stove somewhat close to a Nest thermostat? I have my Nest thermostat for my boiler on the wall behind the fireplace. I'm wondering how it will interact with a close heat source and how best to program it to make sure that the heat still runs on the upper floors without cooking everyone on the first floor.
I'm looking to make an investment in an insert that can / should last 10+ years and not terribly concerned about the price (but don't need unnecessary bells and whistles).
Thanks in advance.
BK
Fireplace is 36 inches wide x 33.5 inches tall x 20 inches deep (pictures below) and is on the first floor (1000 sq ft) of a 3000 sq ft. 3-story 1920s tudor outside of Boston (with not excellent insulation). I currently have steam heating and looking to upgrade to forced hot water (high efficiency gas boiler) around the same time as upgrading the fireplace to an insert.
I'm looking for a stove that can provide additional heat to the first two floors of the house and provide ambiance. I really like the look of the Regency CI2600, but it doesn't look like it will fit my dimensions. The Pacific Energy NEO 2.5 seems like it would almost fit my fireplace and has a similar design, but I worry that it will be slightly too small even with the oversized surround. Any recommendations for an insert with a surround that could fit this fireplace with a somewhat contemporary look?
Also, does anyone have experience with using a wood stove somewhat close to a Nest thermostat? I have my Nest thermostat for my boiler on the wall behind the fireplace. I'm wondering how it will interact with a close heat source and how best to program it to make sure that the heat still runs on the upper floors without cooking everyone on the first floor.
I'm looking to make an investment in an insert that can / should last 10+ years and not terribly concerned about the price (but don't need unnecessary bells and whistles).
Thanks in advance.
BK
