I've been reading this forum for quite some time, and I just can't find an answer to my specific question:
I am thinking about installing a Quadra-Fire insert (unsure of model yet) in my older style Heatilator Mark 123 fireplace.
The Mark 123 is just a strict fireplace with a mesh screen across the opening, metal sizes, and brick rear. It lets a ton of cold air in during the winter... so much so that even with the flue closed you can literally feel a breeze.
Originally I had the local fireplace company out and they removed the gas logs that were present and said that I am OK to burn wood in it. I have been hesitant because there were gas logs originally, but they said based on the hole cut in the side panel for the gas line this was originally a wood burning Mark 123. Were there both wood and gas Mark 123's? Anyway, they capped off the gas line, and I used small wood fires in it just a couple times, and the rest of the time it just let cold air in.
Now I want to install a pellet insert. The same company said a Quadra-Fire insert is ok to be installed in the Mark123's and they have performed several of these 'transplants'. I also called the local CSIA certified chimney sweep, and he said this setup should be fine and will be happy to certify a letter stating as such and would even be willing to do the installation himself. Both the fireplace company and the chimney sweep said that a 3" pipe will need to be run inside the Mark 123 chimney for proper ventillation and also that the vent will need to come out of the top of the Quadra-Fire Unit instead of the standard rear exit. Other than that it will be an easy switch.
Is this correct? After reading around these forums, I am concerned that perhaps this may not be a good idea? It seems to make sense, since you can install and insert in a regular framed opening in a flammable wall, but I want to be 100% positive.
A certified letter and insurance approval doesn't necessarily mean this is a good idea, and I don't EVER want to burn my house down just to save a few bucks.
Hoosier
I am thinking about installing a Quadra-Fire insert (unsure of model yet) in my older style Heatilator Mark 123 fireplace.
The Mark 123 is just a strict fireplace with a mesh screen across the opening, metal sizes, and brick rear. It lets a ton of cold air in during the winter... so much so that even with the flue closed you can literally feel a breeze.
Originally I had the local fireplace company out and they removed the gas logs that were present and said that I am OK to burn wood in it. I have been hesitant because there were gas logs originally, but they said based on the hole cut in the side panel for the gas line this was originally a wood burning Mark 123. Were there both wood and gas Mark 123's? Anyway, they capped off the gas line, and I used small wood fires in it just a couple times, and the rest of the time it just let cold air in.
Now I want to install a pellet insert. The same company said a Quadra-Fire insert is ok to be installed in the Mark123's and they have performed several of these 'transplants'. I also called the local CSIA certified chimney sweep, and he said this setup should be fine and will be happy to certify a letter stating as such and would even be willing to do the installation himself. Both the fireplace company and the chimney sweep said that a 3" pipe will need to be run inside the Mark 123 chimney for proper ventillation and also that the vent will need to come out of the top of the Quadra-Fire Unit instead of the standard rear exit. Other than that it will be an easy switch.
Is this correct? After reading around these forums, I am concerned that perhaps this may not be a good idea? It seems to make sense, since you can install and insert in a regular framed opening in a flammable wall, but I want to be 100% positive.
A certified letter and insurance approval doesn't necessarily mean this is a good idea, and I don't EVER want to burn my house down just to save a few bucks.
Hoosier
