trying to determine proper size for insert

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krex1010

Minister of Fire
Jan 3, 2010
661
southeast pa
Hey everyone,
i was hoping to get some advice. i am buying my first woodburning insert and i am having trouble deciding what size to get, i am currently looking at either the napoleon 1101 or the 1402, the 1101 is rated for 600-1500+ sq ft and the 1402 for 800-2000+ sq ft. i live in a cape cod that is about 1500 sq ft. the room that my fireplace is in is 200 sq ft, the stairs to the second level are in the same room and the master bed room is right of of the same room. the room with the firplace is also where our tv is (so its where we spend alot of time) i am hoping to cut my oil bills significantly, i am torn because i would like to heat as much of the house as possible, yet we are going to be spending alot of time about 7-8 feet away from the fireplace so i dont want to be killed by heat. i know its a hard question to answer but i would appreciate any comments. also does anyone have any experience with either of these stove stoves.
 
krex1010 said:
Hey everyone,
i was hoping to get some advice. i am buying my first woodburning insert and i am having trouble deciding what size to get, i am currently looking at either the napoleon 1101 or the 1402, the 1101 is rated for 600-1500+ sq ft and the 1402 for 800-2000+ sq ft. i live in a cape cod that is about 1500 sq ft. the room that my fireplace is in is 200 sq ft, the stairs to the second level are in the same room and the master bed room is right of of the same room. the room with the firplace is also where our tv is (so its where we spend alot of time) i am hoping to cut my oil bills significantly, i am torn because i would like to heat as much of the house as possible, yet we are going to be spending alot of time about 7-8 feet away from the fireplace so i dont want to be killed by heat. i know its a hard question to answer but i would appreciate any comments. also does anyone have any experience with either of these stove stoves.


Go with the larger model. A lot of the heat will travel up the stairs so you should get a good amount of heat movement.

I believe Osburn stoves offer the same style models except under different names. You might want to check them out and see if the pricing is any different.
 
Sounds like your asking yourself the right questions. A lot depends on how tightly your house is sealed/insulated. Also, do you hate being in a room that's a little overheated? I'm a freeze baby, so it wouldn't bother me. Too much air heading up the steps in cold weather can produce a substantial draft heading down the steps. My insert has a 2.3 cu ft firebox that's in a room of 450 sq. ft.
I wouldn't want more than that in a particular room unless the floor plan really allows for good circulation.
 
Make sure the larger one will fit in your fireplace. I have a small fireplace and had to go with a smaller insert.
 
Having a small insert (Lopi Answer) I would vote for getting the larger one if your clearances can make it.
A little larger firebox lets you have a longer burn, and you don't have to worry about reloading as often.
Good luck
 
thanks for all the advice, i appreciate everyone taking the time to help me out!
 
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