New person seeking advice

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Alberta House

New Member
May 10, 2010
3
Alberta Canada
Hi my wife and I just purchased a new home. (approx 60 year old house). It has a big beautiful wood burning fireplace in the living room. The fireplace is 42" across 24" deep and approx 18" high. The fireplace has a built in metal "cage" type thing inside the hearth and the tubes of the "cage" go up and exit out the top of the hearth by use of a fan. (Like a vehicle heat exchanger) There is a flue lever inside the fireplace. The fireplace also has glass doors on front and screens.

We have had a few fires in the fireplace and I am wondering what is the best way to make it the most efficient. I have heard the heat is not the best from fireplaces, but mine is not even good ! (and it is not even winter). If you sit right in front of the fire it is hot, but it does not heat up the room. I grew up with a wood burning stove in the basement of my house and the heat was incredible from that.

I am using seasoned wood (cut at least a few years ago).

I have a few questions

1- after the fire is burning should I close the flue? I have been leaving it wide open.
2- is heat better with doors open or doors closed with fan on?

I just want to see how good the heat really can be with this before winter comes. Right now the fires are more for ambiance and testing.

Thanks

Shawn
 
With an older and I assume not that tight house in a northern climate, I would find and install the biggest insert that fits in there before next winter.
 
Thanks

I would prefer not to do an insert. I do not NEED the fireplace for heat. I have a high efficient natural gas furnace. I just think that if I am using the fireplace, I should make it as efficient as possible. I hate the thought of spending a pile of money on an insert, for the occasional use. Does an insert take away from the "look" of the existing fireplace?
 
Yes the insert will change the looks of your fireplace. I would think that if you partly closed the damper leading out after the fire has warmed the flue this may help hold in some heat but take care as smoke may be a result of this and then you will need to open it back up a bit until the smoking stops. I also think closing up the glass may help but not much as a fireplace is more of a radiant heat source, I would make a nice big fire in there and close up the damper a bit and see if this helps.
 
Awesome

One more dumb question. I googled "Alberta wood fireplace insert" and everything I am reading is for gas insert into my opening. I assume there are wood burning inserts?
 
Try googling 'wood burning insert' you might have more luck.
As a word of caution, if you spend enough time here, you WILL be installing an insert and it WILL become your main heating source. If this is not something you wish to do, run away now.
If you choose to continue, you will be making an informed and educated purchase which will provide you with many years of enjoyment.
 
Keep your glass doors closed during the burn, this will keep your fireplace from sucking tons of your already heated room air up your chimney.
 
Alberta House said:
Thanks

I would prefer not to do an insert. I do not NEED the fireplace for heat. I have a high efficient natural gas furnace. I just think that if I am using the fireplace, I should make it as efficient as possible. I hate the thought of spending a pile of money on an insert, for the occasional use. Does an insert take away from the "look" of the existing fireplace?
Click to expand...


Alberta House,
Is this your first fireplace...if it is you may like heating with wood instead of spending money on gas. I know it must get very cold up north and with a good insert you can save but manly feel warmer in your new house. There's not really much you can do to make a fireplace efficient but glass doors. A insert will change the look but in my opinion it is well worth the looney and tuney you spend. The heat it give plus keeps the room air tight is unbelievable...good luck with your decision.
md
 
Personally while I can understand some of the appeal of a wood-burning fireplace I tend to favor practical things . . . and getting good heat from a fireplace by going with an insert for me would be a no-brainer . . . then again I also think the look of many of the inserts can look pretty good.
 
Something you can consider, investing in is a top mounted damper. With the damper functioning from the top of the chimney you can eliminate any heat loss when the fireplace is not in use. When the fireplace is not being used you typically loose heat up the chimney. When the damper seals from the top it stops any unnecessary air transfer. Yet it won't have to much of an effect on increasing efficiency when i using the fireplace. My experience has told me to lose the traditional fireplace and throw in a nice wood insert. Also its always a good idea to get your fireplace and chimney inspected by a experienced chimney sweep. They can discuss your options with you and hopefully educate you, so you can made an informed decision.
 
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