Hi folks- long time lurker here. I wanted to get your feedback on potential options for me to replace my TEMCO DV5200MBN (converted to LP) gas fireplace. I posted in this section because I'm hoping to move to a more economical and efficient fuel type.
Let me explain my set up in detail. I live in Northeastern Pennsylvania. My house is a ranch home that we bought new in September of 2007. Since it's a ranch, we only have a single wide floor to heat.
My current propane fireplace sits in the center of the living room in a boxed out mantle configuration that extends in from the exterior wall (into the room) by 27.75". The framed area that contains the firebox is about 82" wide. The actual opening of the firebox measures approximately 40.5"W x 36.5"H. The TEMCO DV5200MBN is rated between 17,000 to 25,000BTU. It is vented through a verticle vent that exits out of the roof. I believe it's exhausted through a 7in pipe. There is a tile (ceramic)hearth that extends forward from the fireplace - approximately 30"x82".
Now as you can see, 25,000 BTU is not enough heat for a house during a Pennsylvania winters. What I am looking for are alternative options that would be more economical, such as wood, pellet or coal. After explaining my set up to local fireplace stores (on location - they did not come see my set up) they all seem to think that I don't have many options for replacing my propane because of the heat the other types of systems would generate. I'm not married to the verticle venting, and probably would favor venting out the back through the exterior wall. What I am most curious about is if there are alternative insert options that I can use in place of my existing propane unit? Since the fireplace already extends into the living room by 27.75", I really don't want a unit that sits on the hearth in front of the previous fireplace...I just think asthetically that wouldn't work for the room.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!
Let me explain my set up in detail. I live in Northeastern Pennsylvania. My house is a ranch home that we bought new in September of 2007. Since it's a ranch, we only have a single wide floor to heat.
My current propane fireplace sits in the center of the living room in a boxed out mantle configuration that extends in from the exterior wall (into the room) by 27.75". The framed area that contains the firebox is about 82" wide. The actual opening of the firebox measures approximately 40.5"W x 36.5"H. The TEMCO DV5200MBN is rated between 17,000 to 25,000BTU. It is vented through a verticle vent that exits out of the roof. I believe it's exhausted through a 7in pipe. There is a tile (ceramic)hearth that extends forward from the fireplace - approximately 30"x82".
Now as you can see, 25,000 BTU is not enough heat for a house during a Pennsylvania winters. What I am looking for are alternative options that would be more economical, such as wood, pellet or coal. After explaining my set up to local fireplace stores (on location - they did not come see my set up) they all seem to think that I don't have many options for replacing my propane because of the heat the other types of systems would generate. I'm not married to the verticle venting, and probably would favor venting out the back through the exterior wall. What I am most curious about is if there are alternative insert options that I can use in place of my existing propane unit? Since the fireplace already extends into the living room by 27.75", I really don't want a unit that sits on the hearth in front of the previous fireplace...I just think asthetically that wouldn't work for the room.
Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!!