Pre Fab Fireplace Insert Options

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jamesltiffin

New Member
Aug 23, 2011
3
SW OH/N KY
Gents,

What a great forum. Some really knowledgable fellas posting. So here goes.

I have an early to mid 1990s constructed house built by a builder for himself and family. It is on 6 partially wooded acres and I have about 3 cords of wood in different piles and 6+ more hardwood trees that need to be taken down. He installed a smallish Heatilator pre fab fireplace. I have been reading related posts on Hearth.com and want to tap your brains as to options. Half of the fireplace shops I have checked with say no way can you put an insert into a pre fab fireplace. Yet I checked with a Heatilator distributor and he stated that there are three options: updated more efficient pre fab fireplace, Regency I1200 insert or Quadrafire 2700I insert. In fact I think the Quadrafire 2700I is specifically designed to go into Heatilator pre fab fireplaces. Correct?

Also, is a Regency H 2100 "hearth stove" an option. And what specifically is a "hearth stove" vs. an insert vs. free standing wood stove?

My top five concerns are: safety, safety, safety, free heat and toasty house without bank rolling Amerigas. I understand I will have to have a 6" stanless steele liner put in the chimney. Will this provide protection from the threat of chimney fires. We live in a 2 story 2500 sq foot home. We don't mind if the 2nd floor gets chilly as the fireplace is on the first floor.

Any property owners insurance implications from the above options?

Thanks much.
 
I was at a factory runn installers refresher course 2 weeks ago 2 the regency plant. it is ok to install the hearth heater if you do not have to cut the floor of the existiong firebox. as for the diff betwen types a fs is just what it says , an insrt gose into an existing a fireplace is framed in and a hearth heater is traditionaly a fertion of a russian fp but in the case or the regency one you mentioned it simply means that it sticks into the room more, hopfuly releasing more heat due to the larger surface area exposed..
 
The Hampton HI200 will also fit - same firebox as the i1200 with a cast iron face

My neighbour has the Quad - better deal if you like the looks. My hearth is raised 1" too high to fit the blower on the Quad.

5.5" liner is an easy pull in the SL300 if you have offsets and was given the green light by Regency (through the dealer) with my 32' chimney height (insert will whistle with the damper closed because of the high draft level)

2.5 story colonial, ~3000 SF gets heated by the insert with the oil guzzler sitting idle even in sub freezing temps
 
Thanks much Gents. Let me pick your brain a little further. What about a free standing wood stove in front of the fireplace? The wife is a little hesitant about a "hearth stove" that sticks out 10"+ from the fireplace. My thinking is bring it in in late fall to use for the winter and take back out in the spring. Goofy idea?
 
The flue connection can be a pain on that insert. If you do go with it i recommend regency’s "h" hook (I’m not sure what they call it) its 3 threaded rods that pull everything tight. i would hate to have to move that monster twice a year
 
The Regency I1200 is a tiny thing - you'll have to keep feeding it and likley not get a good overnight burn from it. The Regency Hearth stove is a cort of cross over - it has most of the fir box sticking out but installs like an insert. It's also not a huge firebox ~ 2cuft iirc.

If you're being told that those are the only options, I'd get a second and even third opinion, and do a little more research. Look into the MFG's clearance to combustibles specs, you might find you have many more options.
 
With the exception of structural framing, why not take the pre-fab fireplace out and make an alcove type install and go with a JOTUL free standing or some other classic looking stove. This option would be much more expensive but in the long run you would be happier. I believe so because you would load less, use bigger wood, put out more heat, and quite possibly have a much better looking install....
 
Take a couple pictures of the existing unit to add to the thread. Measure and examine the existing hearth in front of the current unit and add that as well for the discussion, as the hearth dimensions will need to be in compliance with whatever product you consider. the free standing stove will more than likely necessitate hearth modifications.

"Shoe horning" a smaller insert into the prefab may not look that great or heat that great. Starting from scratch by removing the existing prefab will add to the cost and maybe necessary to access/install the proper chimney system. Not all are 6".
 
AC: +1 on madison's suggestion. I think a picture would be best served. I recently pulled out a Superior pre-fab and did a full replacement. I toyed with the idea of an alcove / freestanding as well as an insert but in the end a complete tear down was the best approach. I hope you find a suitable solution ... I'm sure the lads here will point you in the right direction!
 
Thanks Lads, some good suggestions.

I am unsure of options as I have differing opinions from the "experts" in the shops in the area. Some have told me that I absolutely cannot take out the pre-fab fireplace and start over and others have. Some with varying degrees of taking it out, removing the fire bricks for example.

My first choice would be to remove existing pre fab and start over and put what I want in there. Second choice hearth stove and third choice an insert that will genuinely produce heat. Attached are the dimensions.

Question: Can I have the Heatilator pre fab fire place removed? If so can does it expand the options of what kind of wood burner I want? Wood stove/insert/hearth stove?

Thanks in advance.
 
Always Chilly said:
Question: Can I have the Heatilator pre fab fire place removed? If so can does it expand the options of what kind of wood burner I want? Wood stove/insert/hearth stove?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Removing prefab is one aspect, reconstruction of hearth to manufacturer/local code specs is the other aspect.

Pictures would help.
 
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