Hello wise ones of Hearth.com
I am looking to replace an old “slammed” insert in my fireplace. I do not burn wood to save on heating bills. I only burn on holidays, family gatherings and those few weeks of sub freezing weather. However, I am getting older and have to say I enjoyed the extra warmth.
I have an 1800 sq ft ranch built in 1970. The fireplace is on a full stone exterior wall of a 22x18 step down family room. Between the stone wall and the step down this room seems to be a magnet for cold air. My house has a semi-open floor plan and is well insulted and has new windows. I rarely see a natural gas bill over $130. This is more about zone heating and enjoying the “show” than saving on a fuel bill.
With that said, I am looking to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 on a DIY install. If I had high heating bills or burned 24x7 I wouldn’t try to be so cheap.
I found a Ceramic fiber blanket #8 2300F (1/2”x24”x50’) for on Amazon for $100.00 to insulate the liner and the block off plate. Cheaper and thicker than the ¼” insulation kits most companies sell.
6 inch 20ft flex 316 stainless steel single wall liner kits from Rockford or Fireside for around $350
That leaves my remaining budget for a stove or an insert. I saw refurbished-factory seconds 50-TNC13 stoves on AMFM Energy for $600. Seems like a winner with a great price if I can fit it in my Fireplace. Anyone ever buy a refurbished stove from this company before?
If I catch an 11% rebate sale at Menard s, I can pick up a Drolet Escape 1400i or CW Century 2500i for around $800 (without faceplate). I’ve been watching Craig’s List for the last 6 month and have found nothing worth buying.
My flue tiles set back about a foot over the smoke shelf from my damper opening, so not a straight shot down. Should I be concerned about draft with my chimney height?
Do the walls of a fireplace act as a megaphone with blowers on the back of a stove?
Am I making a mistake thinking I can get heat out a free standing stove in an exterior wall fireplace?
My damper door opening is only 4.5 inches, so I know I will be cutting some of the frame and brick. Do I need to finish the edges with some mortar where I remove bricks?
You thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
Present setup with 80's insert.
Used a pictures of Bart's 30-ncl. Could not find a straight on photo for a 13-ncl. This would be tight at the top and a tough install.
Same stove with a few inches off the legs. I think it looks fantastic, but I lose certification.
Drolet 1400i looks tiny in there, but easiest install and 100% legal.
I am looking to replace an old “slammed” insert in my fireplace. I do not burn wood to save on heating bills. I only burn on holidays, family gatherings and those few weeks of sub freezing weather. However, I am getting older and have to say I enjoyed the extra warmth.
I have an 1800 sq ft ranch built in 1970. The fireplace is on a full stone exterior wall of a 22x18 step down family room. Between the stone wall and the step down this room seems to be a magnet for cold air. My house has a semi-open floor plan and is well insulted and has new windows. I rarely see a natural gas bill over $130. This is more about zone heating and enjoying the “show” than saving on a fuel bill.
With that said, I am looking to spend around $1,000 to $1,500 on a DIY install. If I had high heating bills or burned 24x7 I wouldn’t try to be so cheap.
I found a Ceramic fiber blanket #8 2300F (1/2”x24”x50’) for on Amazon for $100.00 to insulate the liner and the block off plate. Cheaper and thicker than the ¼” insulation kits most companies sell.
6 inch 20ft flex 316 stainless steel single wall liner kits from Rockford or Fireside for around $350
That leaves my remaining budget for a stove or an insert. I saw refurbished-factory seconds 50-TNC13 stoves on AMFM Energy for $600. Seems like a winner with a great price if I can fit it in my Fireplace. Anyone ever buy a refurbished stove from this company before?
If I catch an 11% rebate sale at Menard s, I can pick up a Drolet Escape 1400i or CW Century 2500i for around $800 (without faceplate). I’ve been watching Craig’s List for the last 6 month and have found nothing worth buying.
My flue tiles set back about a foot over the smoke shelf from my damper opening, so not a straight shot down. Should I be concerned about draft with my chimney height?
Do the walls of a fireplace act as a megaphone with blowers on the back of a stove?
Am I making a mistake thinking I can get heat out a free standing stove in an exterior wall fireplace?
My damper door opening is only 4.5 inches, so I know I will be cutting some of the frame and brick. Do I need to finish the edges with some mortar where I remove bricks?
You thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
Present setup with 80's insert. Used a pictures of Bart's 30-ncl. Could not find a straight on photo for a 13-ncl. This would be tight at the top and a tough install. Same stove with a few inches off the legs. I think it looks fantastic, but I lose certification. Drolet 1400i looks tiny in there, but easiest install and 100% legal.
