Buddy is Looking at a House, What is this THING?

[avc8130]

My buddy is looking at a house on a large wood lot. He says it has a "fireplace" and he is hoping to upgrade it to something that he can use to provide heat. I pulled this picture from the for sale listing. Any ideas what this is? The house was built in 2001. The "chimney" is vinyl sided, so I assume this is a zero clearance pre-fab unit.



COULD this be a typical wood guzzling fireplace? Or does the 2001 build date mean it would have had to be an EPA efficient heat machine?

ac

 

[Ashful]

That stonework is yet one more example of folks with more money than taste. My god!

Sorry I'm no help with the fireplace... I'm sure someone smarter will be along shortly.

 

[SteveKG]

There is just no accounting for taste. Jeeez.

 

[begreen]

Peanut gallery comments aside, this 'looks' like a simple ZC fireplace. It's still very possible to buy and install these contractor grade units. Have your buddy do a close inspection to look for a make and model. This is often on a little plate in the door frame.

 

[weatherguy]

I agree with BG, I see those all the time, looks like a ZC fireplace, and yes, the stone is ugly, if your buddy buys the house maybe he can rip the whole thing down and build a nice hearth with a flue for a freestander.

 

[begreen]

For some options, these articles may be helpful:

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/upgrading_a_pre-fab

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/install_insert

 

[Mrs. Krabappel]

The doors are lovely

 

[Adios Pantalones]

That sort of look can be done right, by the way

 

[Jags]

That sort of look can be done right, by the way

Egads - is that dry stacked??

Yep, sure looks like a ZC stove. Is remodel a possibility or is the plan to use it? As it sits, it will probably produce negligible heat, but it could be done different. Personally, I would rehab the area for a freestander, but that is simply my pref.