That about says it. I have used open fireplaces for the last 19 years in the two places I have lived in in the south east US. First was an apartment. It worked good to heat up the 600sq ft place but the draft effect was huge. Granted, I knew nothing at that time, but I could heat my living space to comfort, but when you hit the bedroom, it was freezing.
In my current 1400sq ft house I bought new about 16 years ago, I have a heatalator brand 42" open fireplace. I use it for heat some these days (have kids) but back when, I used it for most of my heat. I have two outside air kits on it but no fans. It does well with little draft effect while in use. Once it burns out to embes, I close the glass but keep the OAK open. Next morning, there are drafts comming in from the flue and OAK so I close them up.
I have always loved the smell of the wood, I love hearing the crackling and watching the flames, roasting marshmellows and sometimes cooking in it.
Now im building a 3400sq ft home, two story with two stoy great room where the firelace will be. Im concernd with the ability to keep the large room (an downstairs for that matter) warm to my liking withut huge heatpump bills (total elect). Since I will have a fireplace but do not like a free standing stove, I wondered if an insert would be the ticket? Many say they wll heat better. The builder has provided for a majestic 42" fireplace in the build but I wondered if I should upgrade to an insert now.
Can the insert be used at times with the glass open? If it is closed, do you still hear the sounds and enjoy some of the smells? I now some dont like a strong smoke smell and I dont either, but a lttle wisp is nice t the nose. If I stuck with the open fireplace and used two OAK at the location of the firebox, would it then not pull my heated inside air up the chiminey?
Any advice would be good. Cost is a big concern but looks and large viewing out cooks cost. I see the Jotul C550 looks nice and is well thought of. What other brands and models might I look at that will provide good looks and large viewing?
If I cant swng the cost of the insert, what brands or models of open fireplace seem to perform better than others?
Thanks
In my current 1400sq ft house I bought new about 16 years ago, I have a heatalator brand 42" open fireplace. I use it for heat some these days (have kids) but back when, I used it for most of my heat. I have two outside air kits on it but no fans. It does well with little draft effect while in use. Once it burns out to embes, I close the glass but keep the OAK open. Next morning, there are drafts comming in from the flue and OAK so I close them up.
I have always loved the smell of the wood, I love hearing the crackling and watching the flames, roasting marshmellows and sometimes cooking in it.
Now im building a 3400sq ft home, two story with two stoy great room where the firelace will be. Im concernd with the ability to keep the large room (an downstairs for that matter) warm to my liking withut huge heatpump bills (total elect). Since I will have a fireplace but do not like a free standing stove, I wondered if an insert would be the ticket? Many say they wll heat better. The builder has provided for a majestic 42" fireplace in the build but I wondered if I should upgrade to an insert now.
Can the insert be used at times with the glass open? If it is closed, do you still hear the sounds and enjoy some of the smells? I now some dont like a strong smoke smell and I dont either, but a lttle wisp is nice t the nose. If I stuck with the open fireplace and used two OAK at the location of the firebox, would it then not pull my heated inside air up the chiminey?
Any advice would be good. Cost is a big concern but looks and large viewing out cooks cost. I see the Jotul C550 looks nice and is well thought of. What other brands and models might I look at that will provide good looks and large viewing?
If I cant swng the cost of the insert, what brands or models of open fireplace seem to perform better than others?
Thanks