Early 1910s to 1920s Coal Fireplace Stove/Insert Options

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dabomb6608

New Member
Oct 31, 2018
1
Marion, IL
Hello,

I live in a home build sometime between 1910 and 1920 that has a old coal fireplace. There is a chute leading to a ash removal door in the basement. (Of which was blocked by a room built in the basement)

I plan to have the Chimney inspected to see what options I have for liner or a 6" flue to be installed. The chimney is pretty large but I believe it will be a tight fit at the gap with the back slant towards the room.

I will attach a quick draft of the fireplace with dimensions.

I was hoping something like the H2100 Wood Insert from Regency would fit but it is 28" wide and the opening of my fireplace is 24" wide. Unless a spacer of sorts could be used. But then my hearth distance to the hardwood floor becomes a issue.

Another option I have looked at, but am not sold on the appearance just yet is a free standing wood stove recessed into the opening. Are there any decent sized (BTU/Square Footage) stoves that will fit the opening?

I've looked at some Jotul units like the F 3 CB. That would be a very tight fit I think, if it fit at all. The small unit Jotul sells would fit for sure but its heating ability isn't that great.

The house is Basement/Main Floor. Unfinished basement (mostly) and about 2125sq feet on the main floor. Its not a very efficient and well insulated home. And the gas boiler/radiator system is a older (80s maybe) 250,000 BTU in/200,000 BTU out unit. During the coldest winter months I see anywhere from 400-500 gas bills.

My honest goals with this would be as a supplement heat source to reduce gas bills. And also as a appearance piece. I've always loved fireplaces and after visiting a friends home with a wood stove last weekend it got my brain turning about the old coal fireplace in my house.

Here are some pictures as well.

Fireplace.jpg IMG_0890.JPG IMG_0891.JPG IMG_0892.JPG
 

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