Enviro E33 vs Mendota FV44i or ?

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Lifespeed

New Member
Dec 1, 2018
1
San Jose, CA
I'm looking at the Enviro E33, Mendota FV44i or other suitable gas insert to retrofit a concrete chimney 35-1/2" wide by 34" tall, although I will likely reduce the opening height and raise the insert installed floor with a steel stand to allow a hearth-less install with wall-to-wall carpet.

The wife really likes the Enviro E33 with the glass pebble bed, ceramic logs, and black enamel liner that reflects the flame dancing. However I am concerned with the use of mild steel in the burners and heat exchanger. Are my concerns valid? Certainly my tankless water heater and forced-air furnace don't use mild steel for these critical components and have lived a long, trouble-free life. But the fireplace won't get as much use either.

As you can see the brick facade has been removed, I'll be putting a quartzite slab on the vertical surface, and leveling the hearth with mortar to carpet like the rest of the room.

IMG_20181125_134955_fireplace_stripped.jpg
 
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