Need some advice about inserts

[Robert W]

I'm interested in installing a new wood burning insert into an existing fireplace. We live in South Carolina in a 20 year old house. Don't really use the fireplace much, but we heat with propane which is pretty expensive. I would like to put in an insert, but have questions about lining the chimney. A local builder who has a couple of inserts and just sticks them in with no connections (and no issues afterward). The guy at the fireplace store suggests a short direct connect that goes through the damper and just up to the tiles. The chimney sweep wants to put in a complete liner at a pretty high cost. I very quickly get to a point of diminishing returns. I would really like to go the middle route here. Keep in mind it's SC, so winters are relatively mild and short. Any imput would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[firefighterjake]

My own take . . . it only takes one fire one time to level your house . . . or one incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning to kill everyone in the family.

Me . . . I would do it the right way the first time . . . meaning go with the full liner vs. the slammer type install suggested by the local builder or even the "middle road" suggested by the fireplace store. Then again, I'm a little bit anal about anything in my house that is capable of burning down the house or killing me in my sleep.

 

[eujamfh]

I went through the same thought process of price vice getting by...in the end, I installed the free stove I got with a full liner. So the free stove cost $1500. But I can now sleep well (although I an in Kabul now) knowing I am as safe as I can be. This site will cost you money because it demands safety...which means a full liner. You can do without - my Dad has for years...and neighbors for decades...but for me, $1500 was worth sleeping without a care.

 

[Grisu]

Some other points to keep in mind:

What will your home insurance think about the install w/o a full liner?
The draft is usually better with a full liner.
What do you do when regulations change down the road and a full liner will be required?

 

[begreen]

Greetings Robert. If the chimney throat is large the insert may draft very poorly, especially if this is a one story flue. What was the quote from the dealer? Is this a project that you would be willing to undertake yourself?