Northstar or Xtrordinaire?

[FenderBender]

I have 2500 sqft down and 700 up in a bonus area. I am not too concerned about heating upstairs. I am looking at the Northstar and the two Xtrordinaires. I am thinking that maybe the Northstar and the FPX 36 will do the job and if so, I'd love some pros and cons on each of these.

I am looking to augment the heat from a heat pump...It does not necessarily have to heat the entire lower level. I have already been quoted 6400 installed on the FPX 44 and 5800 on the FPX 36. I am waiting on a quote on the Northstar.

Thanks!

 

[Mt Ski Bum]

I have 2500 sqft down and 700 up in a bonus area. I am not too concerned about heating upstairs. I am looking at the Northstar and the two Xtrordinaires. I am thinking that maybe the Northstar and the FPX 36 will do the job and if so, I'd love some pros and cons on each of these.

I am looking to augment the heat from a heat pump...It does not necessarily have to heat the entire lower level. I have already been quoted 6400 installed on the FPX 44 and 5800 on the FPX 36. I am waiting on a quote on the Northstar.

Thanks!

I, ironically, am considering the same units as you are- I am looking for a replacement for an old po-s ZC fireplace & can't decide on the FPX 36 or the HNG North Star! To complicate it, I learned today that FPX is coming out with a new version of the 36 that doesn't require the blower or outside air cooling vents & can be hooked up to heat ducts.
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/72368/

 

[FenderBender]

Thx ski bum. I had no idea there was a new model coming out. The timing looks bad for me, but maybe they will discount the previous model.

 

[mecreature]

that FPX 44 looks awesome. I bet it does a great job. I would think the layout of the 2500 sq ft would be the key.

I bet they can work on that price a bit too.... jmo

 

[FenderBender]

OK, I just got what I think is an incredible quote on the Northstar. It is quite a bit less than the FPX 36. My only concern is whether I am going too small.n My fireplace is located on an interior wall in the center of the house. At the price I was quoted, I am thinking of adding the duct work mentioned. byway any input is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Got Wood]

I have the FPX 44 and love it. This is my 3rd season with it. The POS system really does work.

Top Pro's: kicks out a ton of heat, I have approx 2400 sq, oil furnace is set to about 55 and never comes on for heating (runs for hot water) House is comfortable - we all are in shorts all winter. I love the look of the FPX - huge viewing area. Large firebox.

Con's: I struggle to get effective heat out of over night burns. I do have coals in the morning so I can start fire w/o match but it isnt pumping out heat. This is also a hungry unit - burns a lot of wood. Another mild con is the fan takes a while to kick on - others have put foil around censor to improve this - I have not tried it.

I have no regrets

 

[FenderBender]

I pulled the trigger on the Northstar. I had to make a decision on framing by tomorrow. The price difference was 1400 between it and the FPX 36 and I could not find enough info on the FPX to justify the additional cost. Thanks everyone for your comments and I am looking forward to my new high efficiency fireplace!

 

[mecreature]

I pulled the trigger on the Northstar. I had to make a decision on framing by tomorrow. The price difference was 1400 between it and the FPX 36 and I could not find enough info on the FPX to justify the additional cost. Thanks everyone for your comments and I am looking forward to my new high efficiency fireplace!

I bet you are going to love it.