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Options for heating during a power outage

Post in 'It's a Gas!' started by europa77, Feb 20, 2012.

  1. europa77 New Member

    joined: Feb 20, 2012
    2 posts
    Maryland
    I have a wood-burning fireplace and would like to install a fireplace insert. Our house is heated with gas. I am looking for options that will operate if, as happened last year, we are without power for a week. I like the idea of using gas so that I don't have to purchase/store fuel as would be required with pellet stoves. Are there any gas options that would work? If not gas, what would be the best fuel/insert type? Our house is 2100 square feet so options that could achieve 30-50k btu would be good.
    europa77, Feb 20, 2012
    #1

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  2. DAKSY Super Moderator

    joined: Dec 2, 2008
    3,984 posts
    Averill Park, NY, on Burden Lake II...
    You have LOTS of options. Measure the height, width & depth of your
    fire place opening so you know where to start with the physical size.
    Take those dimensions to your local hearth shop to see what he carries.
    I will honestly tell you, tho, gas Direct Vent (DV) inserts are not whole
    house heaters. They are space heaters, so you're only gonna get to keep
    the room with the fire place in it warm, altho the temps inadjoining rooms
    will be slightly higher than if they were unheated. Not too many of the inserts
    out there are above 40k btu & the amount of heat your home is gonna retain
    depends upon the amount of insulation & weather seal it has.
    DAKSY, Feb 20, 2012
    #2

  3. europa77 New Member

    joined: Feb 20, 2012
    2 posts
    Maryland
    My understanding is that the direct vent gas inserts require electrical hookup. Are there options that don't?
    europa77, Feb 20, 2012
    #3

  4. DAKSY Super Moderator

    joined: Dec 2, 2008
    3,984 posts
    Averill Park, NY, on Burden Lake II...
    Regency still makes inserts that only require electrical hook-ups for the blower.
    Some of the units that require electricity for the Intermittent Pilot Ignition (IPI)
    also come with a battery back up for use in power outages.
    DAKSY, Feb 21, 2012
    #4

  5. Fsappo New Member

    joined: Apr 9, 2008
    3,551 posts
    Central NY
    The Valor inserts seem to make more radiant heat than the Regencys (I Sell them both) so i my opinion, I would lean towards one of those if power outage issues exist.
    Fsappo, Feb 22, 2012
    #5

  6. fueldude Member

    joined: Jul 21, 2008
    31 posts
    US
    Empire and Enviro make millivolt units as well.
    fueldude, Feb 22, 2012
    #6

  7. DAKSY Super Moderator

    joined: Dec 2, 2008
    3,984 posts
    Averill Park, NY, on Burden Lake II...
    So, there you go. Like I said in response to your
    original post, there are a NUMBER of units on the
    market that will meet your needs. Measure your
    fire place & go exploring. I'm sure you will find
    one that will meet your requirements. If you find
    something & have further questions, this is the
    place to find the answers. Good Hunting!
    DAKSY, Feb 22, 2012
    #7

  8. Highbeam Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 28, 2006
    6,873 posts
    base of Mt. Rainier on the wet side, WA
    How do these things vent? Bah, I'll start a new thread. Stay tuned.
    Highbeam, Feb 22, 2012
    #8

  9. DAKSY Super Moderator

    joined: Dec 2, 2008
    3,984 posts
    Averill Park, NY, on Burden Lake II...
    They have a double 3" (co-linear) liner attached to the insert. Intake one side.
    Exhaust the other. The exhaust MUST go to the cap. The intake doesn't have to.
    DAKSY, Feb 22, 2012
    #9

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