Recommendation for Wood Insert

[Ptalexme]

Hey all, due to multiple issues with my old cheap wood stove that came with my house, I am looking into getting a new one. I could use some help narrowing it down to a few to choose from.

Details: small 1.5 story house, approx. 1400 sqft built in 1984. Chimney on outside wall, facing stairs and master bedroom. The chimney has a cast-in liner and I am told it is in great shape. I live in NC, so most of the winter it's only down to low 30s on average. I would like to keep cost under $1500 if possible. Let me know what other info would be pertinent.

I am pretty capable as a handyman, so I could probably install myself, but I don't know the potential issues with that, so comments here would be good also!

I hear there are tax credits available also, so hopefully I can get in on that.

Besides brands and sizes, I am also not sure if I should go with a catalytic or not.

Anyway, any advice/tips/recommendations would be great, thanks!

 

[webby3650]

So, are you looking for an insert for a fireplace, or a freestanding stove? The title says insert. If it's a fireplace then it would be hard to get an insert in for the price you have in mind. Even though it has a cast liner, you will still need to re-line directly to the insert. If you are looking for a freestanding stove, then you have a few options in the $1500 range.

 

[Ptalexme]

Yes, I am looking for an insert. What would need to be done to re-line to the insert? What would be the limitation on cost, the stove or added expense of the installation?

 

[weatherguy]

First you have to measure your FP opening to see what will fit, if you need a liner check out prices on chimneyliner depot to get an idea, its pretty easy so you should be able to do it yourself with the help of a friend. Hope Depot has an insert from Englander, you'd probably have to order it, Drolet has an insert thats not to expensive, some guys here have Century's, I think Northern Tool sells them. Those 3 should be in your price range.I think I paid about $500 for my liner, I had to buy 30 feet, 6 inch ss liner.