Hi,
We have a two story Cape Cod over a full, uninsulated, basement. Currently, we have a Country Flame wood burning insert w/ catalytic exhaust.
We had the chimney inspected last year and it was good to go.
However, we don't like the "mess" of wood. We just had 750 sf of wood floors refinished and the wife doesn't like the mess that carrying wood from the baement and cleaning out of ash produces (I don't blame her). Additionally, we have 18 inch headers dividing all the rooms on the first floor of the house and the only air return for HVAC is two rooms away in the kitchen. As a result, we can roast meat in the living room, but distribution of heat to the rest of the house is difficult. Having the thermostat in an adjacent hallway also has its drawbacks, as the heat gets to it, prevents the temp from lowering, and doesn't engage the HVAC when it's cold. Finally, I can stoke up the fire in the evening and the following morning it's still smoldering. As a result, I can't close the flue door and I know we lose lots of heat through the chimney, defeating the purpose of alternative heat sources to reduce electricity bills in the first place.
I'd like to replace the wood burning insert with an LP gas insert.
If possible, I wouldn't mind putting a wood stove in the basement, but I have no idea how to vent it. There's a chimney cleanout in the basement, but I don't think I can use it as another flue/chimney for the woodstove, can I? Or am I in the wrong forum for this question?
I was directed to this site from gardenwebs fireplace forum. I'm amazed, and a little intimidated, by the amount of info available.
Thanks,
We have a two story Cape Cod over a full, uninsulated, basement. Currently, we have a Country Flame wood burning insert w/ catalytic exhaust.
We had the chimney inspected last year and it was good to go.
However, we don't like the "mess" of wood. We just had 750 sf of wood floors refinished and the wife doesn't like the mess that carrying wood from the baement and cleaning out of ash produces (I don't blame her). Additionally, we have 18 inch headers dividing all the rooms on the first floor of the house and the only air return for HVAC is two rooms away in the kitchen. As a result, we can roast meat in the living room, but distribution of heat to the rest of the house is difficult. Having the thermostat in an adjacent hallway also has its drawbacks, as the heat gets to it, prevents the temp from lowering, and doesn't engage the HVAC when it's cold. Finally, I can stoke up the fire in the evening and the following morning it's still smoldering. As a result, I can't close the flue door and I know we lose lots of heat through the chimney, defeating the purpose of alternative heat sources to reduce electricity bills in the first place.
I'd like to replace the wood burning insert with an LP gas insert.
If possible, I wouldn't mind putting a wood stove in the basement, but I have no idea how to vent it. There's a chimney cleanout in the basement, but I don't think I can use it as another flue/chimney for the woodstove, can I? Or am I in the wrong forum for this question?
I was directed to this site from gardenwebs fireplace forum. I'm amazed, and a little intimidated, by the amount of info available.
Thanks,