Reading a separate thread got me curious…I have a flush insert, does a decent job of heating but a little more heating ability would be nice. If I reposition the insert so that it sticks out, say 2 or 3 inches, would the heat gain be worth the effort? I would have to modify my block off plate and modify my surround so that it still looks nice. Also, my insert heats almost entirely by convection using the blower, so the way I see it, any gain from radiation would be minimal. ? Your thoughts? Anyone have experience doing this? Thanks!
Repositioning flush insert
- Thread starter Slimdusty
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I don't think the gain would be worth it. A lot of inserts have a surrounding convective jacket and are not that radiant.
mellow
Resident Stove Connoisseur
You would be better off insulating your fireplace so the heat stays where it needs to.
Yes, this is the case in my situation. Glad I didn’t proceed with this on a whim, good to bounce ideas around to other members.
It is insulated, with the exception of no insulation above my block off plate, which is on my to do list. I also plan to try running the stove without the surround one of these weekends to see if any gains could be had. Seems like some members have good luck with this, others not so much.
mellow
Resident Stove Connoisseur
Just for clarification, I am not talking about your liner, I am talking about your fireplace in general, without the insulation you could be losing heat to the outside world.
Finally got around to insulating my fireplace
Been able to run for a few days straight with the cold temps, I really do not see that much difference in everyday operating, where I see the difference is in how much longer the fan stays on because the insert stays warm longer and I now have large coals in the morning after an overnight burn...
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And a post to see real world difference it makes for inserts:
Finally got around to insulating my fireplace
Mellow - How did you get the Roxul to stay in place on the top block plate? I have my 4" pipe coming down through what is left of my old damper with Roxul stuffed into the remaining cavity - nothing on the side walls.
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@Slimdusty what insert is this? How large of an area is it trying to heat? Are there any confounding factors like a cathedral ceiling, lots of window area, etc.?
Mellow, thanks for the links, i will read them soon. I was following you regarding insulation the fireplace, my fireplace originally had, still has a “heatilator” as I believe it to be called. Basically a steel box on the sides and back wall of fireplace, with insulation between the brick and steel. I left all that in place when I installed the insert as it was in good condition.Just for clarification, I am not talking about your liner, I am talking about your fireplace in general, without the insulation you could be losing heat to the outside world.
Finally got around to insulating my fireplace
Been able to run for a few days straight with the cold temps, I really do not see that much difference in everyday operating, where I see the difference is in how much longer the fan stays on because the insert stays warm longer and I now have large coals in the morning after an overnight burn...
And a post to see real world difference it makes for inserts:
Finally got around to insulating my fireplace
Mellow - How did you get the Roxul to stay in place on the top block plate? I have my 4" pipe coming down through what is left of my old damper with Roxul stuffed into the remaining cavity - nothing on the side walls.
Lopi medium flush insert. This was my thread from a couple months ago that explains what i am up against.
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