rumford

I have a RUMFORD FIRE PLACE in my house,what are my best options for its use as a heat source.Brule

Fireplaces, in general, are poor heaters. They will heat the immediate area, and may even warm a small room, but probably not a whole house. As far as fireplaces go, a Rumford design is about the best for giving off heat just as it is.

To increase heat output, you could add a "fireback" - a thick cast-iron panel (usually decorative) placed behind the burning wood to throw more heat into the room. The already shallow design of a Rumford may not allow this.

Or you could use an air-circulating log rack, which pulls cool air in the bottom, circulates it behind the fire (heating it up) and out the top.

I have never seen any inserts for Rumfords, but they might be out there.

I recommend leaving it just as it is. Rumfords are fantastic fireplaces and, though rare, they are increasing in popularity.

Just clean the chimney once a year, have the whole thing inspected once in a while, burn safely, and enjoy.

I agree with Spot. Maybe consider a hearth stove sitting in front of it.

Brule... is putting a stove on the hearth an option for you? Or are you looking for the best way to use it as a fireplace?

Harley ,I will be already burning wood in my stove ,so I was hoping I could find a propane insert that would fit.