I have a quite small fireplace that provides "ambiance" when fired, a source of cold drafts when not fired and a place to hang Christmas stockings. It does little else. Novel idea: I actually want to get some heat out of the thing. I've been thinking about getting a wood insert and having a stainless steel liner installed (inside the terra cotta flue? at least I can see a section of terra cotta sticking out the top of the chimney.)
Anyway, the fireplace opening is 30 inches wide by about 25 inches high (that gives me barely any play to think of needing access between the top of the insert and underneath the top of the fireplace opening (access to the insert vent/flue for installation). About 3.5 inches into the fireplace, the sides quickly taper inward, and the upper back of the fireplace has a heavy slant towards the front of the fireplace. It's about 12 inches from the front of the fireplace to the back (top of the slant) at the top of the fireplace opening. I found what I thought was a bargain on a Drolet Escape 1400-I, but quickly realized it wasn't going to work without modifying the fireplace (easier said than done). At least I was able to resell the insert for about 40% markup. Made it worth the distance I had to haul it.
Anyone have ideas of an insert that might work, or is there a better option like a door/fan that could be used to close the fireplace and basically turn it into a stove?
Chilly in PA
Anyway, the fireplace opening is 30 inches wide by about 25 inches high (that gives me barely any play to think of needing access between the top of the insert and underneath the top of the fireplace opening (access to the insert vent/flue for installation). About 3.5 inches into the fireplace, the sides quickly taper inward, and the upper back of the fireplace has a heavy slant towards the front of the fireplace. It's about 12 inches from the front of the fireplace to the back (top of the slant) at the top of the fireplace opening. I found what I thought was a bargain on a Drolet Escape 1400-I, but quickly realized it wasn't going to work without modifying the fireplace (easier said than done). At least I was able to resell the insert for about 40% markup. Made it worth the distance I had to haul it.
Anyone have ideas of an insert that might work, or is there a better option like a door/fan that could be used to close the fireplace and basically turn it into a stove?
Chilly in PA