Adjustability of wood insert

[Shadow219]

My house is well insulated. I have a heat pump and it is very efficient. However, when the temp goes below 20 the furnace runs non-stop and below 10 the inside temp falls. I have a wood burning fireplace but I don't think it helps much, if at all.

I am researching wood burning inserts and I have much to learn. In reading I learned they all require a rather high temperature to run correctly. I would prefer a lower heat output so the furnace would still run part of the time. I have a basement that needs some heat; just for the pipes etc.

The room with the fireplace and thermostat is 600 sq ft. Will I be able to adjust the insert to just supplement the furnace? Or is it a matter of when it is fired up you get a lot of heat just deal with it. Will the built in fan help with controlling this?

Is a catalyst or non-catalyst more adjustable? Or are they the same?

Currently the LOPI Evergreen (Catalyst version) is what I have my eye on.

 

[MRD1985]

Are your goals whole house heating or room heating?

What’s the total sq footage of the home? Is it well insulated?

 

[begreen]

There is a range of options depending on the size and depth of the fireplace opening and how well the heat can convect to the rest of the house. The thermostat being in the fireplace room isn't a great combo. The room will be warm and the thermostat will not call for heat, regardless of the temp in other areas.
For a low and slow burning insert, look Blaze King cat stoves. Or as an alternative, just burn partial loads in a different design insert and reload every few hours.

 

[kborndale]

Are your goals whole house heating or room heating?

What’s the total sq footage of the home? Is it well insulated?

First sentence in the post is "My house is well insulated."

 

[Shadow219]

The goal is to supplement the furnace on cold nights and ambiance (wife, not me) on other nights. So I want the ability to burn low to medium depending on the outside temp. I don't want full house heating because I then would have to figure out something for the basement. I guess I could do that but trying this first. Nobody living in the basement so lower temps are fine.

Main floor is 1850 sq ft and basement is 1650. No second floor.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

How big is your fireplace? Dimensions and photos are best.

 

[Shadow219]

How big is your fireplace? Dimensions and photos are best.

34.5w x 30.5H x avg depth 27.5

 

[MRD1985]

First sentence in the post is "My house is well insulated."

Missed that somehow. Sorry…

 

[Nordicbynature]

34.5w x 30.5H x avg depth 27.5

Beautiful

 

[EatenByLimestone]

What is the width of the back?

 

[EatenByLimestone]

And is the fireplace on an inside or outside wall? Well insulated houses sometimes need makeup air.

 

[Shadow219]

And is the fireplace on an inside or outside wall? Well insulated houses sometimes need makeup air.

Outside wall, rear width is 21.25

 

[BKVP]

How tall is the current chimney?

BKVP