Hi all
Would like some advice on getting an insert. I own a small house in socal and we are expanding from 1200 to 1600 SQ ft. The fireplace we barely use, maybe 5-10 times a year in winter after it rains to keep the smell out. It doesn't get below 40 here in socal. With negative pressure, the smell from the chimney comes down sometimes. Got it cleaned and smell is still there. I am unsure on getting an insert as it is expensive and we would need to buy wood. Our house is from 1960-70 so the rooms are very separated. Not open concept style. Wondering if we should just leave it as is and burn occasionally to save money. Heating is about 80-100 for 3-4 months natural gas but we are upgrading electric panel for heat pumps in the future. We do like wood fires and would do it more often but open hearth costs more than it saves right now. Are there any lower cost efficient wood inserts? We have not looked for a quote but from what I've seen so far online, they run 5-7k with install and a 2k fed tax credit... Still seems pretty steep. Would be okay if it lasts 30 years but catalytic ones need replairs every 5.
Thank you!
Would like some advice on getting an insert. I own a small house in socal and we are expanding from 1200 to 1600 SQ ft. The fireplace we barely use, maybe 5-10 times a year in winter after it rains to keep the smell out. It doesn't get below 40 here in socal. With negative pressure, the smell from the chimney comes down sometimes. Got it cleaned and smell is still there. I am unsure on getting an insert as it is expensive and we would need to buy wood. Our house is from 1960-70 so the rooms are very separated. Not open concept style. Wondering if we should just leave it as is and burn occasionally to save money. Heating is about 80-100 for 3-4 months natural gas but we are upgrading electric panel for heat pumps in the future. We do like wood fires and would do it more often but open hearth costs more than it saves right now. Are there any lower cost efficient wood inserts? We have not looked for a quote but from what I've seen so far online, they run 5-7k with install and a 2k fed tax credit... Still seems pretty steep. Would be okay if it lasts 30 years but catalytic ones need replairs every 5.
Thank you!