Any hope for this fireplace?

[tubbster]

Does anyone know of an efficient solution for heating using this existing build? This is my sisters house, and while it has great ambiance, it produces no heat.
Is there an insert that would work here and be open on two sides?

Thanks?

 

[oconnor]

you should be able to get a stove in there installed as a hearth mount. Put in a block off plate and you should have a reasonable heater. Check out the picture gallery and see some examples in there. I know I've seen a few tight fits posted on the forums.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Is the opening large enough where you could slide a stove into it?

Matt

 

[Chief Ryan]

Give this guy a shout. He makes custom fireplace doors for almost any type fireplace. He says his doors will heat just as good as a stove. There are many pictures of exactly the fireplace you have in the pic.

There NOT cheap though!!

(broken link removed)

 

[gpcollen1]

Take some measurements of that opening and find a stove to fit it - and to heat the sq footage you need to. You are not really looking for and insert but a stove to fit in that space.

 

[savageactor7]

tubbster it takes a lot of resolve to modify that beauty... yeah I know looks are deceiving, but it sure is pretty. Sorry I don't have a clue but will follow this with interest.

 

[trailblaze]

that looks nice!

i would bet what ever you do isn't going to be cheap! my initial thought was to set on in there on an angle.... but without seeing the layout of the house that might look dumb...

 

[tubbster]

Yes, it is a beautiful fireplace, but it contributes literally ZERO heat to the house. Burn lots of wood, and nada. It barely warms your back sitting on the hearth shelf.

I think they are going to have to look at an insert or a very small stove tucked in there.

Question from ignorance: Will that automatically mean a liner up the flue of that chimney, or can you typically seal off the flue with a pipe up the chimney a few feet?

 

[branchburner]

A liner is best, but what is the size of the existing flue and what shape is it in?

 

[tubbster]

Give this guy a shout. He makes custom fireplace doors for almost any type fireplace. He says his doors will heat just as good as a stove. There are many pictures of exactly the fireplace you have in the pic.

There NOT cheap though!!

(broken link removed)

Nice looking work there!
I dunno though. It seems that the fireplace literally sucks heat out of the house. Even leaving the doors open, It does not radiate much heat.

We are also considering a add on furnace downstairs, but fear that it would munch LOTS of wood compared to using a stove/ insert. Worse come to worse, get a mason to wall off the side wall with bricks. Then you will be left with a goofy looking insert, because it will not be centered on chimney.

 

[tubbster]

A liner is best, but what is the size of the existing flue and what shape is it in?

Don't know the size, but it is supposedly in good shape.

They of course will need to call in someone to see what can be done.

 

[pr0vidence]

Hey tubbster, we have a similar setup and we stuffed an Avalon Rainier into ours. the Rainier can be installed as an insert Or a stand-alone, the only difference is whether they put on a surround or not. Ours is working incredibly well as a stand alone and actually looks good sitting in the corner fireplace. Here's a photo.

 

[begreen]

It is a beauty. If you can call them up and the the opening dimensions that would be the best place to start.