Castle serenity general question.....

[Sytamra]

I am looking to replace a 14-year-old Quadra fire Santa Fe in my 1450 square-foot ranch style home in northern New Mexico. The Santa Fe was marginal as a primary heat source. Bedrooms are pretty cool. The serenity gets great reviews and I wonder if it would be a suitable replacement.
Thanks
Bryan

 

[rich2500]

if the santa fe was marginal the serenity will be also

 

[Sytamra]

Pictures show some tear shaped openings in the top surface of the stove...are those decorative or functional?
Looks as if they would push some heat upward?
Thanks, Bryan

 

[rich2500]

mostly decorative

 

[Deezl Smoke]

No upward heat. They are decorative, but also aid with room air movement. If you shine a light into any of the tin work perforations in the side or back of the stove while looking down into those opening at the top, you'll see the inside of the stove cavity that houses the fans etc. There's a shrouding that forces the hot air forward as it comes from the fire box. The decorative opening up top allow air in behind that shrouding.