Deciding between pacific energy FP30 and Valcourt Waterloo

[ecraig]

Hello! We live in Ontario Canada and are looking to replace our current fireplace. We have an old napoleon NZ2000 (it is at least 30 years old and came with the house), and it needs repair… but we’ve been told the parts aren’t available anymore. We use the fireplace as a main heat source in the winter. We want to replace it with something more efficient, but don’t necessarily want to compromise on the viewing glass area. We’ve done some research and are most interested in the Valcourt Waterloo and the Pacific Energy FP30. Any recommendations or experience with either unit? Thanks

 

[begreen]

Personally, I'm not a fan of big double doors, but they do afford a large view. However, they can be hard on the hinge pins and often have sealing issues over time. There are other criteria that need to be considered such as the area being heated, loading options (N/S vs E/W), ducting, maintenance, parts, etc. TheThe FP30 is just under 3 cu ft and uses a 6" chimney. It uses standard pumice firebrick. The Waterloo is much larger at about 4.3 cu ft. and requires an 8" chimney and has proprietary refractory panels.
Also consider the Montecito Grand Estate, The Northstar Constitution, and the FPX 42" Apex or 44 Elite.

 

[ecraig]

@begreen thanks so much for your reply. The space we are heating is quite large and open. It's similar to heating a barn, the ceilings are very tall and the second floor is fully open (you can imagine this is a tough space to heat haha). It's probably about 2000 square feet between the two stories.

 

[begreen]

Ceiling fans or some method of circulation will be necessary. Otherwise, most of the warm air will stratify up toward the ceiling peak.