We have a Fireplace that I recently removed a propane insert from. I recently picked up a nice 1992 Lopi Flushbay 96 model wood stove insert.
I found the Lopi owners manual online and it describes 3 different methods of installing the insert, Direct Connection, Positive connection and Face Seal connection. I am guessing these terms might be a bit outdated, so I will try to get some description/drawings added to this post tomorrow, but for now I just wanted to get a post up here and start the conversation. The manual doesn't cover drawbacks and benefits of each. I am not concerned too much about cost/work involved, as I will be doing it myself and have most of the materials needed for each on hand. I am mainly concerned about heating performance and which option will provide the best heat. I have a chimney liner on hand, but I am starting to get the impression from doing research that a liner is not necessary if you have a good sound brick and clay tile chimney, and would seem to insulate the chimney from soaking up more heat and warming the attic. It's a single story house, so I am thinking drafting wont be an issue. Which installation method would you recommend for best heating output?
Lastly, I am looking at the hole in the fireplace where the old Propane line was run in from the garage and I am thinking that might provide an opportunity to pipe fresh air in to feed the fireplace from the garage as to avoid draft in the house and/or creating low pressure in the house. Couldn't I just run a flexible gas hose from the hole to the facing plate of the wood stove so that fresh "outside" air is provided very near the stove intake? It could easily be sealed closed (thinking just a big cork plug) when the wood stove is not being used.
House is 1971 Single story. 1350 sq feet. Western Oregon.
I found the Lopi owners manual online and it describes 3 different methods of installing the insert, Direct Connection, Positive connection and Face Seal connection. I am guessing these terms might be a bit outdated, so I will try to get some description/drawings added to this post tomorrow, but for now I just wanted to get a post up here and start the conversation. The manual doesn't cover drawbacks and benefits of each. I am not concerned too much about cost/work involved, as I will be doing it myself and have most of the materials needed for each on hand. I am mainly concerned about heating performance and which option will provide the best heat. I have a chimney liner on hand, but I am starting to get the impression from doing research that a liner is not necessary if you have a good sound brick and clay tile chimney, and would seem to insulate the chimney from soaking up more heat and warming the attic. It's a single story house, so I am thinking drafting wont be an issue. Which installation method would you recommend for best heating output?
Lastly, I am looking at the hole in the fireplace where the old Propane line was run in from the garage and I am thinking that might provide an opportunity to pipe fresh air in to feed the fireplace from the garage as to avoid draft in the house and/or creating low pressure in the house. Couldn't I just run a flexible gas hose from the hole to the facing plate of the wood stove so that fresh "outside" air is provided very near the stove intake? It could easily be sealed closed (thinking just a big cork plug) when the wood stove is not being used.
House is 1971 Single story. 1350 sq feet. Western Oregon.
