Enlarging Firebox (removing taper)

[ReD-BaRoN]

I'm looking to get a insert for our fireplace. Our firebox is on the smaller side, where the opening width is 37" but tapers down to 19" wide in the back, which really limits our selection. The house was built in 2005, and the chimney/fireplace is on the side of the house. I would assuming typical builder style of the time. What would the limiting factors be with respect to straightening the firebox walls to allow for larger inserts?

 

[begreen]

What are the full dimensions of the fireplace, front and back, including depth at the top and bottom? How large of an area would the insert be heating and how often would it be burning?

 

[ReD-BaRoN]

This is the layout I'm working with. The dotted lines are what I'd like to do.

Rooms include kitchen and living room which is roughly 700sq ft. Ideally it would be able to handle the entire first floor, but I don't know what to expect.

 

[begreen]

That looks doable for a medium-sized insert. Are there other factors like aesthetics, cost etc. that should be considered? How will the insert be used - nights and weekends, backup for power outages, or for 24/7 burning the whole winter?

 

[spudman99]

If you are considering an insert, and are serious about it, please, please consider gathering wood now to burn later. Wet wood is the single most frustrating thing for new burners. Trying to understand the insert, its operation and nuances, combined with wet wood is not good.

Apologies if you already have got some, but get at least 2-3 cords of wood now, let it season this summer and longer. Set up your wood racks and where you want to store and plan long term.