Firebacks useful?

[Stegman]

Saw these fireback things in a catalog my wife gets and was wondering if they'd help in radiating heat back into the room. We have a Jotul Castine installed in an old fireplace. It already throws heat pretty good, but I figure every little bit helps, right?

They're clearly intended for open fireplaces, but seems like they would do the same thing for woodstoves.

(broken link removed to http://www.plowhearth.com/Oak-Leaf-Fireback_p10115_S2011_D4000_C1030.html#ReviewHeader)

 

[shawneyboy]

The reviews seem like it does what it says it will, reflect heat, it is more for a traditional fireplace not for your application, and I really don't think it will do much for you.

Shawn

 

[Chettt]

We could try it out by using pieces of aluminum foil behind the stove and see if it reflects more heat out. I bet a brick hearth does absorb some heat.

 

[shawneyboy]

I am sure the brick does, is this an exterior or an interior ? If it is interior, it releases that heat, at least some of it, back into the envelope. If it is exterior you are losing some heat but TBH I doubt this thing will make a big difference. I am of course assuming you have a block off plate. If you dont have a block off, that is where you should invest the money, IMHO.