Fireplace Insert Help

[Logs4heat]

I am currently looking to decrease my electric bill by installing a woodstove fireplace insert into my existing fireplace. A little background my house is a ranch style home that is 1300sqft with a relatively open floor plan. The living room in which the fireplace is located is 15' x 15' (225 sqft) and is relatively centrally located in the house. Average temperatures in my area between November and April are around 30 degrees and only drop to 20 degrees in the coldest month. My house is well insulated with standard 8ft ceilings. I like to keep the temperature around 68-70.

I have been researching woodstove inserts and I have narrowed down my search to 3 models:

Quadra-Fire Expedition I - 1.5 cu ft firebox, up to 1400 sqft heating, 37,000 btu
Quadra-Fire Expedition II - 2.4 cu ft firebox, up to 2400 sqft heating, 56,000 btu
Hearthstone Clydesdale- 2.4 cu ft firebox, up to 2000 sqft heating, 60,000 btu

I love the hearthstone clydesdale the best as it has the biggest viewing window and qualifys for the 30% tax credit, however I am afraid it is too big for my space. I want heat, but I don't want to make my living space unbearable. The quadra-fire Expedition I seems like it won't overpower my space but the viewing window is tiny and I am sad about losing the ambiance of my fireplace.

Hopefully someone on here has some insight into what direction I should go before I spend the money and regret my decision.

 

[Niro]

Sounds like the Clydesdale is the one for you if you like the look and it has the tax credit then it's a no brainer . You can alway turn down the burn to low if it to much heat.

Just keep inind of the cat it's a bit of a learning curve with a cat.

 

[begreen]

The Quads are single-burn-rate stoves which is ok for occasional burning but if the intent is to burn 24/7 for heating then the Clydesdale may be a better experience. The new Clydesdale has only been out this season, so read up on reports in the Hearthstone section. You might also want to look at the Hampton Hi500 and Lopi Flush large inserts.

 

[Logs4heat]

The Quads are single-burn-rate stoves which is ok for occasional burning but if the intent is to burn 24/7 for heating then the Clydesdale may be a better experience. The new Clydesdale has only been out this season, so read up on reports in the Hearthstone section. You might also want to look at the Hampton Hi500 and Lopi Flush large inserts.

I appreciate the feedback. After reading some posts in the forum I definitely want to look into some other options. The dealer in my area only carries quads and the clydesdale, but I found one a few towns over that carries some other brands such as lopi. I will take a ride tomorrow and check them out.

 

[Logs4heat]

Sounds like the Clydesdale is the one for you if you like the look and it has the tax credit then it's a no brainer . You can alway turn down the burn to low if it to much heat.

Just keep inind of the cat it's a bit of a learning curve with a cat.

I'm going to expand my search and check out a few other brands before I buy, but I appreciate the feedback. I'm new to woodstoves so I can use all the help I can get!