Hi everybody, I am new to this forum. I've found some great info browsing the posts. I am hoping to get some feedback on a fireplace insert I am considering buying.
I am looking for a fireplace insert to heat the main living area of my home. The existing fireplace has a metal heatilator firebox in a brick chimney and stone fireplace surround. From what I have read in some other posts on this forum, this may be a problem for me already for installing an insert. The house is 20 yrs old, I've owned it 3.
I found a local person looking to sell a fisher insert. I looked at it today and it seemed to be in fairly good condition. I know this stove isn't efficient per today's standards, but I grew up in a house with a little fisher stove and I know they can throw some heat! 250 dollars seems right compared to what I would have to spend for a new stove.
The chimney has a terra cotta flue, with some cracks in the flue. So my plan is to get a stainless steel liner installed to hook up directly to this insert.
My question is can this be installed in the fireplace with the metal heatilator? If not, why and what has to be done?
The fireplace also has some outside vents on the back of the chimney, which I assume is part of the heatilator system. Should I leave these vents or block them off?
Also, pertaining to the stove itself, is there anything in particular to look for when inspecting a used stove prior to buying?
On a side note, I can't believe how the existing fireplace absolutely does not throw a single bit of heat at all! I can have a roaring fire in it and stand 1 foot away and not feel any heat. I don't know if the metal box design is that bad or the installer did something wrong, but it is hard to believe. As a matter of fact, the room gets COLDER from the draft when a fire is going.
Anyway, that is why I'd like to put an insert in also.
I'd appreciate any feedback before I jump in. Thanks.
I am looking for a fireplace insert to heat the main living area of my home. The existing fireplace has a metal heatilator firebox in a brick chimney and stone fireplace surround. From what I have read in some other posts on this forum, this may be a problem for me already for installing an insert. The house is 20 yrs old, I've owned it 3.
I found a local person looking to sell a fisher insert. I looked at it today and it seemed to be in fairly good condition. I know this stove isn't efficient per today's standards, but I grew up in a house with a little fisher stove and I know they can throw some heat! 250 dollars seems right compared to what I would have to spend for a new stove.
The chimney has a terra cotta flue, with some cracks in the flue. So my plan is to get a stainless steel liner installed to hook up directly to this insert.
My question is can this be installed in the fireplace with the metal heatilator? If not, why and what has to be done?
The fireplace also has some outside vents on the back of the chimney, which I assume is part of the heatilator system. Should I leave these vents or block them off?
Also, pertaining to the stove itself, is there anything in particular to look for when inspecting a used stove prior to buying?
On a side note, I can't believe how the existing fireplace absolutely does not throw a single bit of heat at all! I can have a roaring fire in it and stand 1 foot away and not feel any heat. I don't know if the metal box design is that bad or the installer did something wrong, but it is hard to believe. As a matter of fact, the room gets COLDER from the draft when a fire is going.
Anyway, that is why I'd like to put an insert in also.
I'd appreciate any feedback before I jump in. Thanks.
