Fireplace or Fireplace Insert

[srussell1021]

I just bought a new home that was built in 1986. Description says it has a fireplace. I view the home recently (not moved in yet) and tried to determine if it was a fireplace or fireplace insert. I was wondering if any of you could tell me strictly by viewing the picture below. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Nick Mystic]

Welcome to the forum. I think we would need a better photo, preferably one with the doors open, to give you a definitive answer. It definitely looks like a fireplace, but whether it has some sort of doors on it or whether it has an insert in it is a bit hard to tell for sure. My guess is it is an insert since most doors on fireplaces don't have those big surrounds like your photo is showing. Usually glass doors on a fireplace have the hardware attached inside the firebox and don't include a surround like your photo. You should ask your realtor for clarification. That's what you or the seller is paying them to do. While you are at it go ahead and get them to give you information on the chimney as to whether it has a stainless steel flex liner in it. That is what you would expect if there is an insert in the fireplace. Good luck.

 

[begreen]

Hard to say from just this picture. It looks a bit like an early zero-clearance fireplace. But it could be a nice door set on a masonry fireplace or perhaps an insert. Another clue might be the backside of this unit. Is this an exterior wall? If it is, what is on the outside, a masonry chimney or a framed-in and wood clad chase?

 

[srussell1021]

Thank you both for your input. I figured it would be pretty difficult to nearly impossible to tell just from the picture. I have seen the unit in person and it did have two pretty heavy doors on the front and before I could inspect any further my attention was brought to something else and I forgot to go back and look further. It is an exterior wall but not sure about the chimney situation etc. I have asked my realtor and she is going to get clarification but figured a post on here would possibly prove beneficial. I will be getting an insert if this is infact just a straight fireplace since I've been living every winter burning wood I just enjoy the heat produced from wood much more so than a heat pump which this house has. I have a chimney inspection lined up for next week so I will be sure to get a detailed report of what I'm working with. Thanks again.

 

[srussell1021]

I have another question. Realtor said it is not an insert. I am pretty sure it is a zero clearance fireplace with a chase. Any knowledge of the process of getting a insert installed and what is the estimated cost in your opinion? I see inserts for the sq. ft. House I have is about $1,000. Thanks again.

 

[bholler]

I have another question. Realtor said it is not an insert. I am pretty sure it is a zero clearance fireplace with a chase. Any knowledge of the process of getting a insert installed and what is the estimated cost in your opinion? I see inserts for the sq. ft. House I have is about $1,000. Thanks again.

If it is a zeroclearance fireplace it is very unlikely that you can install an insert in it and still comply with codes and ul listings. In order to find that out we would need both the model of the fireplace and the model insert you want to install. If it is one of the few zc units that does allow for an insert to be installed you would still need to install a liner inside the old chimney.

 

[srussell1021]

So I just got offered a $2,000 soapstone wood stove for $600 from a family friend who is very trustworthy so now that is intriguing me to possibly do a wood stove in my new home. Question now is, is it possible for a wood stove to go inside a fireplace or zero clearance fireplace with a chase (still waiting for details and specifics) and still be up to code, laws and regulations? Also is soapstone a good stove to have for $600 if it was originally bought for $2,000. I dont have the model number or anything. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[begreen]

Hard to say without the specifics. If it is a small soapstone the current insert may have much more capacity and higher btu output. Ask what model soapstone or get a picture and post it here. One very important factor is going to be whether the stove can be vented out the rear as opposed to top vented. If top vented you may have to pass. If rear vented the top of the flue collar would need to be below the lintel of the fireplace to allow clearance for the pipe. The hearth also would need extending to meet the requirements for the stove.

 

[firefighterjake]

So I just got offered a $2,000 soapstone wood stove for $600 from a family friend who is very trustworthy so now that is intriguing me to possibly do a wood stove in my new home. Question now is, is it possible for a wood stove to go inside a fireplace or zero clearance fireplace with a chase (still waiting for details and specifics) and still be up to code, laws and regulations? Also is soapstone a good stove to have for $600 if it was originally bought for $2,000. I dont have the model number or anything. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

More details are needed about the stove . . . I would wager that most make/models are pretty good . . . some may have an Achillles heal or something to be aware of depending on the make and model (i.e. door latches, possible need to replace a cat) . . . perhaps the biggest issue will be the age and knowing whether it is a clean burning stove or not since most folks tend to want a more efficient, clean burning woodstove.

 

[srussell1021]

Hey everyone, thanks again for your previous help. I just had the chimney inspection and it is indeed a prefab fireplace with a fan installed. The house is only 1200 sq ft. and I met the seller of the house (also the renovator, home improvement specialist) who indicated that he thinks an insert might be overkill to only heat 1200 sq. ft and the prefab fireplace with the fan will heat the whole room and maybe even the second floor as well. I figure this winter I will test the fireplace with the fan and see if its worth a damn and if not next winter upgrade to a wood burning insert (if possible) I know sometimes, depending on circumstances, that prefab fireplace to wood burning insert can be difficult and/or impossible. I was wondering if any of you have any experience with prefab fireplaces with fans and if they are any at all efficient to heat approx. 1200 sq. ft?

 

[Grisu]

Can you post a picture of the inside of the fireplace especially the top of the firebox? It looks like it has been designed to be somewhat efficient but it would be good to know if there is some kind of baffle/burn tubes in there. Maybe it will also help in identifying the unit.

 

[srussell1021]

I will post more pictures once I am in the house permanently which won't be for a few weeks. I was only at the home for a few minutes while chimney inspection was going on and I didn't take any pictures (stupid of me).

 

[srussell1021]

Actually here is a picture facing the front of the unit but this may be zero help whatsoever but it is all I have at this point. Ill take in depth pics soon.

 

[begreen]

That has a heat exchange system. It looks like an attempt was made to make it semi-efficient. When you get into the house inspect the inside of the door frame for a make and model tag. It might be decent enough to get by for a year.

If it were me I think for the first year I would get a few cords of dry wood and give it a try for the winter. There will be plenty of other things to do with a new home.

 

[srussell1021]

Thanks for the input, yea I feel like it won't be make or break to just try it out for the first winter and see how well it heats. I have plenty of good, dry, seasoned wood so I'm ready to burn once the need arises. I will get make and model info and pics once I get moved in (close date aug. 31st.) This forum is great by the way, best info I've found anywhere bar none. Thanks again.

 

[begreen]

Closing day is soon, that's exciting. This looks like a nice home. Keep us posted on your progress with the fireplace.

 

[tcassavaugh]

why not just do a free standing and close the fireplace. build a hearth and put it on it. just a thought. i believe the heat output would be better.

 

[srussell1021]

why not just do a free standing and close the fireplace. build a hearth and put it on it. just a thought. i believe the heat output would be better.

Hey everyone. I just did the final walk through of my house and got measurements and pictures of my prefab fireplace. I didn't see any model tag and number on the inside. There is a panel in bottom left corner but it's just black maybe the number WAS there lol. Anyway the measurements unofficially are 15 3/4 deep and 29 or so across and 40 x 40in on the outside from door to door and floor to the top of the unit. Let me know any of your ideas or opinions if this is workable for an insert, maybe a pellet stove. It seems it's only letting me load one pic at a time so here's one and I will load more (just the same pic from different angles) once I'm on my laptop. Thanks.