FPX Elite 36

[Burner73]

I am just about to pull the trigger on a FireplaceX (Xtrordinair) Elite 36. I live in the hudson valley of NY State. Not the coldest place but we can get sub-zero cold snaps from time to time. I have read just about every rating and review and want to get an opinion on the "Cold Air Infiltration" issue.

Ideally I would love to run the appliance 24x7 but realistically it is not going to happen. Many have mentioned the cold air install (method/kit). I have not really been able to get the concept or exactly what this kit is/does.

Can someone shed some light???

Of course any review info (likes / dislikes) wouldn't hurt. I ma not too worried about the Cat Converter.

Thanks In Advance

 

[begreen]

Welcome burner73. Search on Outside Air Kit (OAK) for many long discussions on the often debated topic. Here is a link to Tom's site where it is also discussed:
(broken link removed to http://chimneysweeponline.com/hooa.htm)

 

[Burner73]

Yes- I have read that.

Let me be more specific with my concerns:

The FPX brochure reads that one needs to hook up three connections to it. (2) Connections for "cold air" for cooling the firebox and another for combustion air. I am under the impression that the outside air cooling intakes is what flows over the heat exchanger and it is warmed and "pressurized" into the room via posipressure.

1. At what outside temperature is the air not cool enough to safely burn? I assume a temperature at which you would not burnwood since it is hot outside? What about a raw 45F rainy day in early spring?
2. Can all air be pulled from a finished basement?
3. My house has a radon mitigation system which pulls about 1"WC (according to manometer) sub foundation. THe purpose is to create a negative pressure below the house and vent off the gasses before they come into the house. Winter is the dangerous time since the house is warm and basically acts as a chimney for these underground gases. If I pull air from my basement would I infact be increasing the negative pressurein the basement and thus introducing more radon into the house? I assume by pulling air from outside would insure a rich o2 supply.
4. Is outside air and better/worse for combustion?
5. Lastly, I know this has been beaten to death....but.....by pulling fresh cold air can the FPX possibly not overcome the cold air?

So in short, If I pull from inside am I doing myself a diservice Radon, Dirty air vs pulling from outside and losing heat since I am warming something very cold.

I hope this all makes sense. I am new top the hearth world butI am learning fast...I think

TIA

 

[builderbob]

Having investigated the radon issue somewhat, I would say the answer is "YES", that trying to pull combustion air from inside the basement would tend to increase your Radon infiltration into the home from beneath the basement floor.

As to fireplace and cold air combustion, I do not believe basement air (or any other "inside the house" source) is generally proposed as "good" source for needed "outside" combustion air. The reason being the house then would tend to suck in replacerment air from outside anyway it could through whatever "leaky" spots are the weak points in the insulation envelope of the house.

With an outside air kit, one can better "control" the infiltration of cold air into the house, direct it to the fireplace where it is used, and then expelled up the chimney. Leaving no (or at least "less") cold air to infiltrate the living spaces of the house.

That's the way I understand it from reading threads here anyway.

 

[burning_furniture]

My first impression of the fpx 36 , just installed today, I dont like the feel of the double doors, when closing and locking down the handle for airtight combustion, of course the stove in new and not broken in, I am trying to compare this stove to my antiquated Buck Brother's and my most recent Jotul. The Jotuls handle design is cast iron, with plenty of clearance between back of knob and glass. The fpx needs to be handled with long gloves, they even supply you with cheapo gloves with the stove, haven't burned yet but will post. good luck