Freestanding stove in Existing fireplace

[CabinDweller430]

Looking for feedback on my situation, ideas on options, and opinion on feasibility of doing this by ourselves.

We currently have gas logs in what was originally a wood burning fireplace, an early 80s? Steel “Heatform.” The chimney runs directly through the center of our 2 story log home.

We would like to get a high btu wood stove to supplement the oil heated boiler system.

I was quoted $3,600 for a wood burning insert, $2,000 in materials, and $2,000 in labor. (Insulated liner, modification to existing firebox..)

A quick check on Facebook marketplace and there’s a handful of used stoves, freestanding and inserts, for under $1000.

It looks like I can get all of the liner parts etc, for under $2,000.

Do the labor ourselves and we can save $2,000 making the whole upgrade 50-60% cheaper.

Questions:

1.) Do I simply cut two of the heatform tubes and a few inches of the box to pull the liner in to the stove? (See Picture with red X’s at cuts)

2.) assuming the height works out, Is there any reason I can’t go buy this (or another) used Russo GV-30C (rear vent) for $500 and put it halfway on the hearth and half inside of the fireplace? (Attached fb listing)

How hard is it really to shove a 7-8”insulated flex liner down the chimney, throw a stove in the hole and fire it up? Nothing I have come across in my research has intimidated me yet, and certainly not versus spending thousands of dollars in labor.

 

[begreen]

I think the Russon GV-30C may be a side-loading catalytic stove. It probably needs a new cat. The stove would need to sit out on the hearth a bit for side loading. This may require a hearth extension. There is also the clearance to the wood mantel to be considered. I don't have the manual, but it's typically 84" from stove top.

The quoted price is not bad for a new insert + liner + install. What stove model was quoted?

I'd recommend sticking with 6" flue outlet stoves if the intent is DIY. Definitely measure the flue ID on this fireplace before going further.

 

[CabinDweller430]

I think the Russon GV-30C may be a side-loading catalytic stove. It probably needs a new cat. The stove would need to sit out on the hearth a bit for side loading. This may require a hearth extension. There is also the clearance to the wood mantel to be considered. I don't have the manual, but it's typically 84" from stove top.

The quoted price is not bad for a new insert + liner + install. What stove model was quoted?

I'd recommend sticking with 6" flue outlet stoves if the intent is DIY. Definitely measure the flue ID on this fireplace before going further.

Thanks for the response!

The $3600 model quoted was quadrafire expedition 2 insert. And I do have the option to finance that part if it came down to it.

I know that the Russo has side loading, but would I not be able to also front load? (I’ve never had a wood stove, so please tell me what I’m missing on that)

The used stove seller said the Russo’s rear outlet was 7” and that the Catlytic component was replaced last year

I still have to get on the roof to measure for my exact liner length and to confirm the flue width.

 

[begreen]

Most modern stoves take a 6" liner. A 7" liner is an oddball so it costs a lot more. The Russo has a large front door which can lead to smoke spillage when reloading via the front door., especially on a short, one story liner. They used to have a big andiron in front which also made front-loading hard. I'm not sure about this particular stove.

The Quad Expedition insert is what is called a single burn rate stove. You ignite the fire and let the stove take care of the rest. There is little user control over the fire. They are great for evening and weekend fires, but not so much for 24/7 heating. You can do better than the Quad Expendition depending on how the stove will be used. For example, if a Drolet Escape 1800i is ordered, it will be below $2000. Does the dealer sell other models like Regency, Pacific Energy, etc?

Regardless of insert choice, all will require fully seasoned firewood to perform properly. That is very hard to buy, especially at this time of year. Burning poorly seasoned wood will result in disappointing heat output, hard starts, and a dirty liner that needs frequent cleaning. It's best to avoid this is possible.

 

[CabinDweller430]

Most modern stoves take a 6" liner. A 7" liner is an oddball so it costs a lot more. The Russo has a large front door which can lead to smoke spillage when reloading via the front door., especially on a short, one story liner. They used to have a big andiron in front which also made front-loading hard. I'm not sure about this particular stove.

The Quad Expedition insert is what is called a single burn rate stove. You ignite the fire and let the stove take care of the rest. There is little user control over the fire. They are great for evening and weekend fires, but not so much for 24/7 heating. You can do better than the Quad Expendition depending on how the stove will be used. For example, if a Drolet Escape 1800i is ordered, it will be below $2000. Does the dealer sell other models like Regency, Pacific Energy, etc?

Regardless of insert choice, all will require fully seasoned firewood to perform properly. That is very hard to buy, especially at this time of year. Burning poorly seasoned wood will result in disappointing heat output, hard starts, and a dirty liner that needs frequent cleaning. It's best to avoid this is possible.

Great information. Fortunately I have a massive seasoned wood supply available to me, that’s the biggest reason for wanting to make the switch vs. the $1000 in oil and +400/mo electric expenses with thermostats at 65.

The local dealer carries Heat & Glo, QuadraFire, Harman, Kozy, and Vermont Castings. I don’t know that there is another dealer in the area.. what about online like this entire package?

Drolet Escape 1800-I Wood Insert Trio (35 FT) DB03128K

The Drolet Escape 1800-I Wood Insert Trio (35 FT) DB03128K is an exceptional heating solution skillfully designed to warm areas up to 2,100 ft². This non-catalytic appliance, notable for its low particulate emissions of just 2.3 g/h, boasts an impressive output of up to 75,000 BTU/h, making it...

shop.buildwithrise.com

 

[begreen]

The Drolet package deal can be a good one, IF it fits the needs of this particular installation. However, if this is a single-story install with a short flue and a flue tile that doesn't fit the top cap, then money will be wasted and kit doesn't include insulation. The chimney must be completely cleaned and inspected first. That should provide enough information to procede.

High Efficiency Wood Insert | Escape 1800-I

The Escape 1800-I is an EPA certified high efficiency wood insert. Easy to install thanks to its size, it will transform your old mansonry hearth. Us.

www.drolet.ca

Looks like the dealer is a Forge & Flame shop. Most of those products fall under that label.

 

[MRD1985]

I would strongly suggest an insulated liner with a short flue. I have a short flue with my Drolet 1800i and the insulated liner stayed very clean last year with no drafting issues.

 

[EbS-P]

I have both Jotul in the fireplace and an 1800i. Both are good. Both need blowers to heat well. If you like the look of the 1800i it is a solid stove. Anything over 20’ you might need a damper.

And there is a really big insert the blue ridge 500i. You didn’t mention your sq footage or insulation

Blue Ridge 500-I | Wood Stove EPA

Blue Ridge 500-I High-Efficiency Wood Insert - EPA Certified - Heats up to 2,700 sq. ft. - 22" Logs - Up to 10 hour burn time - Proudly made in USA.

www.englander-stoves.com

 

[CabinDweller430]

Alright, well, I ordered this Drolet 1800i last December, it arrived in April. Now I’m ready to install it, finally.

I have two questions.. number 1, looks like my lentil is too deep and there’s no way this is going to clear the ledge above the outlet. I ordered an offset adapter, good move?

Number 2.. do I cut a hole in the upper back wall of the heat form or remove the tubes and the damper?

 

[begreen]

If the fireplace is deep enough, another option would be to not use the factory surround so that the insert can be installed deeper. The insert can then be left untrimmed or a custom surround can be made that fits inside of the wide entry stones for a shadow box effect. This can be quite attractive.

 

[CabinDweller430]

If the fireplace is deep enough, another option would be to not use the factory surround so that the insert can be installed deeper. The insert can then be left untrimmed or a custom surround can be made that fits inside of the wide entry stones for a shadow box effect. This can be quite attractive.

Excellent idea. And that’s what I just did!

It’s really not even in there that deep, so a surround cut to the inside dimensions should work nicely. And, now that I’m thinking about it, a surround was never going to sit flush on the face of uneven stone. So this solved multiple problems!

Thanks!