I'm ripping out an old metal Majestic zero clearance wood burning fireplace. She won't have the wood mess any longer and we've decided to convert to a zero clearance gas fireplace for several reasons I won't bore you with.
I'm trying to compare two different types, both about 50,000 BTU and zero clearance rated:
1. Open (no glass doors), like Isokern or FireRock, with add on gas burning unit, fake ceramic logs.
* Large 10" class A metal chimney required
* Hefty 1000+ lbs of 'masonry' firebox unsealed (good radiant heat) and open to the room
* No fans or accessory heat ducts
2. Closed and sealed (glass) zero clearance gas fireplace (many Mfgs)
* 8" Direct vent metal chimney (outside air in/exhaust out)
* Double walled metal box with masonry veneer in firebox, approx 500 lbs (some radiant heat)
* Fans and accessory heat duct available (some more heat)
I'm wanting to know how 1. and 2. above compare regarding actual heat output and cost given same BTU input. Other comparisons and comments are welcome.
I've read cost of the open type could be "1/3 to 1/2 that of a true masonry fireplace" and some of the sealed metal gas fireplaces run up to $6K.
Any real world knowledge will be appreciated.
Aye,
Marty
I'm trying to compare two different types, both about 50,000 BTU and zero clearance rated:
1. Open (no glass doors), like Isokern or FireRock, with add on gas burning unit, fake ceramic logs.
* Large 10" class A metal chimney required
* Hefty 1000+ lbs of 'masonry' firebox unsealed (good radiant heat) and open to the room
* No fans or accessory heat ducts
2. Closed and sealed (glass) zero clearance gas fireplace (many Mfgs)
* 8" Direct vent metal chimney (outside air in/exhaust out)
* Double walled metal box with masonry veneer in firebox, approx 500 lbs (some radiant heat)
* Fans and accessory heat duct available (some more heat)
I'm wanting to know how 1. and 2. above compare regarding actual heat output and cost given same BTU input. Other comparisons and comments are welcome.
I've read cost of the open type could be "1/3 to 1/2 that of a true masonry fireplace" and some of the sealed metal gas fireplaces run up to $6K.
Any real world knowledge will be appreciated.
Aye,
Marty