I have a 1906 home with an original Monarch cast iron coal burning insert. I would like to keep the coal burner in place to maintain the original look and feel of the home, but I would like to install a ventless, natural gas log insert. I am not concerned with heating he home. I am really just going for ambiance. I would however like to feel the warmth when sitting in front of it with my family. I am finding conflicting information as to whether or not I can do this safely.
The monarch dimensions are:
11" deep
19" wide at front
14" wide at rear
12" high at rear
17" high t cemter
19" high at front
It has an ash drop to the basement. It has ashes in it so it was probably used to burn wood or coal at some point. The last owner never used it so it has been out of commission for at least 9-10 years. I have included 3 pictures of the unit.
I am looking at the Peterson Oak Valley 16" vent-free gas log set in either 9,500 or 20,000 BTUs (http://www.fireplacesnow.com/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=33284). Positioned all the way to the front of the unit I think I just meet the minimum clearance requirements for the unit. I have several questions:
1. Can I safely operate a vent-free natural gas log set within the existing coal unit? If no, what are the reasons?
2. Can I operate without venting?
3. Do I need to have the chimney swept?
4. Should I go with the 9,500 BTU or 20,000 BTU set for this setup?
Thanks in advacne for any help you can provide.
The monarch dimensions are:
11" deep
19" wide at front
14" wide at rear
12" high at rear
17" high t cemter
19" high at front
It has an ash drop to the basement. It has ashes in it so it was probably used to burn wood or coal at some point. The last owner never used it so it has been out of commission for at least 9-10 years. I have included 3 pictures of the unit.
I am looking at the Peterson Oak Valley 16" vent-free gas log set in either 9,500 or 20,000 BTUs (http://www.fireplacesnow.com/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=33284). Positioned all the way to the front of the unit I think I just meet the minimum clearance requirements for the unit. I have several questions:
1. Can I safely operate a vent-free natural gas log set within the existing coal unit? If no, what are the reasons?
2. Can I operate without venting?
3. Do I need to have the chimney swept?
4. Should I go with the 9,500 BTU or 20,000 BTU set for this setup?
Thanks in advacne for any help you can provide.