Grate Heaters

[alfiredup]

Hello out there. Can I get some advice regarding hearth/grate heaters? I was considering a wood burning insert for my 1500 sq ft ranch. I'm afraid the insert will over heat the living room and I'll be unable to enjoy the room. A retailer suggested a grate heater however I'm concerned with whether it will warm the room enough without kicking on my oil burner due to draft up the chimney. Can anyone help me please?

 

[gary]

What size is your living room? What's the layout of the house?

 

[begreen]

This is a common concern and often unfounded. We'll need some basic info on the house and general floorplan to be sure, but many people have inserts in your size house and are very comfortable. One thing is certain, with an open fireplace, usually more heat is sucked out of the house as the fire dies down, then was put into the house when the fire was going strong. A grate is not going to change this.

 

[alfiredup]

The room is 11x19 with an entrance width of 9 ft out to the center foyer of a ranch with one raised room.

 

[gary]

I believe an insert is the way to go. I live in a bi-level and the insert is located in a smaller room than yours. Albiet the room is below ground and inherently cool during the winter, but the insert makes the entire downstairs comfortable and with the use of ceiling fans, lowers the heating bill. I do not burn 24/7 like many on this board. I must say though, the only time it really got too warm in the room took place in late November when we had an unexpected warm-up. Be prepared to be deluged with info and experiences from many knowledgeable people, many of whom have experience with a house similar to yours.

Welcome.

 

[alfiredup]

Thank you. I also don't plan on heating 24/7, but i don't want to lose $$$$ up the chimney if the heat grate isn't efficient. I welcome as many opinions as I can get!

 

[N/A N/A]

Go with an insert. I would not waste your time and money on a grate. If needed a box fan or two will move the air around your home to keep the temp stable from room to room.

 

[begreen]

An insert with a 2 cu ft firebox is not going to drive you out of the room. You have control over the size of the fire, how much air it gets and how long it burns. The efficiency difference from an open fireplace will be large. That will mean more heat in the house and less wood burned.

 

[Burd]

My living room is smaller then yours and If I wanted to I could cook the family right out of there but with the insert you really have the control of the heat out put.If you buy one of them grates you still have to baby sit the fire place with the insert you can load it shut the door and for get about it for hours on end.I was going to do the same thing your thinking of and Im glad I didnt waste my money on the grate. Good luck

 

[alfiredup]

Thanks again. I certainly dont want to waste, it would offset the savings I reap every month with my Solar electric. I left room for solar hot water too, I really don't

want to burn oil with a heat grate. Of course the salesman had a different story so thanks for clearing that up quickly.

 

[iceman]

anything with an open fireplace...etc grate , doors whatever is gonna lose heat better yeat not efficient

 

[alfiredup]

I should have known better since the guy owned a very nice Fireplace store with no stoves. He told me he gets more requests for stove and insert removals than he does for istallations so now he only does fireplace grate heaters and fireplce doors.

 

[fossil]

He's giving you some excellent advice on just how to go about transferring a good deal of your money from your account to his. He's not giving you very sound advice on transferring a good deal of heat from your wood to your home. Rick

 

[alfiredup]

Yes, and isn't that wonderful, he seemed like such a nice guy. Thank you all for your help.......the grate is out.

 

[begreen]

Grate decision, you won't regret it. While looking for an insert I'd also be looking for wood. It may be challenging to get seasoned wood. Ask around to your wood burning neighbors about who is delivering the best, driest wood.

 

[fossil]

Grate decision...

You did that on purpose, didn't you? Rick

 

[Dix]

Al, I don't think you'll regret the decision on an insert.

 

[begreen]

Grate decision...

You did that on purpose, didn't you? Rick

:lol: %-P ain't english fun!

 

[alfiredup]

You guys crack me up. Thanks for your help. I'll be looking at inserts all week.