Heat circulating fireplace insert?

[rizzmal]

We live in north Florida and have a fireplace in our home. We are considering a wood-burning fireplace insert, but not sure if it is worthwhile since we probably only use our fireplace 30-45 days per year. I(wife)love the esthetics of the fireplace and truly it makes our open plan living space HOT very quickly. Hubby wants a soapstone heater, but might settle for a fireplace insert. Are there good reasons to make this purchase?

 

[begreen]

A wood burning insert will put out a lot more heat. If the fireplace alone is already too much heat, then a wood stove may not be a good plan. If his concern is having backup heat in the case of a winter power outage, just make sure you have a enough dry firewood on hand. Or consider a pellet stove with a generator or battery/solar backup?

 

[rizzmal]

We live in north Florida and have a fireplace in our home. We are considering a wood-burning fireplace insert, but not sure if it is worthwhile since we probably only use our fireplace 30-45 days per year. I(wife)love the esthetics of the fireplace and truly it makes our open plan living space HOT very quickly. Hubby wants a soapstone heater, but might settle for a fireplace insert. Are there good reasons to make this purchase?

 

[rizzmal]

A wood burning insert will put out a lot more heat. If the fireplace alone is already too much heat, then a wood stove may not be a good plan. If his concern is having backup heat in the case of a winter power outage, just make sure you have a enough dry firewood on hand. Or consider a pellet stove with a generator or battery/solar backup?

Thanks for your response. Power outage is not a problem as we have a generator (for hurricane power outages). Dry firewood is not a problem either, although the older the we get, the more difficult that task is for him. I think he's just convinced that the heat in the fireplace goes up the chimney and an enclosed wood stove would be more efficient and require less wood replacement. I thought a compromise might be a fireplace insert: Drolet, Blaze King, Timberwolf, Regency Pro, etc. It does seem that a fireplace insert would radiate heat into the rooms that are beyond the open living space? From researching online, the cost of installing an insert is between $5-10 thousand.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I would imagine a wood insert would make the living space even warmer than your current open fireplace. During those 30-45 days, what kind of low temps do you see outside?

 

[Whitenuckler]

We live in north Florida and have a fireplace in our home. We are considering a wood-burning fireplace insert, but not sure if it is worthwhile since we probably only use our fireplace 30-45 days per year. I(wife)love the esthetics of the fireplace and truly it makes our open plan living space HOT very quickly. Hubby wants a soapstone heater, but might settle for a fireplace insert. Are there good reasons to make this purchase?

Most people find that an open fireplace sends most of the heat from your house up the chimney. As mentioned, the insert will be too hot. If you want to switch to gas there are log sets that can be put in. You would have more control of the heat, and a good heat backup.

 

[Murray01]

If you’re happy with the open fireplace and it provides enough heat for your needs I’d be inclined to leave it as it is. Perhaps spend some of your savings on ensuring your chimney is safe and up to code.

If it’s an efficiency or décor thing you’re after there are some very attractive inserts on the market.

 

[rizzmal]

I would imagine a wood insert would make the living space even warmer than your current open fireplace. During those 30-45 days, what kind of low temps do you see outside?

Today it is 17. Woohoo! Usually winter temps are in the high 20s-40s. So, no too cold.

 

[rizzmal]

I would imagine a wood insert would make the living space even warmer than your current open fireplace. During those 30-45 days, what kind of low temps do you see outside?

Today it is 17. But usual winter temps are in the 20s-40s.

 

[spudman99]

You are in an interesting spot. I have family members south of Tampa who really wanted the ambience of a fireplace after spending their entire life in the Northeast. Florida is simply not a good place for a natural woodstove or insert. Storing wood year round is problematic with termites and rot. Yes it is nice for a few evenings or days in a year but honestly not as practical.

Holographic inserts are a possibility. My family member opted for a new 48" wide integrated unit that cost close to $7k. Her money not mine. Came out great. Provides realistic flame, and when you turn on the heat strips actually warms the room. Of course does nothing in a power outage. The below was found from a quick search. If you have the funds and visually you will enjoy the fire, then consider something like this.

 

[Ctwoodtick]

Today it is 17. But usual winter temps are in the 20s-40s.

Wow, a rare situation when Florida temps and temps in southern New England are roughly the same.

 

[Whitenuckler]

Wow, a rare situation when Florida temps and temps in southern New England are roughly the same.

This is how the last ice age started

 

[begreen]

Thanks for your response. Power outage is not a problem as we have a generator (for hurricane power outages). Dry firewood is not a problem either, although the older the we get, the more difficult that task is for him. I think he's just convinced that the heat in the fireplace goes up the chimney and an enclosed wood stove would be more efficient and require less wood replacement. I thought a compromise might be a fireplace insert: Drolet, Blaze King, Timberwolf, Regency Pro, etc. It does seem that a fireplace insert would radiate heat into the rooms that are beyond the open living space? From researching online, the cost of installing an insert is between $5-10 thousand.

Yes, an insert is much more efficient. Considering the low usage and heating needs, it doesn't need to be large. I suspect this is a single story home, is that correct? If so, and the chimney is 15' high or less, look at medium/small inserts that breathe easily on a shorter flue, especially if there will be some fires at 50º outside temp. Keep it simple to reduce maintenance.

Drolet is a value line that can be ordered direct. Osburn is made by the same company (SBI), and is their higher end equivalent. True North TN20 is Pacific Energy's value line, or the better PE Vista, or Neo 1.6. are worth considering. In Regency, the classic i1150 could work.

Are there any dealers/installers/chimney sweeps in the area?

 

[begreen]

Duplicate thread. Merged with the previous inquiry.

 

[rizzmal]

Yes, an insert is much more efficient. Considering the low usage and heating needs, it doesn't need to be large. I suspect this is a single story home, is that correct? If so, and the chimney is 15' high or less, look at medium/small inserts that breathe easily on a shorter flue, especially if there will be some fires at 50º outside temp. Keep it simple to reduce maintenance.

Drolet is a value line that can be ordered direct. Osburn is made by the same company (SBI), and is their higher end equivalent. True North TN20 is Pacific Energy's value line, or the better PE Vista, or Neo 1.6. are worth considering. In Regency, the classic i1150 could work.

Are there any dealers/installers/chimney sweeps in the area?

Thanks for your thoughtful response. There is a dealer 90 miles away that we will visit.