Heatilator EL-42 Conversion

[nostawyroc]

Hello folks, I am new to the forum and not the greatest on technology so I figured I'd take a chance and post this topic instead of frustrating the heck out of myself and attempting to research on my own. Apologies if I'm going about this wrong.

Right now my house has a prefab fireplace, a Heatilator Model EL-42.

Front Opening- 42"
Depth- 20 1/2"
Back Height- 19 3/8"

I am having a hard time finding an insert that will, #1 fit and #2 heat my house.

At this point I'd like to just take out the existing fireplace and rebuild it to accept a free standing stove.

My question is can anyone give me some advice one how to go about this or point me in the right direction to get started please?

This is my existing hearth and fireplace.

 

[bholler]

After reading the instructions your fireplace can have an insert installed in it if you find one that will fit. Most of these fireplaces dont allow it. As far as removing it that depends allot on how it was installed many times the unit can be pulled out the back other times you need to remove the face. Then you will either need to open up the chase to remove the old chimney or climb down in there get it out and the you can start framing your new opening.

 

[nostawyroc]

After reading the instructions your fireplace can have an insert installed in it if you find one that will fit. Most of these fireplaces dont allow it. As far as removing it that depends allot on how it was installed many times the unit can be pulled out the back other times you need to remove the face. Then you will either need to open up the chase to remove the old chimney or climb down in there get it out and the you can start framing your new opening.

That is the trouble... I can't find anything around here to fit the dimensions.

I'm thinking it's going to have to be completely removed... I'm thinking I will take out the 10" rise of the hearth and drop it down to floor level. I also agree that I will have to remove part if not all of the face to get the firebox and components out as there is about 6-7" of firebox set inside the stone.

Do you know of any info that will give me ideas on rebuilding the hearth, chimney, etc?

 

[begreen]

What is the front height, hearth to lintel? What is the back width?

 

[bholler]

Do you know of any info that will give me ideas on rebuilding the hearth, chimney, etc?

Most of that would be dictated by the stove many now only need ember protection so the floor is no big deal for them. The clearance requirements for an alcove install can vary allot to i would start to narrow down your stove choice first. As far as the chimney goes the old will come out and new class a will replace it.

 

[bholler]

Yes give us those measurements some one here might be able to figure out an insert that would work for you. An insert will be allot cheaper option. But personally i would prefer to see a freestander i think it is a better option than an insert in a zc unit.

 

[begreen]

I'm wondering if a Quadrafire 2700-i would fit. It will be close, but looks possible. A Quad dealer should know.

 

[nostawyroc]

Thanks allot for the replies guys!

BEEGREEN- The front height is about a 1/16" shy of 20" and the back inside width is a hair over 26".

BHOLLER- I think an alcove install would be the best aesthetically... So you're basically saying, find the stove I want and try to build around it?

 

[bholler]

I think an alcove install would be the best aesthetically... So you're basically saying, find the stove I want and try to build around it?

I agree And i would shop for a stove knowing you are planning on an alcove install some have smaller requirements than others. But i would not go with the smallest opening you can get away with that would lock you into not being able to change at a later date if you wanted.

 

[begreen]

For an insert check on the Quadrafire 2700-i with a Quadrafire dealer. An alcove install will also work. Search on alcove here for many examples. You need to pay close attention to the stove's specific alcove requirements, especially clearances but also ceiling height and hearth R value.

 

[nostawyroc]

I also think a free standing stove would be the best option... although I will look into the quadrafire.

Here is my the outside of my chimney for reference.

 

[begreen]

The chimney pipe will need to be replaced with class A high-temp pipe with a ceiling support box at the top of the alcove roof.

 

[nostawyroc]

The chimney pipe will need to be replaced with class A high-temp pipe with a ceiling support box at the top of the alcove roof.

Does it matter if it's a double wall or triple wall?

 

[begreen]

If it's class A either will work. The triple wall is usually a value line product.

 

[nostawyroc]

If it's class A either will work. The triple wall is usually a value line product.

Do you recommend any online retailers? We live out in the middle of the sticks and don't have anywhere close to get this kind of stuff, unless I travel around an hour +.

 

[73blazer]

It may not be the answer your looking for, but that is a similar setup to what I had, similar builder special model that I used to have. I was looking for an insert to begin with, then debated a freestanding stove...but ultimately, I tore my unit completely out and put a new HE fireplace model in. In the end, I'm really glad I did. The unit that was in there looked like it was overheated big time, steel was all warped. It really wasn't that hard a job in the end. So don't automatically overlook that option.

 

[begreen]

I've done well with www.woodstovepro.com but I'm sure there are others.

 

[nostawyroc]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of your help.... You've given me allot of info to think over/digest.

I'm going to do a bit of research on all this stuff and hopefully get my project underway!

I can't wait...

 

[begreen]

If you search on alcove you will find some examples. Here's a starter:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/beginning-stages-of-alcove-build.128251/
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/alcove-project-for-country-st210.73279/

 

[nostawyroc]

Thanks BEGREEN!

This might be a dumb question but where can I find the clearance requirements for particular stove models?

 

[nostawyroc]

I've had my eye on the Englander NC30 and the NC13.

I've got about 1,000 SQFT to heat downstairs and about 450 on the second level.

Any other reasonably priced suggestions?

 

[begreen]

I've had my eye on the Englander NC30 and the NC13.
I've got about 1,000 SQFT to heat downstairs and about 450 on the second level.
Any other reasonably priced suggestions?

These stoves have higher clearance and hearth requirements. Add the clearances to the width of the stove and they may exceed the width of the alcove. A stove like the Drolet HT2000 has full side shields and will have a smaller side clearance and it requires ember protection only for the hearth. In 2 cu ft the Lopi 1750 and PE Super 27 has similar side shields and easy hearth requirement.

 

[velvetfoot]

Here is a thread of my old 2700i installed in a heatilator, but I'm not sure what model. It's smaller than my A36R though. I'll see if I can find out but probably not.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/re-installed-quad-2700i-insert.88811

 

[nostawyroc]

These stoves have higher clearance and hearth requirements. Add the clearances to the width of the stove and they may exceed the width of the alcove. A stove like the Drolet HT2000 has full side shields and will have a smaller side clearance and it requires ember protection only for the hearth. In 2 cu ft the Lopi 1750 and PE Super 27 has similar side shields and easy hearth requirement.

I see the clearance to combustible specs in the owners manuals but I don't see where it talks about installing the stove in an alcove where everything will be non combustible material?

 

[bholler]

Here is a thread of my old 2700i installed in a heatilator, but I'm not sure what model. It's smaller than my A36R though. I'll see if I can find out but probably not.

Is there any allowance for the air to circulate through the old heatilator there?