Heatilator Fireplace / Wood Insert Questions

[pike_mazter]

Bought the house last year, we have the fireplace and an oil furnace. After last year's oil prices and harsh winter its time for a wood stove.

Single story ranch, 1,200 square FT, we are in Michigan a couple hours north of Detroit.

I wanted to do an insert to help save room and use the existing heatilator fireplace. I had it inspected last fall and he said chimney looks great.

I called a local shop and they claim they have a wood burning insert that will directly fit into the heatilator but its a bit more pricey than I had expected (don't recall who made it, out the door including pipe was $2,700). I was interested in the Drolet DB03120 available at Menard's, Northern Tool etc for half of what the shop told me. Am I right in what I've researched that a portion of the rear metal will have to be cut out and the empty spaced filled to accept the 6" pipe? I was hoping to drop the pipe, slide the stove in, button it up and be done with it. I'd hate to have to get torches, cutting wheels or anything else involved.

I'm going to the shop tomorrow to talk more with them, I wondered what they had that fit through that rectangle opening that goes to the smoke shelf then to the chimney and further more how hard it will be to sweep if the pipe is on an angle.

Some pictures:

Both sides of the fireplace has vents, one at the bottom and one at the top. Air circulates itself once she heats up.


Side vent


Front


Front Heatilator damper handle


Further front view


Inside looking up chimney with Heatilator damper open


Heatilator damper, smoke shelf side, inspector said rain damage is old and chimney cap is new and now keeps everything dry.


Dimensions excluding the smoke shelf angled down in the rear of the fireplace
35" W x 23" D x 30" H

 

[webby3650]

Most often some metal needs cut out. We use a sawzall and a grinder. It's pretty awful, but it doesn't take all that long. Sometimes we can slightly ovalize the liner, by simply stepping on it a little. Then the bottom can be returned to round very easily so the elbow or adaptor can fit it. Yours appears to be one of the larger ones, what does the opening measure?
Also, don't get too cheap on this. It is a big purchase, but the right stove will last a lifetime and heat the entire house. As with anything, you will get what you pay for. I heat my entire 2200 square feet with wood. I save $ enough each winter to pay for the stove. It's worth every penny to me!

 

[bholler]

Cut it out it is not that hard and makes for a much better install. Easier to clean better draft ect. and $2700 doesn't sound bad for a stove and liner depending on what stove and liner it is. I would avoid ovalizing it if at all possible.

 

[webby3650]

I would avoid ovalizing it if at all possible

Definately a last resort. The only time we do is if it's very, very little. Or if the homeowner refuses to have the fireplace altered. But that is very rare.

 

[bholler]

Definately a last resort. The only time we do is if it's very, very little. Or if the homeowner refuses to have the fireplace altered. But that is very rare

I know you aren't talking about smashing it hard we have discussed it before and what you are talking about is no big deal. I have seen some where they smash it down to 2 or 3 inches. For us we tell them up front we will be modifying the fire box if they don't want that there are other guys around that will do it that way.

 

[pike_mazter]

When I cut a path out do I need to fill the empty space with fire rated insulation?

 

[pike_mazter]

what does the opening measure?

6"X32"

6" is right on though, I doubt a 6 inch pipe would clear it.

 

[webby3650]

When I cut a path out do I need to fill the empty space with fire rated insulation?

No

 

[webby3650]

6"X32"

6" is right on though, I doubt a 6 inch pipe would clear it.

Then all you need is a very slightly ovalized liner. You can even order a 6" OD liner, squish it ever so slightly, and its in!
How tall is the chimney?

 

[webby3650]

Or better yet, cut a little out. Once you see the real heat that comes from an insert, there is no way you will want an open fireplace again! I love mine, but I've also got 2 stoves when I want heat. I can't imagine using a Fireplace for heat.

 

[pike_mazter]

I grew up with a wood stove and miss it dearly, I even miss splitting & stacking.


Not sure of the exact chimney height but its a single story house so I'm sure one of the 25' kits I've seen online will work.


Thanks for the tips.....