Heatilator Smoke Shelf is gone

[FireHound]

I have read all the other posts about the heatilator smoke shelf rusting out. My question is the Chimney expert was out for a cleaning and told me it was not safe because the smoke shelf is gone and I should replace it with a Wood burning insert. He also said replacing the entire unit would cost way more and be less efficient. The insert still costs plenty and I wasn't prepared for that. Is there anyway to fix just the Smoke shelf?

The rest of the entire fireplace is good including the smoke box.

This other post is exactly what I have https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/smoke-shelf-question.116618/#post-1560644

Also is it true that without the smoke shelf it would be unsafe even though the surrounding area is brick?

 

[webby3650]

I completly agree with the Pro that was out to see it.
That unit is not made to be removable or repairable. It was set inplace, then all the brick work was completed. The flue is also resting on it. It would be a substantial remodel to change it out. An insert is the way to go, for sure.

The Heatilator has a hollow area around the firebox that room air is passed through, hot air will come out of the upper vents. Thats the idea anyway, they are not very effective! Some had blowers, other just relied on convection. The issue is that now the layer of steel that seperates the room air from the smoke and fire, is now gone, potentially allowing smoke and/or Carbon Monoxide to enter the room.

 

[bholler]

We see allot of them with exactly that issue. And the only fix to bring it back to a open fireplace is to cut the box out and lay a new one up out of fire brick. This is very labor intensive and there for expensive. An insert is usually the way we recommend to go.

 

[bholler]

it wasnt buy any chance us that looked at it for you? Glenn Holler Chimney Sweep. I saw you were from pa and we just looked at one last week with a rusted out box.

 

[FireHound]

Thanks for all the replies. I figured as such after reading all the useful info on this site but wanted to be sure plus it confirms that the Pro knows what he is talking about.
Now for my second question. Is the only option is to put a wood insert in? I don't care that much about the heat, the fireplace was just for ambiance. The wood inserts seems to produce a lot of heat and the room is not that big and I would rather have a large viewing area then heat. I do want to keep it wood though. Any suggestions would be great. The pro is suggesting a Napoleon 1402

 

[FireHound]

it wasnt buy any chance us that looked at it for you? Glenn Holler Chimney Sweep. I saw you were from pa and we just looked at one last week with a rusted out box.

Wasn't you. I am in NW PA.

 

[bholler]

Wasn't you. I am in NW PA

ok then i just thought it would have been kind of funny

 

[webby3650]

He's likely only suggesting Napoleon, because that's all he has access to. Anybody can sell em!
Go look around at some local hearth shops, you have many options.