Insert or stove?

[clipse270]

Hi all,

Looking for advice for my fireplace. My wife and I want to simply burn wood in our fireplace. We don’t need heat, although it would certainly be a plus if we gained heat. We just want the ambiance of burning wood in our fireplace. A recent inspection proved its not safe to use it the way it is. What is the cheapest way we can burn wood in our fireplace? It’s a 25 foot exterior masonry chimney. I am thinking if we buy an insert and use a fire screen might be easiest but I appreciate any and all ideas. Again we are not necessarily looking for heat. Fire box measures 36x22x18. We currently have gas logs, but they are less than exciting. Thanks!

 

[begreen]

An insert connected to an insulated stainless liner sound like the right fit.

 

[moresnow]

A recent inspection proved its not safe to use it the way it is.

Soooo? Has this been addressed?

Guessing the gas portion was deemed unsafe?
Masonry is all good for alternatives?

 

[Highbeam]

It really depends on “why” the masonry structure was deemed unsafe for burning and the credentials of the guy making that determination.

 

[barnaclebob]

You may just want the ambiance but I bet after you see how much heat a good insert provides while still pretty much looking like a normal fireplace you'll change your mind.

An insert with a stainless liner in the chimney would work well pending the reason for the chimney not being safe to use.

Your gas line will have to be capped somewhere away from the fireplace, how accessible is it?