Our home is a newer house with wood framed chimney chase and a cheap "builder" quality zerc-clearance fireplace. Is there a "self-contained" insert I could install that wouldn't require building a masonary enclosure for the insert....? I know a wood stove would be the most efficient but it seems it would be the most costly. Im hoping i could use an insert and a SS liner in the existing piping. Will this work and who makes a good insert of this type..?
Is there an insert for me..?
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Depending on the current ZC fireplace's UL rating it might be able to have an insert installed. Do you have a make and model for your current unit? Typically this will be on UL tag on the front inside door frame of the fireplace.
Its a DESA Comfort Glow.
I contacted the mfg and there is not an insert available. I'm looking for something to replace it with. I'd like to use any of my existing for fhe install.
Parent company appears to be the one that filed:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/des...d02-a395-56e4-800b-d86f7215170d.html?mode=jqm
The good news is that the fireplace is UL127 tested. How large an area will you be trying to heat?
FP dimensions:
![[Hearth.com] Is there an insert for me..?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/127/127779-a931ad7f4db86477a9f83103dbeccba0.jpg?hash=9lQ3L7eAZT "[Hearth.com] Is there an insert for me..?")
Its a pretty large area....but I'm looking for supplemental heat with the insert. Something to help keep the propane furnace from doing ALL the work... I would like to go as large as possible....so I'm gathering there isn't a self-contained unit being made..? I just hoped I could pull out the old and install a new one that could put out some real heat..
Thank you for educating me...
Ah, ok, it sounds like you want a replacement new zero-clearance fireplace, not an insert. An insert goes into the fireplace. This is the least expensive route.
There are several new ZC fireplaces that could replace the current Desa. A good EPA unit will be a fine heater. This will require a complete tearout of the existing unit and chimney, but the chase may be able to stay intact. Some good companies to look at are: RSF, Kozy, BIS, Quadrafire, Pacific Energy, Regency, Valcourt. Your unit is a 42" model so maybe start with the Kozy Z42 and the Quadrafire 7100?
(broken link removed to http://www.kozyheat.com/product/z42)
(broken link removed to http://www.quadrafire.com/Products/7100-Wood-Fireplace.aspx)
There are several new ZC fireplaces that could replace the current Desa. A good EPA unit will be a fine heater. This will require a complete tearout of the existing unit and chimney, but the chase may be able to stay intact. Some good companies to look at are: RSF, Kozy, BIS, Quadrafire, Pacific Energy, Regency, Valcourt. Your unit is a 42" model so maybe start with the Kozy Z42 and the Quadrafire 7100?
(broken link removed to http://www.kozyheat.com/product/z42)
(broken link removed to http://www.quadrafire.com/Products/7100-Wood-Fireplace.aspx)
Well..... I THOUGHT an insert was the way to go...I didn't know there were any decent ZC fireplaces available that are truly decent heaters...
Now that you know what I'm dealing with can you advise what would be the best value way to go..?
Insert with liner
Replace existing with new piping
Tear out and wood stove with masonary surround
...the last seems the most costly/invasive
Value is subjective. An insert will be the least costly. Maybe in the $3500 range? A replacement EPA fireplace with new chimney will be more like $7-10K. A freestanding stove in an alcove created by the chase has to be planned carefully for clearances. It many cases it does not need a masonry surround ($$). For a simple freestanding alcove install figure maybe $4-5000?
As for heating capability, this RSF review might be helpful:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/my-experiences-with-the-rsf-opel-2-kind-of-long.46754/
As for heating capability, this RSF review might be helpful:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/my-experiences-with-the-rsf-opel-2-kind-of-long.46754/
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