I'll try to make this quick and easy as possible. I have 2 Zero Clearance fireplaces in a tri-level house - about 2,000 sq. ft, here in Colorado. They do nothing but eat wood, and maybe raise the inside temperature 1 degree. Hardly any inserts will fit inside them, if they do the firebox is so small I don't want it - and most installers aren't eager to try it. This is a brick and wood facade chimney, not solid masonry. My best bet seems to be putting a stove in front and venting up through the fireplace. To do this I need a rear venting stove that isn't more than 24" to the top of the vent pipe. My choices seem to be a Jotul F 3CB, or a Hearthstone Homestead. The latter is about $900 more, but has a bigger firebox. Soapstone or cast iron? Neither is quite big enough to heat the entire house. Though we would be using this to supplement our electric heat and cut down on utility bills in the coldest months.
Is it worth my time to spend the money on a stove hardly big enough, or should I try something else? I was planning on putting it in the lower level, assuming it would go up the stairwell into the upper levels. Or would it be better to put in in the middle level so it heats closer to where we spend time - the upper level has the bedrooms and kitchen etc.?
I have learned a lot reading these posts, and finally am making the effort to get some good advice from people who seem to know a lot more than many dealers and installers I've come across. Any help appreciated.
Is it worth my time to spend the money on a stove hardly big enough, or should I try something else? I was planning on putting it in the lower level, assuming it would go up the stairwell into the upper levels. Or would it be better to put in in the middle level so it heats closer to where we spend time - the upper level has the bedrooms and kitchen etc.?
I have learned a lot reading these posts, and finally am making the effort to get some good advice from people who seem to know a lot more than many dealers and installers I've come across. Any help appreciated.