Hello all,
This is my first time posting and new to hearth.com. I live in a town home that is 3 levels and about 2000-2200 sq ft. I live in Pa where the winters can get pretty cold and I’m looking for a wood stove insert for my fireplace. Currently have hvac but I would like a wood stove fireplace for 1.) For helping reduce power costs for longer stretches of cold spells and 2.) wanting a contingent plan if power goes out.
Been in the house 3 years and haven’t used the fireplace. Got it cleaned out when we first moved in and there were some fixes recommended like fixing some of the mortar between the bricks, and sealing some of the cracks that apparently leaks into/down the chimney. Other than that there were not major concerns.
The questions I have are:
1.) Any recommendations for inserts that have automated vents to help with air intake that don’t need electricity. I would like to find one that has a battery powered fan in case of losing power.
2.) Do I need to fix my chimney before adding the insert?
3.) I’m pretty handy and have been educating myself, how hard or practical is it to install an insert myself? Do you have any tips/tricks/suggestions or things to look out for? Are there any stipulations that you all have run across from a home insurance perspective and DIY vs. Professional/accredited install?
4.) your experience, is it worth it when it’s colder out if I have a heatpump. Does you house or room become too hot/hard to maintain a constant comfortable temperature?
This is my first time posting and new to hearth.com. I live in a town home that is 3 levels and about 2000-2200 sq ft. I live in Pa where the winters can get pretty cold and I’m looking for a wood stove insert for my fireplace. Currently have hvac but I would like a wood stove fireplace for 1.) For helping reduce power costs for longer stretches of cold spells and 2.) wanting a contingent plan if power goes out.
Been in the house 3 years and haven’t used the fireplace. Got it cleaned out when we first moved in and there were some fixes recommended like fixing some of the mortar between the bricks, and sealing some of the cracks that apparently leaks into/down the chimney. Other than that there were not major concerns.
The questions I have are:
1.) Any recommendations for inserts that have automated vents to help with air intake that don’t need electricity. I would like to find one that has a battery powered fan in case of losing power.
2.) Do I need to fix my chimney before adding the insert?
3.) I’m pretty handy and have been educating myself, how hard or practical is it to install an insert myself? Do you have any tips/tricks/suggestions or things to look out for? Are there any stipulations that you all have run across from a home insurance perspective and DIY vs. Professional/accredited install?
4.) your experience, is it worth it when it’s colder out if I have a heatpump. Does you house or room become too hot/hard to maintain a constant comfortable temperature?
