Hey everyone, I have been reading through this forum for the last few days and officialy know enough to be dangerous. So that is why I am here asking for actual experienced people to provide some advice and recommendations if possible. I appreciate your assistance in advance
I just had a level 1 inspection of my fireplace and was told the flue is 34% undersized for my fireplace opening. The flue is a 13"x 8" rectangle. I am disappointed as an open fire for ambience was my goal but I don't want to rebuild my whole chimney. So my primary objectives are to create an enviting ambiance and since my house is 115 years old, it would really not hurt to have some additional heat in the coldest parts of winter. But heat is not my primary objective (I'm in southern Tennessee and there are only about 3-4 weeks total a year that my electric hvac is running non-stop to keep the house warm).
From what I have read I think I would prefer a non-cat insert. If they make any that qualify for the 75% effeciency tax break that would be awesome, but more important to me is a large viewing window to be able to enjoy the view. Also I have no idea if there are inserts that can be used open, if there are models where that is possible I would love that. Fireplace specs below-
![[Hearth.com] Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/341/341851-b23ab5354e72e12e96e9467ab8786193.jpg?hash=bPJJNuwWsk "[Hearth.com] Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie")
Width - 38" front, tapers a few inches in the back
Height - 31"
Depth - 19.5"
The wood floor and the brick for the hearth(?) floor of the fireplace are completely level
I think I have attached some pictures. I don't have a specific budget but considring this is more of a vanity project than an actualy utility replacement, I'de like to keep it under $3000 if possible.
![[Hearth.com] Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/341/341849-1fb6b857e4172729ad813373371f7081.jpg?hash=Li1wo9oMaN "[Hearth.com] Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie")
![[Hearth.com] Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/341/341850-478b754c09b539a0e900738918d93f15.jpg?hash=IR5XgASYtt "[Hearth.com] Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie")
I just had a level 1 inspection of my fireplace and was told the flue is 34% undersized for my fireplace opening. The flue is a 13"x 8" rectangle. I am disappointed as an open fire for ambience was my goal but I don't want to rebuild my whole chimney. So my primary objectives are to create an enviting ambiance and since my house is 115 years old, it would really not hurt to have some additional heat in the coldest parts of winter. But heat is not my primary objective (I'm in southern Tennessee and there are only about 3-4 weeks total a year that my electric hvac is running non-stop to keep the house warm).
From what I have read I think I would prefer a non-cat insert. If they make any that qualify for the 75% effeciency tax break that would be awesome, but more important to me is a large viewing window to be able to enjoy the view. Also I have no idea if there are inserts that can be used open, if there are models where that is possible I would love that. Fireplace specs below-
Width - 38" front, tapers a few inches in the back
Height - 31"
Depth - 19.5"
The wood floor and the brick for the hearth(?) floor of the fireplace are completely level
I think I have attached some pictures. I don't have a specific budget but considring this is more of a vanity project than an actualy utility replacement, I'de like to keep it under $3000 if possible.
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