Looking for recommendations and advice for wood burning insert - newbie

[wtgriggs]

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-

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.

 

[begreen]

How large is the room? Is it wide open to the rest of the floor? How many sq ft in the house overall?

 

[wtgriggs]

My house is a 1700 sq ft ranch. The room is pretty open with a double wide door and interior 'window'. About half of my house is open on one side and the other side is the 3 bedrooms.

 

[Dix]

Welcome to the forums !!

A floor plan, even rough drawn, will help a lot.

 

[wtgriggs]

Here ya go!

 

[begreen]

Thanks. The open area will be heated well. The bedrooms less so. It doesn't sound like a large stove is needed here. In a mild climate it could overheat the room. However, a smaller insert will not have "the largest viewing window" and the budget is on the low side these post tariff days. Take a look at the Drolet Escape 1500-i insert for a good value unit. It lists for $1700 but might be found for less. The sister of this stove, the Osburn 1700i, is a bit more upscale. It starts at $2529. There is also the Osburn Matrix. Also look at the True North TN20 insert.

 

[Dix]

I agree with @begreen

The bedrooms & baths are a problem regarding air flow.

Is the HVAC mini splits or heat pump, etc?

 

[wtgriggs]

Thanks. The open area will be heated well. The bedrooms less so. It doesn't sound like a large stove is needed here. In a mild climate it could overheat the room. However, a smaller insert will not have "the largest viewing window" and the budget is on the low side these post tariff days. Take a look at the Drolet Escape 1500-i insert for a good value unit. It lists for $1700 but might be found for less. The sister of this stove, the Osburn 1700i, is a bit more upscale. It starts at $2529. There is also the Osburn Matrix. Also look at the True North TN20 insert.

Thanks for the input! Yeah I am not so worried about heating the bedrooms, I recognize that would be an issue based on the layout. I also wondered about the size of the viewing window since I do not need a large insert. I'll take a look at the inserts you mentioned, I appreicate your consideration of my post

 

[wtgriggs]

I agree with @begreen

The bedrooms & baths are a problem regarding air flow.

Is the HVAC mini splits or heat pump, etc?

Thanks, their input seems like a great starting point. I probably don't know the technical term. It is an electric heater, I have no gas or anything else running to my house. Other than the few weeks a year where we get temps below 20 degrees it does just fine. I'm not as concerned with bedrooms, the layout of my house is just what it is.