Looks like its going to be a gas !

[turbofrank]

Hello,
Well after quite some time of reading and searching , I was leaning towards a pellet stove insert, but recently changed my mind towards on a propane gas stove. I currently have a fireplace, used it last winter, doesnt heat the house much,, wife hates it due to the smell and smoke (that what she says ) The fireplace is in my basement (family room) approx 350 sq. feet, but would like to heat the main floor ( 2 story home). I was at a local stove store and the sales men said to stay away from propane if i'm planning on doing some serious heating and saving on my electric bills ( he sells propane/wood/pellet). After numerous conversations with co-workers and neighbors,,, propane is the simplest, easiest way to go. I recently stayed up north at a hotel which had propane fireplace,,, what a charm and beauty,, I was sold on a propane stove.
Now , I want to go with a insert , seeing as the hole for my fireplace is already there. I don't want to cheap out , and end up regreting it later on, so I want a good quality stove. The are numerous make and models out there , but would like to see what people here are using and their feedback. So any suggestions and comments ??? The more the better
Thanks !

 

[DAKSY]

You don't say what the (5) pertinent dimensions of your fireplace are:
H & W Front; H & W Rear & Depth...
So it's difficult to suggest anything.
In my 10+ years with these products, there are few that are as reliable
& can crank out the heat like the ones made in your homeland by Regency...
There are some nicer units & some with more bells and whistles, but the
Regency gas inserts are built very well, & relatively easy to install & service...
That being said, Heat & Glo had some great Fire Brick units that they redesigned
with poor results. They're working out the kinks & if they do, they MAY be
as good as the older, standing piloted units.
Jotul has done some redesign for the upcoming year, but I haven't seen the
new GI 450 yet, so I can't speak to that one.
Hearthstone has a couple of gas inserts, but like the redesigned HnGs, they're
finicky & difficult to service...
They are others out the that those more familiar with will hafta chime in on...
The above opinions are my own & others may disagree with what I said, but
I'm stickin to them...

 

[Fsappo]

Great job going with propane. You'll be glad you did. As a Regency dealer, I can agree with Bob and say that they are a pleasure to work with.

 

[turbofrank]

as for the dimensions,,, width 28, height 21 1/2 , depth 28 .

 

[turbofrank]

also, price wise, what am im looking at for one of these installed and everything.. ? Lets say a regency model gas insert medium size ....

 

[Install fire 1]

I'm in canada and also agree that they are great heaters and a joy to install.

I put in a 150 or so regency's a year.

I find a plain jane black U32 (medium), installed to be around 3500 bucks with the tax.

HST really added to the price as the dealers paid pst before.

Worked on a 21 year old regency insert a few weeks ago, looked absolutly mint.

Great reliability.

 

[turbofrank]

thanks for the info,, looked at the regency,, they have some pretty nice units . Also , , what is the difference between , direct vent and single vent,, if thats what its called ???

 

[DAKSY]

Never heard of "single-vent" unless you're referring to "B-Vent."
B-vent is natural draft & uses combustion air from INSIDE your home.
Wind directions & outside air temperatures can affect B-vent appliances...
Direct Vent uses Combustion air from OUTSIDE your home & is less
prone to drafting issue in windy conditions or warmer outside temperatures...

 

[Fsappo]

Go direct vent instead of Bvent. Installed for a U32 would be about $3500 here in Central NY as well, including a liner kit, direct wiring the fan and about 20' of gas line. Regency does have a sale until the end of the month.

 

[Install fire 1]

Depending on the unit you pick, you can get 150, 300 or 600 off until Feb 22.

Go direct vent, much safer as it is sealed from your home, ie: uses outside air for combustion, and won't leak flue gases back into your home.

The b-vent U31 has a vent safety, but has much more wiring that can be troublesome down the road as it is wired through the on-off switch circuit to the back side of the insert where the draft hood is. (where liner connects).


Good luck.

 

[turbofrank]

The u32 insert from regency is something that i would like . I didn't find the sq ft room recommended,,, anyone have a idea ? Also, will a unit like this help out at all in heating the main floor during those cold winter days ?
I would rather go with a unit and product that has good reviews and feedback and simple , than one of those fancy high tech units.

 

[turbofrank]

I was reading on Napoleon Gas stoves......... they have a nice selection , and great efficiency.... the GDI30 is rated at 85% One of the highest ratings I've seen so far. Any feedbacks on this manufacturer ?

 

[DAKSY]

The u32 insert from regency is something that i would like . I didn't find the sq ft room recommended,,, anyone have a idea ? Also, will a unit like this help out at all in heating the main floor during those cold winter days ?
I would rather go with a unit and product that has good reviews and feedback and simple , than one of those fancy high tech units.

The U32 is rated at 32K BTU INPUT & 77% efficiency, so the
heat OUTPUT will 24.6K BTU. How much area it will heat depends
upon a number of factors, including insulation.
In Quebec with R21 walls & R38 ceilings & good windows,
you can heat maybe 750 - 800sf.
If you have a leaky old farmhouse, maybe 550 - 600sf.
HTH