Lopi answer insert

[LDinCT]

Just had the Lopi insert installed in an existing fireplace in our 1860s house in Feb. I am a bit underwhelmed although I’ve only used it a few times as house isn’t finished. I really don’t feel the heat unless I’m standing right in front of it.
The thermostat is right around the corner and although the fireplace is right near the doorway, the thermostat didn’t move
I didn’t order it with the blower as I figured the noise would bug me. Is this my issue?
They didn’t have the black metal surround in stock when they installed so they are coming back to put that in. But, I’m wondering if that will make it worse as it is another barrier between the radiant heat coming off the side/back? Tech that I asked said it was a myth. What are y’all’s experiences?

 

[begreen]

It's a small but capable insert, but it needs the blower to perform the best.

Tell us more about the installation. Is the fireplace on an exterior wall? Was a block-off plate installed in the damper area? Was a 6" full length stainless liner installed and if so, how tall is it? How large is the house and the area that the stove is heating?

How is the wood supply? Is it fully seasoned and testing dry (below 20%)?

 

[LDinCT]

It's a small but capable insert, but it needs the blower to perform the best.

Tell us more about the installation. Is the fireplace on an exterior wall? Was a block-off plate installed in the damper area? Was a 6" full length stainless liner installed and if so, how tall is it? How large is the house and the area that the stove is heating?

How is the wood supply? Is it fully seasoned and testing dry (below 20%)?

Interior wall, no idea on the block off plate. A new 6” liner was installed. It goes up through the second floor and out. The house is about 1800 sq feet. The living room where it is, is about 14’ x 15’.
The wood was supposed to be dry & seasoned 2 years but I need to test moisture.
I will ask about getting the blower prior to them coming out to install the face plate or whatever it is called. This is not going to make it less hot? It looks pretty good without the black metal facing, apart from the metal on the pipe going up.

 

[begreen]

A block-off plate will keep heat from convecting up the chimney. That will keep more in the room. They are quite effective for improving the heat from an insert. The combination of the blower and block-off plate will make a notable difference. You can run the blower on low speed so that it is quiet.

I agree with you and like the stove without the surround. One option would be to paint the pipe with a good quality black stove paint to make it much less apparent. Stove Brite flat black would be a good choice for this.

 

[PaulOinMA]

I have an Answer with the larger surround and blower. Like it a lot. Perfect for my needs.

 

[LDinCT]

A block-off plate will keep heat from convecting up the chimney. That will keep more in the room. They are quite effective for improving the heat from an insert. The combination of the blower and block-off plate will make a notable difference. You can run the blower on low speed so that it is quiet.

I agree with you and like the stove without the surround. One option would be to paint the pipe with a good quality black stove paint to make it much less apparent. Stove Brite flat black would be a good choice for this.

 

[LDinCT]

Are the after market blowers easy to install? I saw one at
Fireplaceblowers.com. It looks like it fits under the ash tray.

 

[PaulOinMA]

Don't know about aftermarket.. i guess it would be pretty much same as the Lopi one.

The Lopi one is very easy. It's in the back of the owner's manual. The manual is on Lopi's web site if you don't have or can't find it.

It attaches with a couple of bolts.

I did move the power cord from the right to left because of where the closest outlet is to the blower. That's very easy, too.

 

[PaulOinMA]

Just looked at that aftermarket one and comments. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

 

[buc74]

I like the look without the surround also. A blower, block off plate, and some dry wood and you should do much better.