- Nov 27, 2012
- 0
Question:
I have a masonry fireplace. I would like to reduce the smell and increase the efficiency. Being in Tucson I don't need full time heat but like some localized heat on cold nights. I have been looking into both wood and gas fireplace inserts. This is apparently not a big market because I have found very limited info in this area. I am told by the manufacturer of a woodburning insert that I would need to reline my masonry chimney with single wall- 6" stainless steel pipe. It's a good idea and will give you better draft ! I understand the need for the reline but most dealers here don't know where to get the stainless steel pipe. Only one place knew about it but quoted $400-$500 for parts for a 10 ft chimney. About $10-12 per foot for the pipe- plus elbow- caps- the 5 foot flex pipe should be $140 or so Should be around $350. total for 6" pipe This seems quite expensive- is that realistic or do they really just not want to mess with it? Again that was just for parts- about 10' of straight and 1 section of flexible to bend thru the damper area. Sealing the damper around the 6" pipe was not included in the parts.
1. I like the idea of the enclosed gas insert systems and again I am told that the chimney would need to be relined- but with aluminum pipe.
2. But why wouldn't the same type of pipe as used for a gas furnace be used?
3. Also- can any inserts vent up a chimney or does the vertical rise cause too much venting in the direct vent models?
Answer:
1. Flex aluminum is cheap --about 110 for the whole kit
2. Yes- you can use B-Vent pipe if you prefer- but the flex is cool also.
3. Don't quite understand the last ?- but all gas inserts need relining- and you'll want one designed for use in a fireplace...most have 4" top flue.. Relining with wood may be optional- but I'd do it if I were you because of your short chimney (bad draft)
I have a masonry fireplace. I would like to reduce the smell and increase the efficiency. Being in Tucson I don't need full time heat but like some localized heat on cold nights. I have been looking into both wood and gas fireplace inserts. This is apparently not a big market because I have found very limited info in this area. I am told by the manufacturer of a woodburning insert that I would need to reline my masonry chimney with single wall- 6" stainless steel pipe. It's a good idea and will give you better draft ! I understand the need for the reline but most dealers here don't know where to get the stainless steel pipe. Only one place knew about it but quoted $400-$500 for parts for a 10 ft chimney. About $10-12 per foot for the pipe- plus elbow- caps- the 5 foot flex pipe should be $140 or so Should be around $350. total for 6" pipe This seems quite expensive- is that realistic or do they really just not want to mess with it? Again that was just for parts- about 10' of straight and 1 section of flexible to bend thru the damper area. Sealing the damper around the 6" pipe was not included in the parts.
1. I like the idea of the enclosed gas insert systems and again I am told that the chimney would need to be relined- but with aluminum pipe.
2. But why wouldn't the same type of pipe as used for a gas furnace be used?
3. Also- can any inserts vent up a chimney or does the vertical rise cause too much venting in the direct vent models?
Answer:
1. Flex aluminum is cheap --about 110 for the whole kit
2. Yes- you can use B-Vent pipe if you prefer- but the flex is cool also.
3. Don't quite understand the last ?- but all gas inserts need relining- and you'll want one designed for use in a fireplace...most have 4" top flue.. Relining with wood may be optional- but I'd do it if I were you because of your short chimney (bad draft)
