Modify blower on I3100L

[Real(Ray-Al)]

Hello, i'm new on this site and my english is ....so so. I just bought a Regency I3100L wood insert witch is quite powerful for small house. Since the basement is +/-20'' high, i would like to send the heat from the blower to the basement. i was going to drill the masonry fireplace side to install isolated pipes (duck) going to the basement. My question is: what's the best way to proceed. Drill a hole in the insert? connect a pipe, going to basement and block the output in top front of the insert, or remove the blower and install it in the basement? I hope someone can understand my language. ps. I'm a retired millwright
Thank you ...Real

 

[velvetfoot]

Just thinking out loud, if the air flow was reversed so that the air came in at the top and left the bottom, could the original fan be removed and then a plenum made so that it fits behind the nice cover? Then a fan could be downstairs. Hot air would be going through it though, but not sure if it would be too much. This way, no holes and it could be restored back to original.

 

[Joey]

I don't think drilling a hole in the insert is a good idea. If you bought your stove new, i'm sure it would void your warranty. Trying to move heat downstairs would be a bit of a problem. I have the same stove as you do, the blower is very strong and robust, but I can't see it moving air downstairs. Just my opinion and best of luck...

 

[velvetfoot]

I'd think it'd be great to somehow get the fan out of the stove room. The noise gets old after a winter of it.

 

[begreen]

Since the basement is +/-20'' high

What is the heat in the basement for, leprechauns? Best way to proceed - get an electric heater for the basement or a separate stove. The masonry of the fireplace should not be compromised and likewise for the stove. And hot air really wants to go up, not down.

 

[Real(Ray-Al)]

Just thinking out loud, if the air flow was reversed so that the air came in at the top and left the bottom, could the original fan be removed and then a plenum made so that it fits behind the nice cover? Then a fan could be downstairs. Hot air would be going through it though, but not sure if it would be too much. This way, no holes and it could be restored back to original.

I think i have found my solution, :keep the blower at same place, block output (on top) inserting high heat wool, then on each sides of stove near the top, zipcut 3/4 in. wide X 1.5 in. slot, folding out the steel the could bolt 1.5 in. pipe 4 in long the connect flexible ss pipe driven to basement.
Pretty sure it will work fine. If a need to return stove back to original, weld those 2 slots. Thank you ...Real

 

[velvetfoot]

Don't forget to update this thread when you're done!
Of course, the big test will be in the winter!

 

[begreen]

Sounds like a bad idea to me. Will you be cutting the landlord's masonry fireplace to get those ducts to the basement?

 

[Real(Ray-Al)]

Yes i agree M.begreen, the landlord will demolish this nice old house when i leave. The masonry is huge built with big rocks so very strong. I know it's not very nice to cut into a Regency but, but the 2 4' baseboards in the basement are way too expensive to operate + winter power failuresss. I also need to access the basement every 15 days to fill my water soft reservoir Until city water come here.

 

[Real(Ray-Al)]

Don't forget to update this thread when you're done!
Of course, the big test will be in the winter!

Yes sir ...last winter with the fireplace on witch i installed a door (well sealed) and heavy duty glasses i burned 15 cords of first quality wood. Like i said to my wife,''it's the first time i wish winter come''. There is a stove specialist that evaluated the project and said he did that kind of system with ducks.....As you said winter will tell.

 

[Real(Ray-Al)]

Sounds like a bad idea to me. Will you be cutting the landlord's masonry fireplace to get those ducts to the basement?

Seem like i'm learning how to use a forum site, i replied the wrong way

 

[begreen]

Yes i agree M.begreen, the landlord will demolish this nice old house when i leave. The masonry is huge built with big rocks so very strong. I know it's not very nice to cut into a Regency but, but the 2 4' baseboards in the basement are way too expensive to operate + winter power failuresss. I also need to access the basement every 15 days to fill my water soft reservoir Until city water come here.

If you have winter power failures this scheme is not going to work any better. The blower needs power.

 

[Real(Ray-Al)]

If you have winter power failures this scheme is not going to work any better. The blower needs power.

Absolutely ....if pw failure is too long i can get landlord generator