need help finding insert.

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Philly phire

New Member
Mar 21, 2014
2
Philadelphia, Pa
Can't find insert to fit old masonary fireplace, the width in the front is 32" and tapers down to 18" in the back, the height is 36" and the depth is 20". Are these odd dimensions? The house was built 1890's. If anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. Thanks.
 
Welcome. Have you considered putting a freestanding stove in that spot? Most are around 24 wide. Otherwise there should be several inserts that fit there. What have you looked at so far?
 
Welcome. Have you considered putting a freestanding stove in that spot? Most are around 24 wide. Otherwise there should be several inserts that fit there. What have you looked at so far?
Thanks for the response begreen. I have given thought to a freestanding stove but was afraid of how effectively it would heat in that space. Wouldn't a lot of the heat be going up the chimney? The inserts I was looking at was the Nepoleon 1402 and Osburns 1600-2400 none of which fit. The closest one I found was the Quadra-fire 2700i
 
Thanks for the response begreen. I have given thought to a freestanding stove but was afraid of how effectively it would heat in that space. Wouldn't a lot of the heat be going up the chimney?

That's a reasonable concern that is easily addressed with a damper sealing block off plate. There are several folks that have done this quite successfully here.
How large an area would the stove/insert be heating?
 
Whether you put an insert or free stander you're going to have to install a block off plate, the surround on an insert doesn't stop heat from rising. Some inserts smaller than what you looked at will fit but if you're heating a large area you might be better off with a free stander.
 
A 36" high fireplace seems to be crying out for a freestander.
 
Which dimension seems to be the problem? As an example, our Regency I3100 is listed as 28W 25H 17D. It also tapers to be narrower at the rear. I was worried when we started looking at inserts, but found a quick measurement of the back of the insert told me whether they would fit or not.
You also have the option of having the insert sit a little "proud" in the fp opening (that is left out a little on the hearth). Remember there is typically a faceplate that's going to cover the actual opening, although I've also seen some nice pics of ppl leaving the faceplate off, especially if the masonry is in nice shape or hase some decorative aspect to it.

Lastly, you could look at something like the regency H2100 Hearth Heater - bascially an insert meant to sit way out on the hearth. http://www.regency-fire.com/Products/Wood/Wood-Inserts/H2100.aspx

Free standing stove with a rear connection is also a nice option, especially if you go with something with lots of blingy soopstone or enamled cast iron. Lots of choices and the great thing is you have prolly 6-7 months before you need to start using it.
 
What is the depth of your hearth in front of it? Is it raised or flat with the rest of the floor?

Do you have already several cords of wood split and stacked sitting in your yard? Any newer EPA-approved stove will need seasoned wood with less than 20% moisture content. If you are confident you will get a stove for next winter, get the wood ready now and then start shopping for a stove.
 
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