I'm in Dallas TX area and I have wrecked out my original fireplace which was a circa 1994 very bad zero clearance metal box. The attached drawing shows my new starting point. The chimney is not shown but it is a framed chase that tops out 25 ft above ground level. After I install the new fireplace I'll frame around the exterior and replace the exterior brick veneer. I'm looking for suggestions on a high efficiency fireplace (not an insert). I will have the ability to supply outside air. My budget for the fireplace alone is four to five thousand dollars (including insulated chimney pipe).
I'm concerned the exhaust pipe being on an exterior wall, tall and in uninsulated chase will keep the exhaust pipe to cold to draw properly as that was the issue with the original box. Should I insulate the chase (will be hard without removing siding)? Should I exit the chimney horizontally much lower that the current top?
I'm concerned the exhaust pipe being on an exterior wall, tall and in uninsulated chase will keep the exhaust pipe to cold to draw properly as that was the issue with the original box. Should I insulate the chase (will be hard without removing siding)? Should I exit the chimney horizontally much lower that the current top?
