New Build; regular woodburning fireplace vs quadfire

[thorg12]

Hello all
ive been reading a lot recently about fireplaces; this forum has so much information
My wife and I are currently building a new home; actually scheduled to start within the month.
My builder would like us to pick out the fireplace we want for framing purposes
Some details
-propane heat
-3000sqft
-have paid more for better insulation ie spray foam
-fireplace will be in family room in back off house which is connected to kitchen
-location is suburb of philadelphia

My wife has grown up with regular wood burning fireplace and has always wanted one in our house. so we have looked at the heatilator icon series 80; the 42 inch one
When I tell any fireplace guy Im interested in that theyre like "your crazy, you paid money for nice insulated house and youre putting a 13 inch hole in your roof."
he recommends the northstar or quadfire.
my wife really like the ambiance of a regular wood burning fireplace; we really arent getting a fireplace for heating more for atmosphere.
my questions are
- is it really gonna be noticeably colder when the flue is closed and fire is out?
- am I crazy to be putting a regular wood burning firebox in new construction?
thanks a lot

 

[Nick Mystic]

I would think you could seal up the damper well enough in a new fireplace so that you didn't loose too much heat up the flue when you aren't burning. Of course, you are going to have a net loss of heat when you are burning, but since you already know this and are willing to spend some extra money on running your furnace to compensate you have all the information you need to make your decision. Since you don't plan to use the fireplace or wood stove for heating it wouldn't make sense to spend extra money on a stove.

 

[thorg12]

thanks for the input; I just wanted to make sure Im not gonna lose that much heat when fire isnt burning.

 

[begreen]

A regular ZC firebox is going to be cheaper, but a modern EPA ZC is much more than just a beautiful fireplace. In addition you get a great, clean burning heater that will use less fuel and will save you on heating bills when it is used. It will also serve as back-up heat during a power outage and should enhance the market value of the house.