New Bungalow in Oklahoma

[BungalowOK]

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1358947/Craftsman-craftsman-living-room-vancouver

Hello from Oklahoma,

I have attach my floor plan (.pdf) and an example of the type of mantle (in the link above) I would like to build around the fireplace. I have read the forum rules and done some research, but I feel compelled to post anyways.

What I think I want:

I think I want to burn wood during the deep wintertime (below freezing) or when we lose power (ice storms, tornado, ect.). The site has electric service nearby, but no gas service. I am looking into the cost of extending the gas line. Right now I am thinking heat pump plus a zero clearance fireplace with a blower. I tend to buy good quality appliances, but it seems all the highly recommend units are designed to heat a 2000+ s.f. house. I am thinking I need the cheapest EPA unit that will a 1600-1800 s.f. home. enough to supplement a heat pump. I hear burning a hot fire is more efficient, and I do not want to burn out the living room. I should note that the middle section (kitchen, dining room, living room) is vaulted so there is more volume to heat if not square footage. Also the windows and trim are stained wood and the floor will be concrete. The house will be insulated with foam.

Right now the Osburn Stafford and the Flame Monaco are on the list.


P.S. - Is there a good way to heat the slab/floor with wood heat? The radiant heat is so pleasant and the slab has a lot of weight.


Okay this is what I think I want.... Please tell me what I actually want so I can finish my design and build this bad boy for my family. Thank you in advance for all your wisdom and council on this question.

 

[hiites]

I have a stove, not a fireplace insert so I'll let others with more knowledge help you out but 2 things caught my eye. I love the bungalow style and I had lived in oklahoma all my life until almost 2 years ago. I lived in Stillwater and Anadarko. I love the mantle you have picked out. Are you going to build it? I was going for the bungalow feel with Arts and Crafts style when I remodeled my basement (there are a few pictures on here from my stove install). Where will your house be located?

 

[BungalowOK]

In the Historic district of downtown Oklahoma City. It is on a lot where a historic home burnt to the ground in the 90s. I have recently bought the lot and I am working on the plans. Yes the mantle will be build in place with probably Oak and the tiles will be bought. I am thinking a zero clearance fireplace could really heat the open middle part of the house well. One quick question, how often did you use your stove in Oklahoma?

 

[begreen]

Take a look at Lennox's line of ZC fireplaces. Assuming this is going to be a very tight, well insulated house, I think the the Montecito or BIS Tradition CE (or Ultima) would work. In the SBI line (Osburn, Flame) also take a look at the Valcourt FP10 Lafayette.

 

[BungalowOK]

Good Advice, and thank you for the heads up. I have a friend who also likes Lennox. I was curious if the type of fireplaces ever go on sale? If it is seasonal (last year's model) or not. I plan on starting construction in the middle of the summer and hopefully complete by the end of the year, so I have some time to wait for a deal.

One more thing. I worry about the fans going out. Are all these motor pretty easy to replace?

 

[begreen]

Good questions. Wood stoves tend to go on sale now and throughout the summer as dealers try to reduce inventory, but this is an individual dealer decision. Ask about floor model prices. You definitely want a unit that is relatively easy to service. Blower location varies with the unit. Have the dealer show you the blower accessibility and location. Units with the blower up front or remote (in the basement below the unit) are easiest to service. Blowers in the back of the cabinet can be harder to work on.