New to an old system

[JoSaReCa]

Hi all, the fam and I just purchased our home this summer, we thought the old 80's version of a ZC was only in need of a swap. but after much discovery; the whole system was failing, and we upgraded to the KozyHeat Z42CD. We have a tri-level with the unit in the lower area, bedrooms directly above; and living room/kitchen in the middle. We had hoped to vent into our furnace (located on the backside of the unit/garage), but it does not seem to be an option (any thoughts here?), we do have the blower motor going to one of the vents pictured below so that helps some. From comments read in other threads, looks like we're set up for a good warm winter in the house (subbing the heat pump with wood). We'll be burning local seasoned wood we've stockpiled over the past 3 years. We're still in process of installing the unit. (see before and current photos). The project should complete this week or next, just in time for IN fall! Other question, if anyone else uses this unit, any issues with the handles getting too hot to open? They just seem small.

 

[SpaceBus]

I've never seen a fireplace like your original. It's like an insert gone wrong.

 

[JoSaReCa]

I've never seen a fireplace like your original. It's like an insert gone wrong.

"It's like an insert gone wrong." HA! you have no idea! It was so wrong, a lot of "my friend helped me out" was going on behind the scenes. We found the stone chimney was actually floating in the rafters/not supported properly and caving in the roof. the old unit was not vented properly. It was a fire hazard waiting to happen.

 

[SpaceBus]

"It's like an insert gone wrong." HA! you have no idea! It was so wrong, a lot of "my friend helped me out" was going on behind the scenes. We found the stone chimney was actually floating in the rafters/not supported properly and caving in the roof. the old unit was not vented properly. It was a fire hazard waiting to happen.

Ah, so not only hideous, but horribly dangerous.