New User; Advice Needed: Century S244 or Vogelzang Defender

[19glendale]

Advice needed. I have never owned a woodstove before.

I have an 1800 sq ft house (3 floors including unfinished basement), built in 1946, in Northern Virginia.

I want to put a freestanding woodstove in the masonry fireplace. I have decided against an insert because the living room is small, I don't want the noise of a blower, don't want to rely on the blower for thermal exchange, and don't want the faceplates of an insert for aesthetics. I just want it for supplemental heat to my current natural gas.

I am trying to decide between the Century S244, Vogelzang Defender, or another small woodstove that would fit in the 25” high x 35” Wide / 28” wide back x 20” Deep masonry opening.

Any tips on removing the interior damper would also be appreciated. The chimney is lined with clay. I know I need to install a liner. Are there benefits to double wall liner versus single wall with insulation?

Based on my measurements, I will likely have to cut the legs of either stove a few inches, and that is in my overall plan. I have uploaded a picture of the current hearth if that helps.

Any guidance, tips, advice, or other information would be much appreciated. I want to get this done this year, in part due to the $300 tax credit.

Thank you.

 

[begreen]

Welcome. One option would be to get an Englander 13NCi insert and not install the surround. Double-wall liners have been reported as having delamination problems. Go for a good single wall instead. For sure plan on a block-off plate for this installation. A blower will still be desirable to get heat out of the fireplace cavity. It could be a small, 6" table fan on the hearth blowing at low speed into the cavity.

 

[moresnow]

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