This is my second post so not to bore you with details, there is more background here:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/19545/
I need to replace or update a mid 1980's prefab fireplace in a rental townhouse. The chimney is a frame chase on an outside wall. I don't get there very often so I have to make sure I make the best use of my next trip there. I also don't know very much about what is in place there now. I'm down to 2 options:
1) Rip out the prefab, the chimney piping, and the entire stone veneer surround/mantel and replace everything with a new zc EPA fireplace and class A chimney. Top picks on units right now are BIS Traditione or Heat & Glo Northstar.
2) Install a Jotul Winterport wood stove insert into the existing pre-fab fireplace and install a new 6" pipe inside the existing pipe which is probably 8".
Of course option 1 is 2x the cost of option 2 but since I don't have much confidence in what is there it may be the safest option. I know the wood stove insert requires the prefab unit to be UL 127 but I don't know if that standard existed in the 80's or whether my prefab is certified. My priorities are:
1) Safety
2) Idiot proof operation
3) Heat
All installation work will be done by professionals. FYI I just had a Jotul Winterport installed into a masonry fireplace at home last year and I love it. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/19545/
I need to replace or update a mid 1980's prefab fireplace in a rental townhouse. The chimney is a frame chase on an outside wall. I don't get there very often so I have to make sure I make the best use of my next trip there. I also don't know very much about what is in place there now. I'm down to 2 options:
1) Rip out the prefab, the chimney piping, and the entire stone veneer surround/mantel and replace everything with a new zc EPA fireplace and class A chimney. Top picks on units right now are BIS Traditione or Heat & Glo Northstar.
2) Install a Jotul Winterport wood stove insert into the existing pre-fab fireplace and install a new 6" pipe inside the existing pipe which is probably 8".
Of course option 1 is 2x the cost of option 2 but since I don't have much confidence in what is there it may be the safest option. I know the wood stove insert requires the prefab unit to be UL 127 but I don't know if that standard existed in the 80's or whether my prefab is certified. My priorities are:
1) Safety
2) Idiot proof operation
3) Heat
All installation work will be done by professionals. FYI I just had a Jotul Winterport installed into a masonry fireplace at home last year and I love it. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.
