Pacific Energy Inserts - Super vs. Summit

[Seann]

Hey All,

I'm looking into putting an insert into my fireplace and have narrowed my search down to a Pacific Energy Super or Summit.

It will be installed on the upper floor (1100sqft) and I live in coastal BC so it really doesn't get that cold in the winter (we basically never get into the negatives, usually somewhere around 0-8C). I'm not so concerned with the basement getting heat.

The difference in price of the two units is only $500 but I think the Summit might be overkill and will cook us out of the house. I know we can always build a smaller fire in a bigger box but can't build a bigger fire in a smaller box but I'm wondering about excess smoke or efficiency issues when say using the Summit half full or whatever.

Anyone with experience with either of these stoves?

Thanks so much. Looking forward to joining the wood heating club!

 

[begreen]

Greetings. Is there another floor above or is this a single story house? If the total heated sq ftg is 1100 sq ft, the Super will easily be up to the job.

 

[Grisu]

Have the Super and heat 1300 sqft in a moderately insulated house in Vermont with it. When temps go into the single digits F (< -12 C) it can struggle a bit in the early morning hours since I am not willing to get up and reload it. Get a full liner and block-off plate with it and you will be good.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/make-a-damper-sealing-block-off-plate/

 

[Seann]

Greetings. Is there another floor above or is this a single story house? If the total heated sq ftg is 1100 sq ft, the Super will easily be up to the job.

No floor above. Just the basement (half grade walkout) below.

 

[begreen]

The Super will do the job well. It's a nice insert.

 

[Bigg_Redd]

I think the Summit might be overkill

I'd go with that

 

[Seann]

Ok, thanks for your input everybody. I've decided to go with the Super. I'm sure it'll get the job done. I'll re-post down the road to let others know how it worked out. Love this forum!

 

[Seanm]

I had to read your name twice for obvious reasons..... People will be able to tell us apart from the avatar... unless you have a husky! I have family that lived in Tofino for decades including my mom in the 1940s and on wards. I have some good memories of playing in the bush with the moss there as a kid when wed go visit the grandparents. Read the thread again and see you are looking at the insert so I cant give you advice there. Many people dont understand west coast cold and the humidity that comes with it. Begreen is just south of you and has good advice. Welcome to the forum Seann!

 

[Seann]

I had to read your name twice for obvious reasons..... People will be able to tell us apart from the avatar... unless you have a husky! I have family that lived in Tofino for decades including my mom in the 1940s and on wards. I have some good memories of playing in the bush with the moss there as a kid when wed go visit the grandparents. Read the thread again and see you are looking at the insert so I cant give you advice there. Many people dont understand west coast cold and the humidity that comes with it. Begreen is just south of you and has good advice. Welcome to the forum Seann!

Ha! Like I said. Love this forum!

 

[Seanm]

Oh yeah stay away from drift wood. Salt will kill that beautiful stove!

 

[Swedishchef]

Welcome from the East Coast!

Wow..I didn't think people would use wood stoves in Ucluelet! While living in Alberta I had the chance to travel around Vancouver Island quite a few times. Wonderful spot!

THe Super will heat your place perfectly. Do you have a good source of seasoned wood? The Super won't be happy with wood that has a high moisture content. Ideally the wood would have a 20% moisture content in order to perform properly.

Welcome to the forums!

Andrew