Pellet insert possible in a Superior BCF-3885 heat circulating fireplace with optional fan system (t

[Alacaster]

Hello folks, we've just joined the forum, and want to get a pellet insert or free standing stove.
We have the Superior BCF-3885 fireplace with the metal chimney system enclosed in a wooden box with vinyl siding (yuk!)
This fireplace has vents over the fireplace opening and underneith as well.
This face is supposed to be used with the optional fan system, and there's a switch on the wall next to the fireplace, but it doesn't seem to do anything, it has no effect.
Initially we thought we'd like to get an pellet insert, but after talking to someone at a store in New Hampshire, the fellow said that he would have to cut into that unit, and we're not sure we want that to happen. Especially if there is a fan system back there that just needs a little trouble shooting.
Can anyone tell us if it's possible to install an insert into this kind of fireplace without wrecking it? Any installers that have had experience with this particular unit?
We would like to utilize it if we can get it working, so that in case of a power outtage we could use that to at least keep the temperage up for a longer period of time, if the battery on the pellet stove runs out.

So, now we're leaning towrds a free standing pellet stove, right next to the fireplace. They seem to be $500 cheaper as well.
This store sells Harmon and Winslow stoves. We know that Harmon's are considered very good stoves but this dealer said they're out till January 09! And they want $3,830.! Geez!
I haven't dug up any info on the Winslow "Country P140" insert yet and wondered if anyone has any feedback on that model, or Winslow's in general?

We're also looking for a possible dealer/installer recommendation in our area. We're taking a look at a place called Energy Unlimited, and would like to hear from anyone who has used them. If you drew a circle 30 miles around the rt2 /495 interchange, that's our area.

Thanks, and we love this forum, and hope to get and give help and feedback as we go through trying to ween ourselves off the oil company leeches!
Next project after this is solar hot water. At least there's a tax wite off for these! Not sure for how long though.

 

[webbie]

A pellet insert must be approved for use in the prefab - and, yes, a lot of modifications are not good. Sometimes it is relatively simple, like removing a smoke shield - or in some cases, the firebrick lining.

Given the hopper size and stove size, it is probably all-in-all not the best idea to install an insert into that fireplace. And, since a freestanding pellet stove often costs the same or less to install, that might not be a bad thing.

Country is a well known brand owned by Lennox....the big company that makes furnaces and much more.

 

[Alacaster]

Thanks Craig. We're leaning towards the free standing Lopi Yankee at this point, with the duct going up the exhisting Z/Cc himney, Searching the list has provided mostly positive feedback on this unit.
We have different opinions on how high the 4" pipe has to go up the exhisting steel chimney insert.
The dealer we're considering buying the Yankee from says that it only has to go up a few feet.
Another dealer said that "code" says it has to go all the way up to the top. It's approximately 25 feet to the top.
We're not sure if he just doesn't want to put in that much pipe or what? Any ideas? Does Ma code require this?

Also, the second dealer has a pellet stove that we're somewhat intrigued with.
It's made in Quebec. An Enerzone Bio-MF45. They claim to have this unique patented technology they call COMBEX.
A motor on which are mounted two housings with impellers. One for combustion, the other for exhaust.
Anyone ever heard of this?

We're having the exhisting chimney cleaned this thursday afternoon. As far as we know it's never been cleaned.
We only use it 5-10 times a year so we didn't even think about it. I suppose if we have it cleaned and have the new 4" pipe go all the way up, we only have to have that cleaned each year, and the exhisting chimney should stay clean?
If we order the Lopi Yankee this week, the dealer says they'll be in by late September/Early October.

Oh, one more thing. Our chimney sweep said to call Supior and find out if putting the new stove ducting only part way up the Z/C chimney would void the warranty of the fireplace/chimney. At this point we're leaning towards having it go all the way up. Just seems the safest thing to do.

Al

 

[webbie]

I'd stay with the Lopi as opposed to a newer unit that is not yet proven......in any case, most pellet stoves only use one motor for both combustion and exhaust, so it does not seem like a big deal.

A chimney pretty much stays clean no matter what with a pellet stove.

Superior is unlikely to tell you much - I would consult the manual for a INSERT model of a couple various pellet stoves and see what they suggest as to distance to go up. The real expert here is Rod at hearthtools......he is a forum moderator, and maybe you can PM him with that specific question.

If the unit is only lined partway up, it does have to be sealed very well....not just some insulation around it, etc.

 

[javarush]

Just joined th forum here in 2011 and have the same issue and wondered how the conversion went and what your selections an cost was? The fireplace makes a great visual effect but has very little added value even here in sunny North Carolina.

 

[fevest]

I had that fireplace and when looking at inserts, this is what I found at two different dealers. One was going to cut the bottom out of the fireplace to put the stove in. I didn't like that idea. The other just removed the fireplace and put the insert in. They ran a new pipe up the existing pipe.
My setup was just like you have. The prefab fireplace with 8 inch pipe and a wood and siding box. Works fine.

 

[pfmaloney]

Something you should consider is the clearances to combustible material.
In our situation, we needed to extend the hearth since the distance from the front of the insert's glass door
to our carpeting was less than the spec. The front of the inserts extend past the fireplace opening.

 

[richkorn]

Alacaster,

I had same situation as you a few years ago and have a Superior Prefab fireplace with 8" metal flue inside boxed-in fake chimney. It is true that the fireplace would have to be cut up for an insert to fit, rendering it useless and even possibly violating a building code/insurance. You would need to check on those. At the time I was told that an insert cannot be placed inside an insert in my area (the prefab in my area is considered an insert). Also, I did not want to modify my fireplace at all, therefore I decided against an insert and went with a free-standing cast iron Lopi Leyden (Harmon XXV was 1st choice though) in front of it with a hearth extension vented inside the 8" flue with a 4" flex liner to the top and sealed/capped. This was the best decision and I'm glad i did not get the insert for a few reasons:

1. If i move i can take PS with me, pull out the 4" liner and redo the 8" cap at the top - fireplace as good as new again.
2. The freestanding PS if so much easier to maintain and clean - don't have to slide an insert out. Plus I store fake logs & cleaning tools inside the firebox.
3. It looks great (IMO)

Another thing for you. If you have the fan kit installed than you should have a means to use an OAK with it.

Here are some pics: