PRE Fab Fireplace dilema - efficiency BTU

[Franktea]

I have this prefab model SE36 anyone can google it.

Been doing a lot of research; trying to get more heat.

I have a 1800 SQ Feet vacation home with vaulted ceilings. Trying to figure out what the best option.

Insert into Prefab - from what i have seen they are small and expensive and you have to run the blower

Change Prefab to high efficiency fireplace - also very expensive

Buy a used free standing stove; but who really wants a stove and fireplace in their living room

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Frank

 

[Comanche79p]

I had the same issue. Went to an insert in the fireplace with a liner and that wasn't working, pulled out the insert and installed a Hearthstone Homestead on the hearth venting into the fireplace and venting. Works OK but wish I would have just pulled out the prefab and venting and replaced it all including the hearth with a larger stove.
That's what I would do if I had it to do over again.

 

[bholler]

Well looking through the instruction manual for your fb i cant find anywhere that says you can put an insert in it but it does say several places you cant use un approved components so i think an insert is out. The other 2 options will work but the freestanding stove with full insulated liner will be cheaper probably

 

[Franktea]

Is there a way to install a free standing stove i can remove in the spring and return in the fall that doesn't have an exorbitant amount of weight? I think it would be unsightly to look at

Is it possible to put a stronger blower in the Prefab?

 

[bholler]

Is it possible to put a stronger blower in the Prefab?

Mayby but it wont accomplish much of anything. And yeah you could move the stove but any decent stove is going to be pretty damn heavy.

 

[Franktea]

Below are two pics of the fireplace; one with wood that i ripped off the other in its current state about to rebuild the outside. Trying to figure what to do before i rebuild it.

Is it possible to have wood stove exhaust through current chimney avoiding a hole in my roof?

 

[begreen]

AFAIK, there is nothing in the manual saying you can't put in an insert in this fireplace. You can possibly do this as long as the only modification is door and damper removal. The insert would need to fit of course and it would need a full liner. What are the dimensions of the fireplace?

A rear-exit freestanding stove on a hearth at floor level is also a possibility. It would vent through a liner in the fireplace chimney. That option would probably give you better heat.

 

[Franktea]

See page 23 of attached doc for all measurements.
Thanks All!

 

[bholler]

page 3 point 8 says failure to use parts manufactured by security fireplace .............will void the whi listing. That to me says no inserts unless they are made by or approved by security

 

[begreen]

No, the insert is in no way a part attached or modifying the fireplace.

 

[bholler]

No, the insert is in no way a part attached or modifying the fireplace.

With that reasoning you can do anything you want as long as it is not attached?
Read the rest of the line it says
failure to use parts manufactured by security fireplace or variations in techniques or construction materials described in this instruction manual may cause a serious fire hazard; it may void security fire place warranty and will void whi listing.
To me putting an insert in there is a variation in techniques or construction materials

 

[begreen]

The operative word there is - may. You can put a grate in the fireplace without risk. That's not a Security part. I agree that if the fireplace manufacturer says no insert, it means no insert. But this is not the case here. This is semantics interpretation to one's own means. If the manufacturer of the insert is approves Security for install this is a kosher installation. Unless I hear elsewise from Security that is the way I and many stove mfgs. would interpret this.

Tell you what, contact Security and let us know what they say. Nevermind I went ahead and did it.

 

[bholler]

The operative word there is - may. You can put a grate in the fireplace without risk. That's not a Security part.

it also tells you to only use security grates in their fireplace sorry

 

[Grisu]

Below are two pics of the fireplace; one with wood that i ripped off the other in its current state about to rebuild the outside. Trying to figure what to do before i rebuild it.

Is it possible to have wood stove exhaust through current chimney avoiding a hole in my roof?

You could also rip out the fireplace and pipe, finish the wall as an alcove and put a freestanding stove with proper stovepipe in there. Budget-wise that would probably fall between hearth-mounted stove and replacing your current unit with an efficient ZC fireplace. The advantage would be you would not loose more room and use the existing chase for the pipe.

Is there a way to install a free standing stove i can remove in the spring and return in the fall that doesn't have an exorbitant amount of weight? I think it would be unsightly to look at

You would move in the range of 400 to 500 lbs. You will have to decide if that is feasible. What stoves have you looked at yet? I would certainly not buy a stove that I would not like to have in my living room.

Is it possible to put a stronger blower in the Prefab?

Maybe, but don't really expect much of a difference in terms of heat. The problem of the prefab is that most heat goes up the flue. A stronger blower will not change that.

 

[Franktea]

All,

I appreciate all the feedback and input. At the moment i only use this house on the weekend in the winter so not looking to spend $$$ on a new fireplace makeover.

I think i'm going to put in a used high efficiency free standing stove and leave the Prefab as is.

One more question, i read these prefabs last about 25 years then they start to rust? The house was built in 1989, how do i really know when my Prefab time is up?

Thanks,
Frank

 

[begreen]

Time is up when there is obvious serious rusting and/or when a poke with a screwdriver goes through the metal.