propane insert efficiency vs. propane central heat

[schnoodlemom]

I have a beach place in Ct that is heated with propane. The heat pump unit is in the attic and all the vents are in the ceilings (both upstairs and down). This makes the downstairs cold. We would like to put in a fireplace insert on the first floor. Do you think this would be more efficient? When people are there in the winter the thermostat (which is upstairs) needs to be cranked. I am hoping that in addition to heating the downstairs more, we could turn down the thermostat on the central heat and the insert would burn less propane. Hope this makes sense. Any opinions? Thank you.

 

[stoveguy13]

using as a zone heater is a good way to go and to turn and to be able to turn the thermostat upstairs down may save on heating cost.

 

[jtp10181]

A fireplace is a zone heater. They can save you money if you only need to heat one space. Sounds like you would be best off putting in in the downstairs to keep that warm and let the heat pump keep the upstairs warm. Most fireplaces can also be put on a thermostat so you could do that as well.