Quadrafire 7100 air outflow? (Mission Hill front)

[mommy_to_C]

I've been lurking here, researching a ZC fireplace for our new build (in progress); we've primarily considered the Heat & Glo Northstar, Quadra-Fire 7100 and BIS Traditions, and, I thought, had settled on the Quadra-Fire 7100.

Our stove shop has cautioned against using the Mission Hill front (which is, of course, the one we like best), because of concerns about air outflow. (They've installed 2 of these units, with the most recent being 3+ years ago, and because of 2/2 dissatisfied customers, have been recommending against this front ever since.)

Looking at the product brochure, though, it appears (to me) that air outflow would be better with the Mission Hill front vs. the Valley Forge front (which they recommend) or the Rolling Meadows front (given the mesh-covered opening).

I'd love any input from owners or installers about these fronts, our alternate fireplaces, and, in general, anything else we should consider putting one of these units in our northern WI home.

(We haven't discussed remote zone heating with them, as it wouldn't be an option if we choose the Northstar instead.)

Thanks in advance!
mommy_to_C

 

[pen]

My first question would be: If this is a new build, why a zero clearance situation versus a freestanding stove?

If I were building a new home, I'd be much more inclined to install a freestanding stove with a beautiful stone (or whatever you like) facade behind it, before ever going through the trouble of building around a zero clearance unit. But that's me.

I'm curious as to why the ZC is what you are interested in. That info might be able to help other folks give you better advice as well.

Welcome to the site.

pen

 

[mommy_to_C]

Thanks for the welcome, pen!

We've used (and love!) the "classic" (per hearth.com ) stove at my parent's home, and the "vintage" stove at their cabin, but didn't really consider a stove for our space (great room side-wall). We want efficiency, but a more traditional fireplace "look" for that room (with built-in cabinets on each side), so a ZC fireplace seemed the right choice. We've had gas units for the past 10+ years, and are really excited about having a wood-burning unit in our home - we just want
to pick the "right one"!

mommy_to_C

 

[Village Idiot]

I have a QF 7100 with the Mission Hill (MH) front and can understand the concern regarding choosing it over the Valley Forge (VF). We chose the MH as it fit with our Craftsman inspired home. The MH has expanded metal mesh inserts at the top and bottom vents. (The new Rolling Meadows looks to be the same.) From what I have seen in the pictures, the VF does not appear to have the mesh.

There are a few issues that I have identified with the mesh. Dust and fine ash does build up at times on the intake (bottom) but a quick swipe with the brush when I am sweeping up the detritus takes care of it. I have always wondered how much the mesh reduces air flow from the blower. Finally, occasionally as the stove heats up and cools down, a buzzing noise can be heard. I believe this is due to the mesh only being tack welded to the back of the MH front. I have addressed that with strategically places shims of folded aluminum foil.

In my mind, the biggest potential issue with the mesh is the reduction in air flow. Is it significant? I don't know, but the fireplace has no problem keeping my 2,900 sf home nice and warm. Last Tuesday during a snow day, the kids were complaining that it was too hot in the house. (Poor babies. Go put some shorts on! )

I also believe that there is an increase in noise due to the air being blown through the mesh. Air is noisy when it is moving fast. I just turn the blower down if it bothers me.

We have adapted very well to the fireplace and absolutely love it. If I had to chose a front again, I would still go with the MH because it matches the style of the house. The VF would have looked out of place.

Which front will match your house style?

 

[mommy_to_C]

Thanks for weighing in, Village Idiot! It's helpful to hear your experience, and that you have no regrets!

Which front will match your house style? The Mission Hill, hands down. Of the fireplaces we've considered (above, + the Kozy Heat Z42), the Quadra-Fire 7100 with this front definitely appeals to us most. We certainly don't want, though, just a pretty face, which is what the stove shop thinks we'd get. (Truthfully, they seem "down" enough on this fireplace, that if we purchase it, I think we'd want to use another shop. Which one, though, I'm not sure.)

Looking at the current Quadra-Fire brochure (linked), it doesn't appear that the Mission Hill front has mesh - could this have changed with the introduction of the Rolling Hills front? Does anyone know?
(broken link removed to http://hearthnhome.com/downloads/brochures/bro_7100fp.pdf) (best picture on page 3)

It's reassuring to hear how well Village Idiot's unit works with the mesh, but we'd be (even) more comfortable with our decision if this was a non-issue now.

Thanks,
mommy_to_C

P.S. Assuming we go ahead with the Quadra-Fire 7100, I'd love input re: insulated vs. air-cooled chimney, and remote heat zones.

 

[Village Idiot]

Sounds like your decision making process followed ours and we really liked the look of the MH front. I am very intrigued by the current brochure pictures. It sure looks like the MH does not have the mesh. You could give Hearth & Home Technologies a call (they have been very nice) and ask them about the construction of the MH front.

I will admit that I have been tempted to remove the mesh to see what it would be like without it, but I don't know anyone who could tack weld it back if I didn't like it. If you report back that the MH no longer has the mesh, I am going to sucked back down that rabbit hole.

The place I purchased my 7100 was not the greatest fan of it, but I could tell that they had little experience with it. Multiple times I had to correct them on some things since I had read and re-read the install manual and knew the features left and right. They did do a good job with the installation however.

Now as for features, I went with the air-cooled chimney. Why? Price. I passed on the heat zones. We designed our house with the 7100 in mind. It has 9ft. ceilings and is very open. The heat pools on the ceiling and runs up the stairwell and down the hall. The only fan we use is the blower on the fireplace. A strong convention loop starts up very quickly and circulates the heat. The upstairs room farthest from the fireplace (upstairs and down the hall to the other side of the house) averages 4 degrees cooler than the downstairs.

I did add the alternate cold air return duct. It terminates in the basement. Never use it. One of the important concepts that I learned from this place is that it is nigh on impossible to move heat downstairs. If you can run the return on the same level to another room it may assist with circulation. For us it wouldn't make a difference due to the open plan.

If you do end up going with the 7100, there are a few quirks and enhancements that I have done that I will share with you.

 

[jabram]

I've been lurking here, researching a ZC fireplace for our new build (in progress); we've primarily considered the Heat & Glo Northstar, Quadra-Fire 7100 and BIS Traditions, and, I thought, had settled on the Quadra-Fire 7100.

Our stove shop has cautioned against using the Mission Hill front (which is, of course, the one we like best), because of concerns about air outflow. (They've installed 2 of these units, with the most recent being 3+ years ago, and because of 2/2 dissatisfied customers, have been recommending against this front ever since.)

Looking at the product brochure, though, it appears (to me) that air outflow would be better with the Mission Hill front vs. the Valley Forge front (which they recommend) or the Rolling Meadows front (given the mesh-covered opening).

I'd love any input from owners or installers about these fronts, our alternate fireplaces, and, in general, anything else we should consider putting one of these units in our northern WI home.

(We haven't discussed remote zone heating with them, as it wouldn't be an option if we choose the Northstar instead.)

Thanks in advance!
mommy_to_C

Don't know why folks are concerned about the Mission Hills front on the 7100. Here is one we installed in a new addition in 2008. We operated it now for 5 burning seasons, runs great, we love it. It does suck a little ash and dust up against the bottom mesh over the room intake, We just vacuum the mesh when we clean the hearth, no big deal. It's a great unit, best of luck on your decision.

 

[mommy_to_C]

jabram - I'm glad to hear your (great) experience, too! Your beautiful hearth just makes me want this unit all the more .

I'll give Quadra-Fire a call on Monday, and report back what I hear...

Village Idiot - I'm not sure remote heating will be "worth it" for us either. We're building a ranch, and choices would be either 1) to "bedroom" hallway (where 3 bedrooms are clustered on 1 side of house), or 2) down. Our floor plan is open, so we should have good heat distribution either way.

We'll need to review the chimney issue (insulated vs. air-cooled); our stove shop didn't recommend insulated, primarily due to expense. I would think, though, that if there's anywhere an insulated chimney might be warranted, it's the frigid upper Midwest (MN/WI)!

If we do end up with the Quadra-Fire, we'll definitely want to hear more about those enhancements .

Thanks again,
mommy_to_C

 

[wood burner]

I have a QF 7100 with the Mission Hill (MH) front and can understand the concern regarding choosing it over the Valley Forge (VF). We chose the MH as it fit with our Craftsman inspired home. The MH has expanded metal mesh inserts at the top and bottom vents. (The new Rolling Meadows looks to be the same.) From what I have seen in the pictures, the VF does not appear to have the mesh.

There are a few issues that I have identified with the mesh. Dust and fine ash does build up at times on the intake (bottom) but a quick swipe with the brush when I am sweeping up the detritus takes care of it. I have always wondered how much the mesh reduces air flow from the blower. Finally, occasionally as the stove heats up and cools down, a buzzing noise can be heard. I believe this is due to the mesh only being tack welded to the back of the MH front. I have addressed that with strategically places shims of folded aluminum foil.

In my mind, the biggest potential issue with the mesh is the reduction in air flow. Is it significant? I don't know, but the fireplace has no problem keeping my 2,900 sf home nice and warm. Last Tuesday during a snow day, the kids were complaining that it was too hot in the house. (Poor babies. Go put some shorts on! )

I also believe that there is an increase in noise due to the air being blown through the mesh. Air is noisy when it is moving fast. I just turn the blower down if it bothers me.

We have adapted very well to the fireplace and absolutely love it. If I had to chose a front again, I would still go with the MH because it matches the style of the house. The VF would have looked out of place.

Which front will match your house style?

I have a new QF7100 valley forge style front, and the air flow is very poor. The fan is working hard, just hardly any air coming out.
I previous posts I can see that others have had similar problems. The only person that commented the air flow was good was the person where the front had not been installed yet.

Any suggestions on addressing the poor air flow? Take the front off?

 

[Village Idiot]

I would take the fascia off to see how much it impacts unimpeded air flow. I did this and while air flow was much better, the aesthetics of no fascia were unacceptable. I put it back on and decided to give the whole setup a chance. Ultimately, I have come to the conclusion that wile airflow is reduced, the heating capacity of the fireplace is not diminished. Now I just don't worry about it.

 

[Woodbutcher54]

I will confirm what VI says- and since I run the blowers on low most of the time, it's probably a moot point. It bugs me nevertheless!! I just posted about the row of knockouts at the bottom, behind the screen- just curious what the intent was. Mine was built in early 2012. I also noticed, while I had the blower access door off, that the fans put out 2-3 times more air through the top grill, indicating to me that the fans are "starving" for air, probably due to the tight space below the firebox and a labyrinth of passages. Hence my question about the knockouts.