My folks are considering an insert. Their fireplace is a masonary with sandstone on the outside with a metal framework inside. They have been heating with wood for the better part of 40 years so he's not new to it. Currently the main heat source is a Riteway wood furnace located in the basement. But with an insert on the main level they could be prepared for the inevitable difficulties associated with going up and down stairs several times a day.
Our dealer carries Quadrafire, Lopi, and Avalon. Its my understanding that Lopi and Avalon are the same stove correct? The house is a story and a half on a full basement with 1100 sq.ft per floor and is basically a square shape. The upstairs is closed during the winter for the most part. The fireplace is located in the center of the house in the living room which is about 400 sq.ft.
The dealer is recommending either the Quad 2700i or the Avalon Rainier. Reason being is they figure thats all the bigger they need for the size of the house. They figure the larger ones would cook them out of the house and be looking for places to move the heat to. Given the existing fireplace though, the smaller insert may look really too small for the fireplace. Its setup similar to the one in my avatar with stone on the bottom and wood on top. 8' wide.
Are there any things in particular we should avoid when looking? It wouldn't be put in for this season as they can't even get one till spring right now. That makes lots of time to make a decision.
Our dealer carries Quadrafire, Lopi, and Avalon. Its my understanding that Lopi and Avalon are the same stove correct? The house is a story and a half on a full basement with 1100 sq.ft per floor and is basically a square shape. The upstairs is closed during the winter for the most part. The fireplace is located in the center of the house in the living room which is about 400 sq.ft.
The dealer is recommending either the Quad 2700i or the Avalon Rainier. Reason being is they figure thats all the bigger they need for the size of the house. They figure the larger ones would cook them out of the house and be looking for places to move the heat to. Given the existing fireplace though, the smaller insert may look really too small for the fireplace. Its setup similar to the one in my avatar with stone on the bottom and wood on top. 8' wide.
Are there any things in particular we should avoid when looking? It wouldn't be put in for this season as they can't even get one till spring right now. That makes lots of time to make a decision.
