Question on zero clearance pellet install

[zeek]

I currently have a zero clearance propane insert (ventless). I haven't used it much due to propane is just as expensive as electric but when I have it will heat the entire house if I put some effort into moving the heat around. Behind the insert is just building material. I went to a regency dealer to discuss an install and he told me I would have to rebuild the entire fire place and install a free standing stove. I was under the understanding that i could rip out the current insert and install a pellet insert with direct vent. Most manufactures offere a zero clearance "shroud" or some could be installed as a zero clearance if installed with proper clearances to combustibles, but maybe I am not understanding "zero clearance" . The insert opening is 32"t x 30"w x 20"D. So my main question is can I install a pellet insert. I do have another room that I can install a free standing stove with direct vent but the wife isn't buying into that idea. I have included 2 pics of my current set up. Sorry can't get the second pic to rotate when uploaded. Any info would help. Thanks.

 

[xSpecBx]

Quadrafire allows you to install inserts in the manner youre looking for (with a shroud). You can do it with a harman but it requires a zero clearance cabinet. I believe you can install an enviro as well but youll need to do some work to build an enclosure. All can be done with a direct vent.

Take a look at the installation manuals for the stove brands mentioned above and that should get you started.

Some house details will help narrow down specific stoves to look at.

 

[zeek]

House is roughly 2800 sq ft. All electric. 2 story with master on the main floor. I could heat the house the the propane heater alone with some work but propane is too expensive. Just bought the house 4 months ago. Electric bill has been around $320 for the past 2 months but rates set to go up 17% in May. I plan on running natural gas to the house in the future.

 

[TimfromMA]

Zero clearance means they can have direct physical contact with combustibles. There are some inserts that come like this. There are others that require a zero clearance kit. Direct venting is is doable for most if not all pellet stoves. Just keep in mind that without either vertical rise in your vent pipe or a battery backup, you will probably get smoke in the house if you have a power failure while the stove is running.

 

[zeek]

Thanks Tim. I should be able to put a small vertical rise if I install an insert at that location.

 

[xSpecBx]

At 2800 sq ft, assuming it relatively open, you're going to need a pretty good sized stove if you want to heat the entire house. I would look at the installation manuals for the enviro M55, the Harman 52i or the Quadrafire Mt. Vernon if you want to go with an insert. They are the largest inserts that I know of and I know each can be installed in the manner you're looking for. For the Harman, you can purchase a zero clearance cabinet. For the Quadrafire you'll be looking to install it as a built-in and I believe theres a shroud you'll need to purchase as well as minimum distances you'll have to maintain. For the enviro, the installation manual has some very clear instructions about what must be done in order to install it as a built in.

You'll have to look at the dimension requirements for each stove in the installation manuals and see if any of them fit. The Harman may be your best bet due to the zero clearance cabinet.

 

[Pelleting In NJ]

Quadrafire used to make a flush, zero clearance pellet stove, the model is "Edge60". They discontinued it, but some dealers may have new units for sale on close-out. Do a search. Also sold as a Heatilator "Pointe".

(broken link removed to http://www.portersmvs.com/heatilator-edge-60-pointe-pellet/)