Recomendations on Wood Stove Insert

[Qvist]

Does anyone have any recommendations for an economical way to put an astetically pleaseing wood burning insert or fireplace like a heatilator into this fireplace. House is 1900 square feet and this would be a backup source of heat to lite at low temps. The chimney is clay lined and the fireplace as far as i can tell has never had a fire in it. Damper is still in place. For now I may use the fireplace until I can get an insert if I can repair the damper. The flue is fairly large likely 8x8 square.

 

[Qvist]

22 inches deep, 34 inches wide at the widest and 22.5 inches tall at a minimum at the sides

 

[Qvist]

Would this use case be better off with a zero clearance fireplace or an insert? I am just trying to find a starting point with it.

 

[stovelark]

A medium insert sounds like it would likely fit. Lots of choices out there. Important to find a dealer that you like and trust, plus more importantly an installer you trust. The insert will need a full length liner installed, get a couple of quotes to see what you are getting into. Then there's the good dry seasoned wood that is essential to get as well.

 

[Qvist]

A medium insert sounds like it would likely fit. Lots of choices out there. Important to find a dealer that you like and trust, plus more importantly an installer you trust. The insert will need a full length liner installed, get a couple of quotes to see what you are getting into. Then there's the good dry seasoned wood that is essential to get as well.

I have a lot of dry wood. I had a wood stove at my previous home (I just moved) I will likely line the chimney and install the insert myself as I did with my ladt stove. In this case I am concerned that the narrowest part of the back of the fireplace is only 22.5 inches wide. I am unsure if an insert will fit?

 

[stovelark]

Well, you'll have to pick the insert, look at its dimensions of depth and rear width, go to your fireplace and go back depthwise the distance of the insert (I'd add an inch for safety), then take the rear width of the fireplace at that depth to determine if it should fit. Remember to look at the flue outlet how it lines up to the damper area as well, sometimes you have to jockey the insert around to make it work. An elbow might be needed, in extreme mismatches, an off set box, etc. Its never easy. I'd highly suggest to try and give yourself some maneuvering room inside the fireplace for the insert to be able to move a bit. Good luck, and awesome on having wood ready, you're about 90 percent home with having that ready!