I have a masonry fireplace that is large enough to accommodate most any insert that is offered. It is 36" wide/ 24" high/ 24" deep and 27" wide in the back of the fireplace. I am looking for a insert that performs as stated in the title. I do not mind if it is catalytic or not. Does anyone have any recommendations for a insert that does have ultra low emission's, high BTU output, and long burn times.
Recommendations for inserts that have---Ultra low emissions, high btus and long burn time.
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Should probably define 'ultra low emissions'. Anything you buy that is EPA compliant is pretty low. EPA testing is very controlled, and not necessarily representative of every day use. What you burn and how you burn it are what really matters.
If you want to go by the numbers, Buck 91 says 1.2 g/h, 2.0 for the Princess, and 3.9 for the PE Summit. Will you be able to tell the difference in day to day use?
If you want to go by the numbers, Buck 91 says 1.2 g/h, 2.0 for the Princess, and 3.9 for the PE Summit. Will you be able to tell the difference in day to day use?
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Just about any EPA approved insert will take your open fireplace from about 5% efficiency to 75% or so.
Will I be able to tell scientifically no but still just knowing I like the idea that the Buck 91 has less than 1/3 emissions than the Summit. The Princess states you can get up to a 27 hour burn time. While not at a high BTU output it is adjustable. So at 3.9 g/h I will have to look at the other criteria.
As for efficiency claims 75% is a great improvement but if I can get 80-85% of course that would be better. I have read articles that say that is possible but just not sure which inserts would even approach that since EPA just give a default efficiency ratings in the research I have read.
Those efficiency numbers are based on lab tests in a very controlled environment with standardized (softwood) test-fuel. The operator, particular installation (e. g. flue length), and quality of the wood have such a big impact on real-world efficiencies that I would not worry about a few % difference in posted numbers. Not to mention that not all manufacturers test their stoves/inserts for heating efficiency.
That said, a catalytic unit will probably give you at least lower emissions if not slightly better efficiency while a larger unit will give you longer burn times. The BK Princess would be an obvious choice or take a look at the Large Flush Hybrid insert from Avalon/Travis/Fireplacextraordinaire. If you need a lot of heat a Kuma Sequoia is a possibility but your chimney needs to fit an 8" liner then. Same for the Buck 91. How much of an area do you want to heat? How well is the house insulated?
That said, a catalytic unit will probably give you at least lower emissions if not slightly better efficiency while a larger unit will give you longer burn times. The BK Princess would be an obvious choice or take a look at the Large Flush Hybrid insert from Avalon/Travis/Fireplacextraordinaire. If you need a lot of heat a Kuma Sequoia is a possibility but your chimney needs to fit an 8" liner then. Same for the Buck 91. How much of an area do you want to heat? How well is the house insulated?
The chimney flue is comprised of a 10 inch square clay tile. It is surrounded by 6 inch cement block, which is surround by red brick, which for the most part doesn't even touch the block.
Would you still need that 8 inch liner. The attic/ crawl space is well insulated. The one story ranch wall are comprised of 3 3/4 inch wide red brick, 2x4 studs, 60year old fiberglass insulation and 3/4 inches of drywall. About 2000 square feet it will require the gas furnaces fan to distribute the heat through out the whole house. Frankly the wall insulation could be better.
Would you still need that 8 inch liner. The attic/ crawl space is well insulated. The one story ranch wall are comprised of 3 3/4 inch wide red brick, 2x4 studs, 60year old fiberglass insulation and 3/4 inches of drywall. About 2000 square feet it will require the gas furnaces fan to distribute the heat through out the whole house. Frankly the wall insulation could be better.
If the entire ductwork system including the return is not very well insulated, using the furnace fan will probably be ineffective and a heat loser. Often a ranch can be a challenge for the bedrooms down the hallway, but a simple fan blowing the cooler air from this area toward the stove room can make a nice difference. Note that all stoves are not rated in their literature by the same method. You need to ignore marketing claims. For example there is a big difference between peak output and steady state heating. And that will vary between EPA tests and cordwood. BK is conservative and lists steady state.
Also note that emissions are going to vary a lot from lab testing. It is unlikely you are going to get the same results unless there is an ideal chimney setup, perfect wood, a new catalyst if cat, a clean and well maintained stove, and good draft plus proper operation of the stove. Cat stoves will smoke a bit more on startup and reloads when the bypass is open. For all these reasons one is usually better off not getting a stove by the numbers. Almost all modern EPA stoves are clean burning. Instead go by the features you want, ease of maintenance, durability, good support, and a look your wife likes.
Also note that emissions are going to vary a lot from lab testing. It is unlikely you are going to get the same results unless there is an ideal chimney setup, perfect wood, a new catalyst if cat, a clean and well maintained stove, and good draft plus proper operation of the stove. Cat stoves will smoke a bit more on startup and reloads when the bypass is open. For all these reasons one is usually better off not getting a stove by the numbers. Almost all modern EPA stoves are clean burning. Instead go by the features you want, ease of maintenance, durability, good support, and a look your wife likes.
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Harman 300i is the way to go. 12-16 hour burn times, super low emissions, and is a 75k btu stove. Also its a beautiful stove.
bobdog2o02
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