Regency i2700

[MAwoodinsert]

Hi all- new to the forums but have already learned a lot!

We are based out of eastern MA and are looking into getting a wood burning insert for our 1800sqft home (fireplace is on the first floor with an open lay out of ~1000sq ft). Based on our size we are planning to go with the regency 2700 (though Lopi was also recommended). Had a couple questions

1. The unit and installation cost comes to ~10K- our chimney and fireplace are fine, that cost is driven by the installation of the liner and ceramic blanket and unit. Is that reasonable?

2. Do folks see significant savings in their gas bill? Given the upfront cost, I doubt we will recoup the cost of the unit (for reference we hear the house to 68 and usually see bills of $200-$250 in the winter months)

3. Is a ceramic blanket for the SS liner necessary? We have tiles in our fireplace but there are gaps between them.

Thanks!

 

[begreen]

Some questions answered in the other posting.

The gas bill will go down, possibly a lot. This will be in proportion to the amount of wood burned. Will the firewood be purchased or self-procured and processed? Overall, there may not be much savings if the wood has to be purchased. I suspect Boston area firewood costs are not cheap. However, if you have a truck and can go inland, after a storm, or if you know a tree company, then it may be possible to get "free" wood that can be split and stacked at home.

Fully seasoned firewood is required for burning in a modern insert. This is key to success. The wood should be between 15-20% internal moisture content. Do you have a couple cords of seasoned firewood already stacked off the ground and covered?

 

[MAwoodinsert]

I have a half cord of seasoned covered firewood already, and yes it's several hundred for a cord out here - but could explore going inland. All in all I've come to terms with doing it because we like having a fire and any cost savings is a bonus

 

[garth_2022]

I got the Hi500/Ci2700 a few years ago and was going to supplement my oil heat with it. It worked out so well, I went full on 24/7 from Nov 15 to Mar 15 here on Long Island. I need only one oil delivery per year now, probably mostly due to water heater and shoulder months. I will tell you, in the "warmer" parts of the winter, my 1600 square foot ranch gets to 80 degrees in the living room. A small fan I have mounted on the wall just below the ceiling pushes that 90 degree ceiling temp towards the back of the house, getting it to around 70 there. It is a dream really, sometimes too hot in the house.

 

[MAwoodinsert]

Wow that's great to hear! Any thoughts on how to facilitate heat distribution to a second floor? I know heat naturally rises, but wondering if we should also consider a fan to help blow the bear up. Did you also get the blower with your unit? I was not planning to since it sounds like it can be installed at a later date if we find we need it