Removing Benefire II Insert Model 3001,3006

[lava]

We are considering purchasing a 1970's home with a Benefire II fireplace insert. Is there any way to remove it, put in a metal sleeve and install a new insert? OR would it be possible to insert a pipe from a floor-standing wooding burning stove in thru the top of the fireplace wall then up and out of the chimney?

 

[webbie]

The Benefire was just a slip in insert - it will slip right out. Then you should have a regular masonry fireplace. Get it cleaned and inspected and you should be able to install various inserts or stoves in there.

 

[Rknrip]

I'm a partner of crackle in this purchase. We're having trouble locating someone in Northern California (Clear Lake area) to do an inspection. Anybody out there who can help us in this?

 

[webbie]

Try these links............
http://www.csia.org/
http://www.ncsg.org/
(broken link removed to http://www.nficertified.org/pages_consumers/consumers-1.html)

 

[Rknrip]

Thank you Admin, very helpful :coolsmile:

 

[lava]

Thanks again for your help We're having trouble locating anyone on the list of recommended technicians, who's familiar with this insert. Would a roof level camera check by a chimney expert revel any contradictions. Does anyone else out there have experience with removing Sunbeam Benfire inserts?

 

[mellow]

As has been said before, this insert will just pull out of the fireplace. Pull it out and you will have a regular fireplace behind it (In theory). If this is an older house you might as well plan on putting in a stainless liner, you can pay to have the camera run down your flue to check for cracks in the terracotta but really you need to do a liner regardless. As for finding another insert to go in you need to pull the surrounds off the existing one and measure your fireplace, or just pull the whole insert out and measure. This time of year chimney sweeps are busy so you might have better success in the spring time.