Replacing a Majestic Fireplace Lots of ???

[Fsufishin]

All. I'm a long time lurker very good tid-bits of information on here. Now its my turn to ask... I just moved and in turn moved away from my HE wood insert... I now have a 1998 Majestic Zero Clearance Fireplace Model SC36 with the accordion style doors thinking it may work for the winter we tried our first burn.... TERRIBLE Used a ton of wood and little heat even with the fan.

Now, I am setting out to start over and install a useful unit. I stopped by my local Fireplace shop for recommendations, wasn't so impressed but it was somewhat informative, This is what I know:

1. I need a Zero Clearance High Efficiency Wood Burning Fireplace, thru my online searches I have found MANY manufacturers not just a couple, What is the best bang for your buck? I am looking to keep it around $2,000.00-$3,000.00, Space is available as I am tearing out the old including the architectural stone and I would like to be able to burn a larger log, our house is roughly 2400 sqft+finished basment. I did see that most manufacturers offer remote space heating taps and distribution option with their fireplaces, I would like this option. My fireplace is located on first floor and basement is finished which is where my heat would "dump" I am a HVAC Engineer by trade and perform HVAC work for a living so this work is very feasible for me. I have a limited budget so cost is the primary driver on this, this unit does not need to be a name brand. Recommendations welcome!

2. Upon visiting my local retailer he said all flue would have to be replaced because each manufacturer of fireplaces specifies flue vent. While searching, I have found that they do, however each specifies the same type of flue but a different manufacturer(Selkirk, metalbestos,... and so on. dual wall 304SS inner and various outers with 1" mineral wool or ceramic). Unfortunately, I am not as savvy with Fireplaces as I am with Air Handlers and Boilers so currently my Majestic has a SK8- 8" flue. Can this remain on a new HE unit or will in fact have to be replaced?

If you have any other questions please ask, I am ready to pull the trigger on this but I am not sold on the manufacturer yet and am looking for industry opinions for me to research.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[begreen]

For affordable starters, look at the Flame Monaco and Pacific Energy FP30. Does the budget also have reserves for the new chimney pipe that will be required?

 

[Fsufishin]

For affordable starters, look at the Flame Monaco and Pacific Energy FP30. Does the budget also have reserves for the new chimney pipe that will be required?

Yes I will have provisions for flue but my question number two above is will the SK8- 8" that is currently in place be re-usable or will it have to be replaced?

 

[begreen]

I think the flue will have to be replaced with class A pipe. From what I recall SK-8 is for Majestic/Monessen only.

 

[Grisu]

If you are on a budget, putting a rear-vented stove in front of the fireplace and connecting it to a liner run through your chimney is probably be cheaper and way easier to install than tearing out your current fireplace and replacing it. The result may look like this:

Did your dealer tell you about that option?

 

[begreen]

That wouldn't dump any heat to the basement.

 

[Fsufishin]

I think the flue will have to be replaced with class A pipe. From what I recall SK-8 is for Majestic/Monessen only.

I don't think this would work as I don't have a masonry fireplace. Currently, I have a zero clearance dual wall chimney, also that fact that I wan tto run to the basement, thank you for the idea, I wish I had the space for a wood burner

 

[Fsufishin]

For affordable starters, look at the Flame Monaco and Pacific Energy FP30. Does the budget also have reserves for the new chimney pipe that will be required?

The flame Monaco looks great! Any others that are comparable?

 

[begreen]

There are but probably at a higher price. The PE FP30 and Flame Monaco offer very good value.

What is the width of the current opening?

 

[Heatsource]

no, the sk pipe is not HT rated, so it is not re-useable

 

[m159267]

I just removed my Majestic ZC fireplace and replaced it with a Valcourt FP10 Lafayette.
I replaced the SK-8 flue with a class A pipe (27').

Extremely happy with the unit.