Hey all, I have been lurking on this site for awhile. I have been using my open fireplace to try and heat my home for awhile, 1400 sq ft. I have found several pre epa inserts around here for cheap. Everyone tell me to just slide them in and use it. My fireplace is a masonry type. I have been told the only thing is that i will need to clean the chimney more often. Any help will be apreciated.
Thinking of getting a pre epa insert.
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On some of the inserts i have seen it does not look like you could put a liner on them. they just have slits on the back for the smoke.
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![[Hearth.com] Thinking of getting a pre epa insert.](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/85/85553-b48f8827eaa58aa6bd69dceb040573ca.jpg?hash=Cq_y_CXNbi "[Hearth.com] Thinking of getting a pre epa insert.")
A "Boot" is normally installed over the outlet to connect to a liner.
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If no connector pipe is used, when cleaning chimney you should pull the insert from the hearth to clean behind it. Connection to a liner prevents removal of Insert at every cleaning. It also assures the correct diameter flue all the way to the top. Most fireplace flues are much larger, requiring you to allow more heated gasses up the stack to create the same draft (intake) as a smaller flue. 6 to 8" doesn't seem like much, but the area inside the 8" flue requires almost TWICE the amount of heat than a 6". 6" being 28.26 square inch vs. 8" being 50.24 square inch. Another advantag eis the ability to pour insulation around the liner, keeping inside temps hotter for a cleaner flue and better draft.
If you choose to instal with no liner, you must seal the insert to the face of the hearth so ALL the air from chimney draft is pulled THROUGH the Insert, not around it. (causing cool indoor air to leak up chimney reducing draft)
A "Boot" is normally installed over the outlet to connect to a liner.
If no connector pipe is used, when cleaning chimney you should pull the insert from the hearth to clean behind it. Connection to a liner prevents removal of Insert at every cleaning. It also assures the correct diameter flue all the way to the top. Most fireplace flues are much larger, requiring you to allow more heated gasses up the stack to create the same draft (intake) as a smaller flue. 6 to 8" doesn't seem like much, but the area inside the 8" flue requires almost TWICE the amount of heat than a 6". 6" being 28.26 square inch vs. 8" being 50.24 square inch. Another advantag eis the ability to pour insulation around the liner, keeping inside temps hotter for a cleaner flue and better draft.
If you choose to instal with no liner, you must seal the insert to the face of the hearth so ALL the air from chimney draft is pulled THROUGH the Insert, not around it. (causing cool indoor air to leak up chimney reducing draft)
Also, what is the size of your fireplace? If the fireplace / box itself is not unattractive, and is large enough, you could set a freestanding wood stove in there as well (be careful about mantle clearance to combustibles and forward clearance to combustibles for both inserts and freestanders).
I mention this as it may open up a few more options to you, pre-epa or not.
Also (i'll reiterate what others said well), the use of a liner makes for a safer installation and makes cleaning much more complete and much easier. Do it and be done.
pen
I mention this as it may open up a few more options to you, pre-epa or not.
Also (i'll reiterate what others said well), the use of a liner makes for a safer installation and makes cleaning much more complete and much easier. Do it and be done.
pen
Had a slammer insert for 21 years. Had to haul that heavy sucker out of the fireplace every year to clean the chimney. Put in a liner and ya just brush the gunk down into the firebox and you are done. Your back and hearth will thank you for it. Liners are much cheaper than back surgery.
Depending on where you live, re-installing a slammer could be illegal. It may also be prohibited by your homeowners insurance. You should not even consider inserts that cannot be connected to a liner. Some slammers are better than others, but even the best of them will not be as safe, or efficient as a modern insert.
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