Thoughts on insert in short term house

[mol1jb]

Hey all,

Looking for advice and opinions on my situation.

I am trying to decide how to justify adding some wood heat to the main level of the house we currently live in. We will most likely only be living here a few more years (3-5). The house is small ~1700sq ft living space, 850 on each floor. I currently have a stove in the half finished walkout basement (laundry room and workshop are not finished yet). I would love to have an insert in the main floor fireplace because heating from the basement will always be an adequate but less than ideal setup (basement 80* while main level 68*) .

Here's my main dilemma. With our plans of moving in the medium future how would you go about working wood heat to the main level? My main holdups are the following.

-Fireplace is only lined with terracotta.
-Fireplace is medium to small size (only 25" height)
-Ideally would like to take the unit with us when we move
-For the above reason I would prefer to do a stove setup out of the fireplace but the height restriction of 25" is really cramping my options.
-Don't want to spend a large sum for structural modification of the fireplace or insert due to the fact that each fireplace is different (move and take the insert with us and it doesn't fit into a new house fireplace).

Any input would be welcome

 

[jeffesonm]

Try to find a used one cheap on Craiglist.

 

[rwhite]

I purchased a used EPA certified insert and bought the liner and insulation new. I did all the work myself. I think it cost me around $1200. IIRC the insert was $350, the liner kit was around $6-700 and the rest was parts and various and sundry items (maybe even beer was included). At that cost it broke even on the gas bill the first winter. Whatever you do I would consider it a permanent installation that will be sold with the house.

 

[branchburner]

Since this would potentially be a short-term investment rather than a long-term one, consider the ROI. If your heating bills are pretty high, then find a good deal on whatever new or used stove/insert requires the least expensive hearth modification.

I would work on the assumption that it will be a sunk cost, since the odds are probably low that the small stove/insert and liner will suit the needs of your new home.

Not sure how many freestanding stoves have a rear vent under 24" but this is what I'd be looking at: CW2500 insert for $700+.
http://www.ruralking.com/hardware/c...eater-accessories/cw2500-epa-wood-insert.html