Hello,
We just moved into a 1952 house with a lovely brick fireplace in the main room. We 1) love-love-love sitting by the fire and also 2) want more efficiency (ie, >70), so we can use wood burning as a backup heat source. (Currently on oil, no NG available.) Finally, we would like to add a mantlepiece to improve the room. Fireplace in attached photo.
1. Is there a particular STYLE of insert for people seeking both beauty/access to fire and efficiency? If cost were no object, what is the best way to go?
2. Is there any reason not to add a mantle now, even before we choose an insert?
3. How can we identify a local hearth expert, to help us with install, etc, as needed?
Thank you.
Happy New Year!
We just moved into a 1952 house with a lovely brick fireplace in the main room. We 1) love-love-love sitting by the fire and also 2) want more efficiency (ie, >70), so we can use wood burning as a backup heat source. (Currently on oil, no NG available.) Finally, we would like to add a mantlepiece to improve the room. Fireplace in attached photo.
1. Is there a particular STYLE of insert for people seeking both beauty/access to fire and efficiency? If cost were no object, what is the best way to go?
2. Is there any reason not to add a mantle now, even before we choose an insert?
3. How can we identify a local hearth expert, to help us with install, etc, as needed?
Thank you.
Happy New Year!
![[Hearth.com] Upgrading from brick - beauty AND efficiency](/talk/data/attachments/219/219366-f894868d98a5dbf0205b36908b0a9bc6.jpg?hash=QHFUB8LJYN)
