Hi,
I'm new to the site, just signed up after browsing around last week. Have learned a lot so far but still have some questions and hope the knowledgeable folks here can share their experience. Since we like using the fireplace but are tired of the drafts, inefficiency, and high oil prices I decided a wood insert would be a good choice. I'm about to purchase the Englander Summer's Heat 50-SNC13I which I thought would be an ideal model as far as price and heating capacity is concerned. I have an approx. 1200sq/ft. one story ranch with an exterior, dual flue chimney that is about 18 ft high I would guess. Now my questions...
Does anyone have this model stove and is it decent? Can you adjust the amount of the insert that sticks out of the fireplace opening onto the hearth? I see in the manual that they mention it can be installed with a "direct connection" which I understand to be a length of pipe attached to the top of stove going up the chimney with the damper being sealed off with a plate at the bottom. Is this a viable way of installing the insert or is a full chimney liner suggested? If so, has anyone had good luck installing the liners on their own and what brand kits do you suggest? Any potential problems/issues to consider? Insulation? Is it still recommended to seal off the bottom even if there's a top plate installed? Will I have all the parts I need between the insert and lining kit to install everything?
I've also read that draft is very important and I notice some units come with a kit or adapter for an outside air source. Others recommend cracking a window or something for extra air supply. That seems counter-productive to open a window and let in freezing cold air from outside when I'm trying to heat the house. Is this an issue or not so much?
Thanks in advance for your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get further in this process.
I'm new to the site, just signed up after browsing around last week. Have learned a lot so far but still have some questions and hope the knowledgeable folks here can share their experience. Since we like using the fireplace but are tired of the drafts, inefficiency, and high oil prices I decided a wood insert would be a good choice. I'm about to purchase the Englander Summer's Heat 50-SNC13I which I thought would be an ideal model as far as price and heating capacity is concerned. I have an approx. 1200sq/ft. one story ranch with an exterior, dual flue chimney that is about 18 ft high I would guess. Now my questions...
Does anyone have this model stove and is it decent? Can you adjust the amount of the insert that sticks out of the fireplace opening onto the hearth? I see in the manual that they mention it can be installed with a "direct connection" which I understand to be a length of pipe attached to the top of stove going up the chimney with the damper being sealed off with a plate at the bottom. Is this a viable way of installing the insert or is a full chimney liner suggested? If so, has anyone had good luck installing the liners on their own and what brand kits do you suggest? Any potential problems/issues to consider? Insulation? Is it still recommended to seal off the bottom even if there's a top plate installed? Will I have all the parts I need between the insert and lining kit to install everything?
I've also read that draft is very important and I notice some units come with a kit or adapter for an outside air source. Others recommend cracking a window or something for extra air supply. That seems counter-productive to open a window and let in freezing cold air from outside when I'm trying to heat the house. Is this an issue or not so much?
Thanks in advance for your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I get further in this process.