Hello:
I recently purchased a home with a small 1940's fireplace. I would like to install an EPA wood stove for supplementary heat in winter and for "emergencies" as our power goes out a couple of times a year for a few days at a time.
I think I will have to install an insert instead because of clearance problems. I have read seemingly countless posts here about wood stove clearances, both inside and outside fireplaces, but wanted to confirm that my options are limited to inserts. I cannot seem to find a stove that would work. The fireplace dimensions are below.
If I find a stove, is installation a realistic DIY project? Chimney companies seem to only install products they carry. I would limit my work to installing the stove itself and would hire a chimney company to make all necessary repairs and preparations, such as installing a liner and top hat connector/register plate and making all necessary repairs. I would hire someone to inspect my installation.
For what it's worth, here are the reasons I wanted to install a stove instead of an insert:
I recently purchased a home with a small 1940's fireplace. I would like to install an EPA wood stove for supplementary heat in winter and for "emergencies" as our power goes out a couple of times a year for a few days at a time.
I think I will have to install an insert instead because of clearance problems. I have read seemingly countless posts here about wood stove clearances, both inside and outside fireplaces, but wanted to confirm that my options are limited to inserts. I cannot seem to find a stove that would work. The fireplace dimensions are below.
If I find a stove, is installation a realistic DIY project? Chimney companies seem to only install products they carry. I would limit my work to installing the stove itself and would hire a chimney company to make all necessary repairs and preparations, such as installing a liner and top hat connector/register plate and making all necessary repairs. I would hire someone to inspect my installation.
For what it's worth, here are the reasons I wanted to install a stove instead of an insert:
- I am not happy with the look of available inserts, particularly since my options are limited to what chimney companies carry. I see a lot of "victorian" fireplaces from the U.K. that are tiled with a wood stove installed and prefer the look.
- The benefits of an insert would seem to be outweighed by the fact that power is required for a blower. If the power goes out, I lose this benefit. I also do not want the sound of a blower. That being said, the fireplace is well-situated on an interior wall near the bedrooms. Does this mean that heat would radiate efficiently without a blower?
- Inserts seem to be more expensive.
- I mentioned that our power goes out frequently. We have an electric range for cooking. I would like a wood stove that would allow us to heat water and even cook very basic meals. This is not absolutely necessary, but would be nice to have.
