Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Insert vs Firebox vs Fireplace please help!!!!!!!
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ahreno
11-24-08, 08:16 PM
I had the pleasure of having a chimney fire a month ago. Nothing major happened and insurance is covering everything which includes tearing down and replacing my chimney and fireplace.
Picasa Web Albums - Ahren - Nice House Pi... (http://picasaweb.google.com/ahreno/NiceHousePictures#5098326681503635522) (-- as you can see the chimney is a major part of the curb appeal of the house so it will be rebuilt on the outside to match. However I'm free to do the inside however I like.
I've pretty much decided on wood but could be convinced to pellet. Gas is probably out as the house isn't plumbed for it.
here is a picture inside: Picasa Web Albums - Ahren - Nice House Pi... (http://picasaweb.google.com/ahreno/NiceHousePictures#5098326406625728178)
I'd like to get something a little bit more efficient (A LOT more efficient actually). The fireplace is the main sorce of heat for the downstairs which is 900sq ft. I'll probably put some vents in so the heat can get upstairs as well.
I am debating getting the fireplace rebuilt with the intentions of putting in an insert OR putting in a wood fire box instead.
The benefit of the firebox is it's WAY cheaper since i dont need a full chimney... just the stove piping and then a brick face (to retain the original look). The firebox is a bit more efficient than the insert (73% compared to 65%) and comes with a blower.
What are some of your thoughts on this? Is there anything wrong with doing a fire box? anything i'd regret?
Thanks so much
Picasa Web Albums - Ahren - Nice House Pi... (http://picasaweb.google.com/ahreno/NiceHousePictures#5098326681503635522) (-- as you can see the chimney is a major part of the curb appeal of the house so it will be rebuilt on the outside to match. However I'm free to do the inside however I like.
I've pretty much decided on wood but could be convinced to pellet. Gas is probably out as the house isn't plumbed for it.
here is a picture inside: Picasa Web Albums - Ahren - Nice House Pi... (http://picasaweb.google.com/ahreno/NiceHousePictures#5098326406625728178)
I'd like to get something a little bit more efficient (A LOT more efficient actually). The fireplace is the main sorce of heat for the downstairs which is 900sq ft. I'll probably put some vents in so the heat can get upstairs as well.
I am debating getting the fireplace rebuilt with the intentions of putting in an insert OR putting in a wood fire box instead.
The benefit of the firebox is it's WAY cheaper since i dont need a full chimney... just the stove piping and then a brick face (to retain the original look). The firebox is a bit more efficient than the insert (73% compared to 65%) and comes with a blower.
What are some of your thoughts on this? Is there anything wrong with doing a fire box? anything i'd regret?
Thanks so much
ahreno
11-29-08, 12:01 AM
anyone give me any help? Wood? Pellet? Gas? Insert or Firebox? Someobne here HAS to have some good opinions!
Crocostimpy
12-08-08, 11:31 AM
I'm eagerly following this thread, as I'm sort of in the same boat. I was going to get my chimney relined (vertical cracks and evidence of a fire), but now I'm thinking about having a gas insert installed instead. A direct-vent unit would allow me to not have to fix the chimney. There's already gas run to the fireplace for a starter, so it should be a realtively painless conversion.
I don't have ready and cheap access to wood, so I would be paying whatever the going rates are. A good gas insert should be a lot more efficient too. The more I think about it the more I think I should just do it, but I was hoping to hear comments from others who have done the same - good or bad.
I don't have ready and cheap access to wood, so I would be paying whatever the going rates are. A good gas insert should be a lot more efficient too. The more I think about it the more I think I should just do it, but I was hoping to hear comments from others who have done the same - good or bad.