Fireplace insert

[scott craven]

Just had a chimney inspection and it appears there are numerous cracks as well
as the bricks and mortar need repair.
Therefore looking for input on a fireplace insert.
Are they worth the money ? Any recommendations ?

 

[Fish Assassin]

Pacfic Energy all the way. Air tight and so energy efficient it's unbelievable. Blaze King is my second choice.

Pacfic Energy does do damage and dent sales from thier warehouse in Duncan

 

[wolf]

Scott are you talking a new chimney the metal one that goes up thru the old chimney ?
Or a fireplace insert?

If you have easy access to firewood id go with a wood stove and get the fireplace area blocked off with the pipe going thru it...

or second option is those wood pellet stoves easy clean and man powerful my father just installed one and I was rather impressed no more splitting chopping and kindling and hauling it in.
All he does now is dump a bag in and last about 10 days....super easy for a old guy ...

 

[scott craven]

Yes, sounds like I will need both a metal chimney liner and the fireplace insert.
we currently have an open wood burning fireplace that is totally non-efficient.

 

[Fish Assassin]

The chimney liner and air tight inserts are awesome. Your heating bills will drop big time. You won't regreat it.

 

[SpringVelocity]

I worked in R and D for PE for almost 4 years.

There really are only three firebox inserts in PE..The Summit, Super 27 and Vista... Unless you are trying to heat something 2000 square feet and up dont get the summit... Or else you will spend your winter opening windows up to cool house down. The super27 is the best firebox PE has.

Yes you will need a liner. You need one and no WETT inspector will allow it without...

As for medium inserts these all have same super27 firebox:

The neo came out just before I left: http://www.pacificenergy.net/products/wood/inserts/neo-25-insert/

This is the one I would recommend: http://www.pacificenergy.net/products/wood/inserts/super-insert/

If you looking something with more esthetic go alderlea with casted iron/enamel: http://www.pacificenergy.net/products/wood/cast-iron-inserts/alderlea-t5-classic-insert/

Don't get a pellet stove I wouldn't recommend them based on what I have seen in efficiency and maintenance.

At my home I have a super27 wood stove and can easily heat the house at 1800 square feet.

 

[scott craven]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the good info.

 

[Fisherman Rob]

I've been thinking about installing the Pacific Energy Neo in our open fireplace. I like the more modern look, compared to other inserts. Only thing holding me back is cost (around $5-6k installed), as we are also considering a heat pump (~$7-10k). Our house has a low pitch tongue and grove pine roof deck, no attic, with very little insulation (maybe R7), and no simple way to improve the R rating. My concern is a heat pump will run non-stop all day and night when it gets cold. An insert may be the better option though...

 

[scott craven]

I've kicked around both ideas as well, but unless we seal up the fireplace(which my wife would never agree to)
we would still lose a lot of heat up the chimney.
I'm researching prices now.

 

[Finished Business]

I run an Archgard 1600 insert. Its hotter than hell. Just had my top floor at near sauna temps (35+ C).

If you are going to go with an insert with a stainless chimney pipe, make sure your insert has an electric fan. A unit without a fan pales in comparison to one that does. My only complaint about inserts is you have to be a little more selective with the length and size of the firewood. Other than that its one of the best tools I've bought for the house.

My insert was a little over $2k. I installed it myself, quite simple. I had to knock out a few bricks on the front edge but it was pretty straight forward.

 

[7Deuce]

Just curious who did the inspection? I'm in a masonry related business and I've seen some very interesting chimney related reports and quotes. PM me if you want a couple names of good crews if there is a doubt.

 

[Fish Assassin]

I have a Super 27..... Scott, you get them to toss in a fan if it doesn't come with one already. I bet you'll never use it as these PE throw so much heat.

 

[barrie]

Scott,

Get a gas fireplace insert! Waaaay better with no fuss and no mess! You must have gas in your high end neighbourhood?

 

[Fish Assassin]

If your rich and enjoy the same fire that never changes go gas and PVR the Shaw fire place this winter. That way you can enjoy a real wood burning fire

I PVR'D the Shaw fire place....LOL It's alway a good laugh during the summer.

 

[barrie]

I'm Just looking out for Scott he isn't a "spring chicken" anymore, he can barely lift that heavy wallet of his.

 

[Bows Up]

I've kicked around both ideas as well, but unless we seal up the fireplace(which my wife would never agree to)
we would still lose a lot of heat up the chimney.
I'm researching prices now.

Show her more units.

Maybe you'll get the insert if you stealthily propose a new stone hearth.

 

[Slack-tider]

Have a mid 50s house that had a big brick wood fire place. All the heat went up the flue. I framed in a gas insert and had a Valor gas fireplace put in (could be propane) and it's on a remote thermostat. Clean, efficient and space heats most of the house. Love it!! Highly recommend it. No more wood stacking and splitting.

 

[Kildonan]

if you buy the wood insert, then when you get too old to want to mess with firewood anymore, you could probably sell the unit then put a gas insert in.

I've heated my place with wood for over 20 years and it's been great. The drawbacks are collecting and chopping wood it's a fair amount of work and it's a bit messy. But the heat is amazing.

On those blustery winter nights, you can't beat it.

 

[salmonkiller01]

Just curious who did the inspection? I'm in a masonry related business and I've seen some very interesting chimney related reports and quotes. PM me if you want a couple names of good crews if there is a doubt.

I second that, I had my fireplace/chimney inspected and was told I need an insert or rebuild the chimney, had a mason come give a quote look and he found no problems and told me about some of the inspection guys who sell inserts. Had it inspected by someone else and passed.( my woodstove passed the initial inspection even though it was burnt out)

 

[scott craven]

Ha ha, no heavy wallet here..
good idea's though.
gas would cost considerably more, wife would want all new appliances.
will get a couple quotes and see what the damage is ?