Beginner needs advice

I'm thinking a minimal amount of modifications to the existing surround, and a new Woodstock free-standing stove. Yes, the stove would protrude a bit but the end result should be more than acceptable.
kotzfunkel, a warm welcome to the nut house. JB

 

Save for the "real cold" we had a couple weeks ago, my 13 is keeping my house at 70+*F on average!!

 

Let me say that I am highly impressed by the response that I've been getting so far. Thanks everyone!

It is clear to me now that I need an insert. And Scotty Overkill, that is a beautiful fireplace and in terms of the insert exactly what I am looking for myself!

jeff_t, it is my intention to remove the brick facade that is there currently and rebuild the fireplace (to the dimension of my chosen insert). You are probably right that I would not find an insert that fits the existing cavity.

I believe that the flue is in good shape, but am leaning toward a liner. I'm not sure if I will be able to afford an insulated one, but it makes a lot of sense to me to have one in terms of maintainability. Yearly sweeps is a must, I hear.

 

It appears that I am a bit confused. As jeff_t pointed out, I may need a zero clearance fireplace and not an insert after all. To clarify, if I am already planning on redoing the masonry, therefore it makes more sense to install a fireplace (not an insert), correct?

 

It would be an expensive project, and a pretty major undertaking. It would include demo of the existing fireplace and chimney.

If it is possible for a mason to enlarge what you have, that might be more cost effective, but if including the purchase and installation of an insert and liner, there may not be much difference.

If you want fire, a wood stove and chimney in another location would be the least expensive route.

 

Being able to sweep the chimney fairly esay is important.
& yes , yearly sweeping is a must.

You have several options. Gonna drive you nuts. LOL
Many inserts & zero clearance are highly efficient.
Seems you'll be able to go either direction.

Got any wood stove stores near by, sometimes it helps to see them in person.

Like said
Important to do it right & get what you vision the first time

 

Before you make any decisions, secure the place and go from there. No need to rush anything at this point.
As an engineer, we'll trust your measurements. Let us help out based on those. Take your time, this is not something to be considered lightly. Good luck.

 

I agree with Jeff, too small of an opening for an insert(unless the picture was modified in some way to scrunch it up..other things in the picture look right though..door/window).

No way I'd spend the money to have the fireplace opening made bigger to stuff an insert in it. I'd demo the existing fireplace opening/close up the opening and place a free standing stove there. Line the existing chimney and connect in higher up by poking a hole through the wall. If another location would be better for a free standing stove I'd abandon that location all together.

Now if the "look" of the fireplace with a mantel is important do as you need to get the look you're wanting.

I guess the big question is are you looking to gain a little self reliance by heating with wood or looking for a kick a@@ looking fireplace.

BTW, Congrats on the new house!

 

Zero clearance fireplace here.

 

Beautiful!

 

Same here, although my second fp is blocked off until I can get another insert for it.

 

If it were me, I'd plop down a rear-vented free-standing stove on the hearth (it may need to be re-built depending on the floor protection requirements of the stove.) You can get an idea of how a free-stander and liner are installed by looking at some stove manuals online. A free-stander will get more heat into the house (maybe the entire house, depending on the layout,) possibly without blower noise. Those attributes make the free-stander shine during power outages. Many start out just wanting a part-time fire to supplement their heating needs, but once they feel that wonderful wood heat they get hooked and want to do it all with a stove. Perfecting the art of wood heating may well appeal to to your engineer's sensibilities. Now, I understand that some may prefer the cleaner look of an insert or ZC fireplace, but there are some sweet-looking free-standers available....porcelain on cast iron...oooooo! For sure, this approach would be cheaper and less involved...all you have to do is convince your better half.