Hello everyone, I don't post much, but I lurk quite a bit. Currently I heat with electricity, ($400 a month is starting to get old) however the family was against burning wood until the current cold snap. Now to the question, currently we have a brick fireplace with a natural gas logs that have not been lit in two years due to limited use and year round cost. If I were to install an insert what preparations would I need to make to my fireplace to make it suitable for an insert? The brick on the chimney is currently chipping, is there anyway to take that down and install a stainless steel flue? The house is 2500 sq ft and the stove would not be used 24/7 , but more as a backup heat source and used occasionally on those really cold nights. I am at a complete loss and really have no clue where to start.
Due to the way out house is laid out, it really isn't feasible to go with a free standing stove. Since it will not be a primary heat source, I am reluctant to figure out an area to install a free standing stove, therefore an insert seems like the better option for me.
Post some pictures when you get a chance.. What are the inside dimensions of your existing flue? Fireplace? Sounds like you'll have to remove the gas fixture and lines and maybe install a flue liner at the very least. What is the height of your chimney? Can you fit a 6 inch stainless liner past your damper or is it removable? Here's a picture of my setup. It's a Buck 81 that can be used as either a free standing wood stove or fireplace insert. I has a blower on it which some people don't like. I have about at 25' chimney and as you can see the existing fireplace was double sided. I installed a stainless insulated flex liner and put roxul around the liner where it enters the clay tile flue. Forgot to do the top but will get it next spring/summer. We're using this as our primary heat source (oil forced hot water backup) and it's working out pretty well. Good luck
I will post pictures later this evening. I'm not exactly sure on dimensions, but there shouldn't be a problem fitting a 6" liner. The chimney is around 25 ft. I will also get measurements later. I am looking at something along the lines of this http://www.lowes.com/pd_516906-6691...¤tURL=?Ntt=wood+stove+insert&facetInfo= for occasional use.
I know nothing about that insert but it looks like it has good reviews. You can also consider buying it here: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577755_200577755 Same stove but $300 less. Depending on your situation, this could be cheaper with tax and shipping depending on whether you require lift gate service or if you can get a discount at Lowes. Looking forward to the pictures. If you're going to use a flex liner, getting a good accurate measurement is important. I ended up buying a 30' liner and then cut 5' off of it during installation. Probably could have gotten away with a 25' liner and saved a few bucks.
A liner like has been suggested is the way to go. The insert most likely needs it for proper draft. You will need to make sure that the flue is intact though. The liner does not replace the function of the flue 100%.
