Anyone on here still burning with a traditional FP still? I know I mentioned in one of my first threads how in-effective it was compared to my old homes gas FP. It just doesn't throw any heat in the room, am shocked. And I know it's not energy efficient at all. Until I get around to seriously investing into a wood burning stove insert is there anything worth while doing to improve the amount of heat throw back into the room from the FP? I've seen some blowers and I've seen fireplace backs cast iron suppose to throw heat back in the room but not sure if worth it or it throws much heat off. Blower obviously require electric which I don't have readily available in that area. Thanks in Advance!
There are log grates made of tubing and connected to a blower. Replace your old grate with it, build a fire and it heats the tubes and air in them and the blower blows the hot air out. It works but it ain't no wood stove.
Wow! I just did a search for fireplace grate blowers and found them in all shapes, sizes and prices, from $39.95 to over $500! I think Pappadave is correct, "save your money!"
A friend had a blower unit like was mentioned. Helped but it was soon gone when they got a stove. If it were me I'd use my time on building up the wood stacks until you get saved up for an insert. Burn some occasionally to keep your spirits up and for ambiance for the holidays.
I agree I am going to save my $$ for an insert when time comes. Schlot you hit the nail on the head just said same thing to my wife we'll burn occasionally and special occasions but not like I have been. I've been enjoying it so much I find myself burning allot more then I thought I would. Just kills me throwing wood in and it's basically doing nothing and my furnace is running just as much or more, but looks nice. Thanks All!
Yep, that furnace is trying to keep up with replacing the heat that's getting sucked up the ol' chimley..... Can't wait to see what you come up with regarding a proper wood burning appliance!
Glass front and an outside air source might help some but it is still not going to be a stove. My son's ex has a fireplace like that and it actually seemed to throw a little heat.
It's got glass doors and two small tabs to open and close a small set of vents. Not sure about the outside air source. Never tried burning it with the doors closed or vents closed, always read to have them open. But I truly am a novice!
They make outside air kits for stoves and you can use something similar for a fireplace. The one I have seen, the ducting ran under the floor from a nearby outside wall to the fireplace.
