Fireplace or fireplace insert

Our house had a fireplace in finished basement when we first looked at buying it. Didn’t know much about em. didn’t look like it was ever used much, and seller said it been a long time since it had been. Wanted to know what to check before I used it, so went to the only stove shop I knew of to ask questions. After he explained all the inefficiencies of it I was ready to purchase an insert,(Lopi) was their brand! Due to mold issues, the entire basement was gutted & remodeled. Due to poor customer service & never getting back to me after several calls, I went a different route. Found a different dealer that installed a freestanding Hearthstone. They put in the liner pipe through the old fire box, chimney cap & and set it in place. I did all the rest including stone wall behind. Been 4 years, heats a 2500sq ft 2 level ranch very well. Put 2 small vents with fans in the ceiling. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made

 

Beautiful