Thanks to a lot of research and tons of great information here, I think I'm ready to buy my insert. I wanted to post what I came up with and see if anyone will give me feedback as to my decission. I will be purchsaing the insert this weekend; I wanted to leave time for input from all of you.
I had it narrowed down to the Napoleon 1401, Lopi Revere and the Osburn 1800 or 2200. These inserts seemed to be very comparable as far as their specification are concerned and any of them will fit my existing masonary fireplace and should throw plenty of heat. From there I eliminated the Napoleon 1401 and the Lopi Revere based on looks. I really love the big bay window of the Osburn and wanted an insert that would sit out a bit from the fireplace opening, rather than being flush with the brick surround.
That brought me to the 1800I vs the 2200I. Since my existing masonary fireplace is large enough for either, I chose to go with the bigger 2200I. Many of you know the basics of my install from other posts. Being installed in the lower level of an 1800 square foot tri-level with existing electric baseboard heat throughout (no forced air system or ductwork). I run my business from my home and my office is in the lower level with the fireplace. I am hoping to heat this level, as well as the main level of the home (kitchen / dining and living rooms), if some heat migrates to the upper level bedroooms that's a bonus. I did not want to cook myself out of the office to do this, but I figure I can build a smaller fire in the big firebox of the 2200I in spring or fall. Once I filled the box on the 1800, that's it, maxed out. Therefore, the Osburn 2200I seems to be the winner. Does this logic seem to make sense, or am I missing something big?
I am planning to buy the insert and ss chimney liner locally and do the install myself. The dealer is fine with me doing the install, but requires that they send a technician out first to inspect and measure the existing fireplace. I was impressed with that service, since I am the one doing the install.
One question I have from some other posts I have read is should I insulate the chimney liner? The chimney is on an outside wall and is a approximately 20' from the top of the insert to the top of the chimney. I have read that there can be problems with the draft from chimneys on exterior walls. I currently burn the open fireplace and do not have trouble with the chimney drafting well. Since this will be my first experience with a wood burning insert, I'm not sure what to expect once the liner is in.
I would really appreciate any feedback regarding my decission. :roll: I know I have asked a bunch of questions, but I really want to avoid making a mistake with this.
I can buy the insert with the ss liner and faceplate for $2,530.00 (that's doing the install myself). Does that sound like a fair price?
I had it narrowed down to the Napoleon 1401, Lopi Revere and the Osburn 1800 or 2200. These inserts seemed to be very comparable as far as their specification are concerned and any of them will fit my existing masonary fireplace and should throw plenty of heat. From there I eliminated the Napoleon 1401 and the Lopi Revere based on looks. I really love the big bay window of the Osburn and wanted an insert that would sit out a bit from the fireplace opening, rather than being flush with the brick surround.
That brought me to the 1800I vs the 2200I. Since my existing masonary fireplace is large enough for either, I chose to go with the bigger 2200I. Many of you know the basics of my install from other posts. Being installed in the lower level of an 1800 square foot tri-level with existing electric baseboard heat throughout (no forced air system or ductwork). I run my business from my home and my office is in the lower level with the fireplace. I am hoping to heat this level, as well as the main level of the home (kitchen / dining and living rooms), if some heat migrates to the upper level bedroooms that's a bonus. I did not want to cook myself out of the office to do this, but I figure I can build a smaller fire in the big firebox of the 2200I in spring or fall. Once I filled the box on the 1800, that's it, maxed out. Therefore, the Osburn 2200I seems to be the winner. Does this logic seem to make sense, or am I missing something big?
I am planning to buy the insert and ss chimney liner locally and do the install myself. The dealer is fine with me doing the install, but requires that they send a technician out first to inspect and measure the existing fireplace. I was impressed with that service, since I am the one doing the install.
One question I have from some other posts I have read is should I insulate the chimney liner? The chimney is on an outside wall and is a approximately 20' from the top of the insert to the top of the chimney. I have read that there can be problems with the draft from chimneys on exterior walls. I currently burn the open fireplace and do not have trouble with the chimney drafting well. Since this will be my first experience with a wood burning insert, I'm not sure what to expect once the liner is in.
I would really appreciate any feedback regarding my decission. :roll: I know I have asked a bunch of questions, but I really want to avoid making a mistake with this.
I can buy the insert with the ss liner and faceplate for $2,530.00 (that's doing the install myself). Does that sound like a fair price?
