Like many newcomers to this board, I'm looking for the best option to get some heat out of my fires. Here's what I have currently:
Superior RD4300 zero clearance box UL 127
Opening dimensions: 43W x 24.5H x 28D (wall to the outside of the brick)
Minimum inside dimensions of firebox: 17D x 27W x 17H If I can remove the front baffle, I believe I can increase my opening height to 20"
The chimney is 8" steel ID of unknown type. I do have plumbing for outside combustion air through the roof near the eve. Electricity is also available.
The fireplace is about 8' from the return air vent, so I should get good circulation throughout the house. I don't expect to heat the entire house (~2900 sqft) but I would basically like to balance the cost & effort with heat output. In other words, a very small insert may be the simplest solution, but it may not be worth the cost or effort for a small reduction in heating costs. On the other hand, I could easily spend $10k+ to get something that could heat the entire house but the ROI wouldn't be there, either. I think I spend around $500/year in heating costs and have ample supplies of hardwoods. All options will require reline/ replacement of the pipe.
--Due to my small ZC firebox, an insert is out as far as I can tell. I haven't seen one that will fit.
--A second option may be to place a freestanding rear exit stove on the hearth. This isn't desirable for several reasons, but mainly because it would extend too far into the room in a high traffic area.
--Third, I could convert the opening into an alcove and install a freestanding stove
-- I believe this leaves me with a new ZC stove.
Although it's probably the most work, I'm leaning towards the ZC stove option. I have found the Buck 74ZC, Valcourt /Enerzone, and FPX. Any other suggestions I should be looking at? Would the stove in an alcove be a beter option? All will require enlarging/ modifying the opening in the brick surround, which is do-able. And if needed, I am willing to access the space behind via the adjoining interior wall.
I'd love to get some input here after lurking quite a bit.
Superior RD4300 zero clearance box UL 127
Opening dimensions: 43W x 24.5H x 28D (wall to the outside of the brick)
Minimum inside dimensions of firebox: 17D x 27W x 17H If I can remove the front baffle, I believe I can increase my opening height to 20"
The chimney is 8" steel ID of unknown type. I do have plumbing for outside combustion air through the roof near the eve. Electricity is also available.
The fireplace is about 8' from the return air vent, so I should get good circulation throughout the house. I don't expect to heat the entire house (~2900 sqft) but I would basically like to balance the cost & effort with heat output. In other words, a very small insert may be the simplest solution, but it may not be worth the cost or effort for a small reduction in heating costs. On the other hand, I could easily spend $10k+ to get something that could heat the entire house but the ROI wouldn't be there, either. I think I spend around $500/year in heating costs and have ample supplies of hardwoods. All options will require reline/ replacement of the pipe.
--Due to my small ZC firebox, an insert is out as far as I can tell. I haven't seen one that will fit.
--A second option may be to place a freestanding rear exit stove on the hearth. This isn't desirable for several reasons, but mainly because it would extend too far into the room in a high traffic area.
--Third, I could convert the opening into an alcove and install a freestanding stove
-- I believe this leaves me with a new ZC stove.
Although it's probably the most work, I'm leaning towards the ZC stove option. I have found the Buck 74ZC, Valcourt /Enerzone, and FPX. Any other suggestions I should be looking at? Would the stove in an alcove be a beter option? All will require enlarging/ modifying the opening in the brick surround, which is do-able. And if needed, I am willing to access the space behind via the adjoining interior wall.
I'd love to get some input here after lurking quite a bit.