Considering replacing Osburn 2700 Matrix with protruding insert

[Eric Minnis]

We have been running an Osburn 2700 Matrix insert for going on 4 years. Overall we are somewhat happy with it. This selection was made with a mix of aesthetics, fire box size, and viewing glass dimensions. We read the heat output numbers but were probably a little miave with regard to the necessity for a blower. It is in our den and we have about 1850 Sq ft on the floor we are heating. We get good burn times but our wood is 10-15% and exclusively red oak. Recently, the cold snap really exposed the limitations of this insert.

The reasons we are thinking of a replacement are:
1) Fan has to be on for any measurable heat output (this is the main reason)
2) East/ West loading sucks
3) Fan rattles until temps stabilize but does serve as an alarm clock to reload at night
4) Although we have a 2.5 cu in firebox, it struggles to heat adequately when OAT gets below about 10 F.

My Consideration is something like a Pacific Energy insert that protrudes a bit for more radiant heat. Unfortunately- we do not really have the hearth space for a free standing stove or I would do that. We have 2 freestanding stoves (basement and shop) and they are so much better.

We also wish to stick with a non-catalytic stove. The Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 or Summit LE are considerations at the moment. Our fireplace (masonry) meets the clearance requirements for both.

My question is: Will these protruding inserts produce significantly more heat due to the protrusion (radiant) than our existing stove. This one works for 80% of our needs but I have become a fire wood junkie and want more.

 

[Brotatocrisp08]

Interesting we share so many of the same reasons we wanna say goodbye to our Osburn Matrix boxes (mine just the Matrix). I’m in OR, so 70% of the time it’ll heat most of the house. But on the low 30 nights it’ll heat the living room, but rest of house is freezing. It’s a 1700sqft to heat.. so like you, when we most need the heat, this box leaves us wanting.

Also, this is my first insert/stand alone. Only had a fireplace with fans in the masonry. Installer said “this is the one I’d put in my home” with me having no clue what max burn time or btu was. I candidly thought I couldn’t have a fire in the insert for more than 8 hours. Right?! Max burn time… smh.
This thing never has coals in the morning and no matter my damper mastery attempts, I can’t get logs to burn longer than 5.5 hours. (I know humidity and wood type can be imperative to this….now)
I’m replying in hopes of hearing suggestions to getting a dang good insert that’ll burn logs over night. Catalyst ones even, if that’s what I need. Thank you to all for any help.

 

[EbS-P]

My thoughts are these. I don’t think how far the insert protrudes will matter much during the coldest 5-7 days a year. What you need to do is burn 30% more wood. 2.5 cu ft has its limits. Think about how to supplement your stove. For those really cold days how much does running you HVAC heat cost to keep the house warm.

Anything sized for the coldest 5 days will run you out of the room most other days.

I would improve air sealing and insulation before I changed inserts. That said if it fits the Osborn 3500/ blue ridge 500i is as big an insert as that make for a 6” liner.

 

[Brotatocrisp08]

My thoughts are these. I don’t think how far the insert protrudes will matter much during the coldest 5-7 days a year. What you need to do is burn 30% more wood. 2.5 cu ft has its limits. Think about how to supplement your stove. For those really cold days how much does running you HVAC heat cost to keep the house warm.

Anything sized for the coldest 5 days will run you out of the room most other days.

I would improve air sealing and insulation before I changed inserts. That said if it fits the Osborn 3500/ blue ridge 500i is as big an insert as that make for a 6” liner.

Hi EbS-P, thank you for your reply. The insulating makes sense. Also the point of getting a "hotter" one might cook us out of the living room. Unfortunately, my Matrix was even too big for my fireplace and the installer had to jack hammer the back sides of the fireplace out as the original shape was concave. Not rectangular like the insert. Is there a quality insulation you'd suggest? And would you put it on the top of the box or just the sides or under?

 

[kborndale]

If you don't have a block off plate then add one, as for insulation, I think they meant the house in general.

 

[mellow]

Hi EbS-P, thank you for your reply. The insulating makes sense. Also the point of getting a "hotter" one might cook us out of the living room. Unfortunately, my Matrix was even too big for my fireplace and the installer had to jack hammer the back sides of the fireplace out as the original shape was concave. Not rectangular like the insert. Is there a quality insulation you'd suggest? And would you put it on the top of the box or just the sides or under?

See this thread for insulating your fireplace, I would do this correctly first before replacing the insert:

Post in thread 'Finally got around to insulating my fireplace'

Jan 15, 2014

After seeing the gains from just the back piece of cement board I have gone ahead and done it properly on back,side,bottom,top.

Just about finished:


Finished and painted with high temp black paint in case I decide to run with no surround:




Will let you guys know how it does.

• mellow

• 

 

[begreen]

My Consideration is something like a Pacific Energy insert that protrudes a bit for more radiant heat. Unfortunately- we do not really have the hearth space for a free standing stove or I would do that. We have 2 freestanding stoves (basement and shop) and they are so much better.

We also wish to stick with a non-catalytic stove. The Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 or Summit LE are considerations at the moment. Our fireplace (masonry) meets the clearance requirements for both.

My question is: Will these protruding inserts produce significantly more heat due to the protrusion (radiant) than our existing stove. This one works for 80% of our needs but I have become a fire wood junkie and want more.

If it will fit (check depth) then go for the Summit. It will run fine on half loads in milder weather, but it shines when fully loaded. It will put out a fair amount of heat with the blower off, but in below 10º weather, I suspect the preference will be to have it running.

Another big insert to consider is the Osburn 3500i.