I'm looking at the Enviro E33, Mendota FV44i or other suitable gas insert to retrofit a concrete chimney 35-1/2" wide by 34" tall, although I will likely reduce the opening height and raise the insert installed floor with a steel stand to allow a hearth-less install with wall-to-wall carpet.
The wife really likes the Enviro E33 with the glass pebble bed, ceramic logs, and black enamel liner that reflects the flame dancing. However I am concerned with the use of mild steel in the burners and heat exchanger. Are my concerns valid? Certainly my tankless water heater and forced-air furnace don't use mild steel for these critical components and have lived a long, trouble-free life. But the fireplace won't get as much use either.
As you can see the brick facade has been removed, I'll be putting a quartzite slab on the vertical surface, and leveling the hearth with mortar to carpet like the rest of the room.
![Enviro E33 vs Mendota FV44i or ? Enviro E33 vs Mendota FV44i or ?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/234/234601-a366bd7ecb3cb073a38fc7453f182077.jpg)
The wife really likes the Enviro E33 with the glass pebble bed, ceramic logs, and black enamel liner that reflects the flame dancing. However I am concerned with the use of mild steel in the burners and heat exchanger. Are my concerns valid? Certainly my tankless water heater and forced-air furnace don't use mild steel for these critical components and have lived a long, trouble-free life. But the fireplace won't get as much use either.
As you can see the brick facade has been removed, I'll be putting a quartzite slab on the vertical surface, and leveling the hearth with mortar to carpet like the rest of the room.
![Enviro E33 vs Mendota FV44i or ? Enviro E33 vs Mendota FV44i or ?](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/234/234601-a366bd7ecb3cb073a38fc7453f182077.jpg)
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