Fireplace …. Insert or free standing?

[trx680]

Was thinking about a Jotul

I have a small home with a fireplace. Right now it's got an older Englander woodstove insert. The stove is not very efficient. Not a very good dampener on it, and it burns hot and fast. The door seal appears good, i just don't think the dampener on there is worth a darn.
I do not use this as my primary source of heat. I would use it as a backup if it got too cold for the heat pump. And sometimes I just like to see the fire.
But I'm having heat pump issues. My brand new American Standard heat pump is broke already and can't get the parts until early next year. We are having unseasonably cold temperatures here in Virginia, in the teens.
I need a more reliable backup heating system. And to be truthful with you, we're ready for a nicer newer wood stove.
I measured the dimensions of my fireplace, and they are as follows:
26.5" tall
33.5" wide
20" deep with additional 18" to the end of the hearth.

Obviously another insert would make sense but I missed the boat on Jotul insert. I don't see them on their website anymore.
I'm looking at really their only woodstove that would fit based of height dimensions, the Jotul F35 Rockwood. With the optional SHORTER LEGS it's 25.5" tall. It's 30.25" deep and my hearth is a total of 38" deep.

What do you guys think of having a free standing woodstove, and not an insert, in my situation?
And I’d really prefer a stove I won’t wake to COLD in the morning. One that will burn slow for 8 hours.

 

[trx680]

Heres a picture

 

[begreen]

Is this the 13-NC insert? (Edit, Checked, it's not the 13 NCi )
How large of an area is the stove heating? How well insulated and sealed is it? I am assuming the insert was installed with a stainless liner. Do you know how tall the liner is?

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Me personally If I was a here and there burner and an insert met my needs Id probably go with the insert.

If I was burning more like on the weekends and during cold snaps and for gire viewing, heat, Id go with a free standing stove.

The heat from a stove is better then an insert with no electricity needed and no fan to listen to.

When done properly its a beautiful setup.. many here have this and it looks fantastic

 

[EbS-P]

26.5" tall

You want an insert. At least 2.0 cu ft. I have both. f400 will go 6 hours between reloads when it’s cold. The 1800i 2.4 cu ft insert will go 8+.

If you had 29” height I might consider a stove but not with 26”.

 

[begreen]

Right now it's got an older Englander woodstove insert. The stove is not very efficient. Not a very good dampener on it, and it burns hot and fast.

Do you know what the model Englander is? They usually have the hinge on the left side.

It would be good to understand the issue before recommending a replacement. The other thing to consider is the clearance to the mantel. It could be too close with a larger insert.

 

[trx680]

Is this the 13-NC insert? (Edit, Checked, it's not the 13 NCi )
How large of an area is the stove heating? How well insulated and sealed is it? I am assuming the insert was installed with a stainless liner. Do you know how tall the liner is?

24jc
House is 1100sqft
It’s a 1950s brick rancher. Not really sure how well the walls are insulated. Windows and doors are good.
I installed an 8” insulated stainless liner, don’t remember the length

 

[trx680]

Do you know what the model Englander is? They usually have the hinge on the left side.

It would be good to understand the issue before recommending a replacement. The other thing to consider is the clearance to the mantel. It could be too close with a larger insert.

24jc
Biggest issue is that I can’t damper this stove down for a slow burn. It’s an older stove that I bought used about 10 years ago. That damper adjustment just isn’t doing anything. It’s got a good size firebox, just wish it didn’t burn so hot and fast.
The mantel is kinda close, as seen in the picture.

 

[trx680]

Growing up we had a big Fisher Grandpa Bear…..what a stove!!
I wish I could fit a smaller Fisher in there but they are too tall.

 

[begreen]

24jc
House is 1100sqft
It’s a 1950s brick rancher. Not really sure how well the walls are insulated. Windows and doors are good.
I installed an 8” insulated stainless liner, don’t remember the length

Thanks. This is the first one I have seen in an insert. This is an early catalytic stove.
Is the catalyst in good working condition?
Are you closing the bypass damper once the catalyst and stove are up to temperature?
How many stories above the stove room?

 

[trx680]

Thanks. This is the first one I have seen in an insert. This is an early catalytic stove.
Is the catalyst in good working condition?
Are you closing the bypass damper once the catalyst and stove are up to temperature?
How many stories above the stove room?

Is the catalyst in good working order? Well, I'm not sure. Don't even know how to tell.

Yes, I close the damper but I'm not sure the damper is doing it's job
It's a rancher, so just the roof above the stove room

 

[bigealta]

26.5" tall opening is pretty tight but maybe you could have a small freestanding woodstove out in front or partially in front of the opening? looks like you could have room with the large tiled base in front?

But an 8 hour burn time would be asking a lot. Maybe the f35 can do that?

 

[Slimdusty]

You mentioned an 8” liner, most of the new stoves and inserts are designed for a 6” exhaust. Maybe the 8” liner is exhausting too much and contributing to lower performance. Just a thought