Hi, I have lurked here for awhile, this is by far the most well informed wood burning group of folks I've found. I have a question that seems like it has been covered (yes I do know how to use the search function!) but most of the answers start out with...."well, it depends....." so I thought I would throw this out and see if anyone has an opinion on my specific situation. If not, that's cool too.
In the attached photo (hope it works), there is a 16x16 HVAC return that services the entire 1st floor, under the ottoman. The fireplace is where my insert will go. I am trying to figure out if the return being so close to the insert will cause draft problems, (bad) and/or be helpful to circulate the warm air from that room throughout the house (good). I would consider the fireplace to have so-so draft, although I am not sure if that matters at all for the new insert.
Let's assume it will be a "medium sized" insert installed "correctly" although when I get to that point I may post a few questions. From reading here extensively I am pretty clear on how to install correctly. The chimney is in the center of the house, but it will only be about 12' from the top of the insert to the top of the chimney.
For reference, the first floor where the fireplace is, is 1250 sq ft, finished basement is about 850 sq ft. The forced air is all 1 zone but the basement does have it's own return. I installed an Evergreen ECM blower motor in the air handler this summer, so running the fan all the time would not be a problem, and I have lots of different speed options as well.
What do you guys think? Is this a mistake that is going to make my living room hot and smoky and the rest of my house freeze? Or is there a chance I can get a nice warm house throughout and cut my oil bill in half?
Thanks!
Mike
In the attached photo (hope it works), there is a 16x16 HVAC return that services the entire 1st floor, under the ottoman. The fireplace is where my insert will go. I am trying to figure out if the return being so close to the insert will cause draft problems, (bad) and/or be helpful to circulate the warm air from that room throughout the house (good). I would consider the fireplace to have so-so draft, although I am not sure if that matters at all for the new insert.
Let's assume it will be a "medium sized" insert installed "correctly" although when I get to that point I may post a few questions. From reading here extensively I am pretty clear on how to install correctly. The chimney is in the center of the house, but it will only be about 12' from the top of the insert to the top of the chimney.
For reference, the first floor where the fireplace is, is 1250 sq ft, finished basement is about 850 sq ft. The forced air is all 1 zone but the basement does have it's own return. I installed an Evergreen ECM blower motor in the air handler this summer, so running the fan all the time would not be a problem, and I have lots of different speed options as well.
What do you guys think? Is this a mistake that is going to make my living room hot and smoky and the rest of my house freeze? Or is there a chance I can get a nice warm house throughout and cut my oil bill in half?
Thanks!
Mike