Well here is the situation. Moved into the home a couple years ago have fires in the winter months about once a week or so. Decieded to have a chimney sweep come out and take a look over everything to make sure all was well......it was not. His words were I would not use this at all. I can't get an insert that I would like as it is an older (over 28 years) metal insert currently. Not looking forward to shelling out 5-6-7 grand for a new fireplace, but don't think I can make it through the winter with out having a couple fires. As long as this is happening I would like to be able to heat some of or all of my 1600sq ft ranch now. Looking at RSF Opel 2, Kozy Heat Z42 at the moment. I think I can handle getting rid of the brick on the front now and taking out the old unit. Have the company place the new unit with new chimney (currently have an old stainless steel, that i don't think would fly on a newer unit). Then I would frame around it and put cement board on it for this year, then finish next year with some type of stone or faux stone. I am open to all opinions, options, comments basically anything. Need to get this taken care of sooner than later as I am sure the dealers are pretty busy this time of year. I live in the Madison WI area, so if anyone knows of a good installer open to that as well. Thank you for all your help.