I currently have a prefabricated Heatilator 42C unit serving duty as my "fireplace." This was built/installed by the builder of my house 3 years ago. Now, I want to install a Quadrafire 5100, or a Lopi Freedom Bay, or a Regal I300; however I can't find anyone willing to deliver/install it, and when I did finally find ONE dealer willing to deliver and install it, they stated they won't sell me the unit because my fireplace wasn't built to withstand the amounts of heat the wood burning insert would put out.
I understand his point, but is it accurate?
I also looked into a Napoleon 1150P freestanding unit, but it would still cost $8,000 to have one installed, because it too would need a chimney built to the roof and "chased-in."
All of this is leaving me scratching my head, how do people get these units installed in their houses in the first place? Does everyone but me have a true masonry fireplace? Or does everyone ignore the fact their chimneys "weren't built to withstand the temperatures a wood burning insert puts out"? I have a hard time accepting the later, but in this economy I also have a hard time of someone refusing a $4,000.00 sale.
The entire point was to get something that burned a lot less wood (which means less felling, bucking, and splitting for me), something that would heat much better, and something I can use to cook on during an emergency.
So, tell me, am I screwed? No one wants to sell me or install what I want. Do I keep looking, or are they right? Am I stuck with this pre-fab builder grade POS Heatilator?
I've taken the Heatilator as far as it can go by adding a fireback, blower, doors, etc...there isn't anything more I can do to improve it's heating capability, is there?
I understand his point, but is it accurate?
I also looked into a Napoleon 1150P freestanding unit, but it would still cost $8,000 to have one installed, because it too would need a chimney built to the roof and "chased-in."
All of this is leaving me scratching my head, how do people get these units installed in their houses in the first place? Does everyone but me have a true masonry fireplace? Or does everyone ignore the fact their chimneys "weren't built to withstand the temperatures a wood burning insert puts out"? I have a hard time accepting the later, but in this economy I also have a hard time of someone refusing a $4,000.00 sale.
The entire point was to get something that burned a lot less wood (which means less felling, bucking, and splitting for me), something that would heat much better, and something I can use to cook on during an emergency.
So, tell me, am I screwed? No one wants to sell me or install what I want. Do I keep looking, or are they right? Am I stuck with this pre-fab builder grade POS Heatilator?
I've taken the Heatilator as far as it can go by adding a fireback, blower, doors, etc...there isn't anything more I can do to improve it's heating capability, is there?