Got an old fireplace that will be converted to a modern, efficient, heat machine. The question is, what delivers better heat, an insert, or a free-standing on the hearth?
My dimensions: 29" wide, 26" high, and deeper than should be allowed by law. The hearth is elevated and comes approx 21" into the room. I'll be able to run a six-inch flexible stainless pipe down the existing crumbling chimney.
The room is 400 sq feet and I am hoping some warm air will leave the room and provide secondary heat to the rest of the drafty old ranch house.
Elevation: 6750'. Fuel: Juniper or, second choice pinon.
I can set a Jotul F400 Castine or even an F500 Oslo on the hearth and run the vent out the back, into the fireplace, up, and out. Or, to keep the discussion apples to apples, a Jotul Kennebec insert would fit as well. I may not be able to afford these 2 choices, but for the sake of discussion let's use them.
What are your thoughts on freestanding vs insert? Pros and cons? (Let's not do the cat/non-cat debate for now.)
My dimensions: 29" wide, 26" high, and deeper than should be allowed by law. The hearth is elevated and comes approx 21" into the room. I'll be able to run a six-inch flexible stainless pipe down the existing crumbling chimney.
The room is 400 sq feet and I am hoping some warm air will leave the room and provide secondary heat to the rest of the drafty old ranch house.
Elevation: 6750'. Fuel: Juniper or, second choice pinon.
I can set a Jotul F400 Castine or even an F500 Oslo on the hearth and run the vent out the back, into the fireplace, up, and out. Or, to keep the discussion apples to apples, a Jotul Kennebec insert would fit as well. I may not be able to afford these 2 choices, but for the sake of discussion let's use them.
What are your thoughts on freestanding vs insert? Pros and cons? (Let's not do the cat/non-cat debate for now.)