We're in a 1950s 2300 sqft 2-story Colonial with a masonry fireplace and want to generate more heat than we get from the fireplace (which isn't much!) and prevent the heat loss we have now. Given the dimensions of the house and fireplace (41w x 29h x 21d), two contractors have recommended large units like the Regency cx2700 and Osburn Matrix 2700.
Realistically, we won't be burning wood every day and expecting to turn off our furnace for the winter. This will be for more casual use. But I'm concerned that with an insert that size the heat output would make our 15 x 25' living room almost unbearably hot.
Does running smaller fires defeat the purpose and efficiency of having a large insert? Would we be better off putting in a smaller unit?
We don't have any experience with these so I'm hoping to get input from you all. Thank you!
Realistically, we won't be burning wood every day and expecting to turn off our furnace for the winter. This will be for more casual use. But I'm concerned that with an insert that size the heat output would make our 15 x 25' living room almost unbearably hot.
Does running smaller fires defeat the purpose and efficiency of having a large insert? Would we be better off putting in a smaller unit?
We don't have any experience with these so I'm hoping to get input from you all. Thank you!
