Good day to you all. I've perused this forum for a while now but only recently became a member when I decided that it was time to put an insert in the fireplace.
I've been looking at inserts for a while and although my house is only 1200 sq ft I've decided I would like as big an insert as will fit in the existing firebox. First because I'd like it to fill the space and second because the burn times are longer for larger fireboxes. Also, because my house is solid masonry, brick exterior and combo brick and tile interior walls, it is hard to heat comfortably and my nat gas bills continue to rise even though I continue to weatherproof the house more each year. Before the snow comes this year I'll have all new storms installed which I've been wanting for a while now.
At any rate, 1200 sq ft, solid masonry, one level and an old but decent existing fireplace that needs to have a good insert so I get some decent heat.
I've settled on a stove the size of the Avalon Olympic and in fact there is a new Olympic available from a third party (bought and never installed) not too far away.
The house was built in 1917 and inside the house the fireplace is floor to ceiling masonry with the inner chimney core rising approx 17' from floor level. I appears to be at least 10x10" inside and I can stick my head inside the firebox with the damper fully opened and look straight up through the top of the chimney. I can't say it's a good design but I think it will be a fairly straight forward operation to line it.
The dimensions of my existing firebox are as follows and I'm concerned that there won't be enough space to work with the liner on top of the insert once it's in place, but my concerns may be unfounded.
Front at opening
W 32
D 18.5
H 26.5
At the rear the width is a tad less, 27" but since the insert only extends into the opening about 14.5" I believe that it should be alright. If it isn't I will dismantle part of the existing firebox at the rear and upper area since the depth also is less, at 15", where the existing metal damper assembly connects to the masonry. Also, my hearth extends 20.5" out from the fireplace masonry so at this point it isn't a concern, if I have to add a shield to the floor in front I will since Avalon says it needs 22+" in front of the insert. Width of the fireplace and hearth is not an issue, it's pretty sizable as far as fireplaces go, especially in a house this size.
Avalon says the insert is only 22.125" tall, which leaves over 4" of space to work with the liner above the unit. Does anyone think there will be a problem here?
Additionally, based on my observations I think that I can come straight down the existing chimney with the liner and not have to use any flex at all, there's no smoke shelf directly above the damper and the only thing I can see that might be a shelf is about 10' above on the outboard side of the chimney.
Looking for some general comments and concerns here, I'd like the insert to provide primary heat in the winter and I have already stockpiled a respectable amount of wood for this winter. I'm not a big fan of forced air heating.
If I've left off some critical info let me know and I'll try and add what I can. Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments
Regards
Steve A
PS - been lurking here for a while and I have to say this is one of the best sources of knowledge regarding wood burning in the home.
I've been looking at inserts for a while and although my house is only 1200 sq ft I've decided I would like as big an insert as will fit in the existing firebox. First because I'd like it to fill the space and second because the burn times are longer for larger fireboxes. Also, because my house is solid masonry, brick exterior and combo brick and tile interior walls, it is hard to heat comfortably and my nat gas bills continue to rise even though I continue to weatherproof the house more each year. Before the snow comes this year I'll have all new storms installed which I've been wanting for a while now.
At any rate, 1200 sq ft, solid masonry, one level and an old but decent existing fireplace that needs to have a good insert so I get some decent heat.
I've settled on a stove the size of the Avalon Olympic and in fact there is a new Olympic available from a third party (bought and never installed) not too far away.
The house was built in 1917 and inside the house the fireplace is floor to ceiling masonry with the inner chimney core rising approx 17' from floor level. I appears to be at least 10x10" inside and I can stick my head inside the firebox with the damper fully opened and look straight up through the top of the chimney. I can't say it's a good design but I think it will be a fairly straight forward operation to line it.
The dimensions of my existing firebox are as follows and I'm concerned that there won't be enough space to work with the liner on top of the insert once it's in place, but my concerns may be unfounded.
Front at opening
W 32
D 18.5
H 26.5
At the rear the width is a tad less, 27" but since the insert only extends into the opening about 14.5" I believe that it should be alright. If it isn't I will dismantle part of the existing firebox at the rear and upper area since the depth also is less, at 15", where the existing metal damper assembly connects to the masonry. Also, my hearth extends 20.5" out from the fireplace masonry so at this point it isn't a concern, if I have to add a shield to the floor in front I will since Avalon says it needs 22+" in front of the insert. Width of the fireplace and hearth is not an issue, it's pretty sizable as far as fireplaces go, especially in a house this size.
Avalon says the insert is only 22.125" tall, which leaves over 4" of space to work with the liner above the unit. Does anyone think there will be a problem here?
Additionally, based on my observations I think that I can come straight down the existing chimney with the liner and not have to use any flex at all, there's no smoke shelf directly above the damper and the only thing I can see that might be a shelf is about 10' above on the outboard side of the chimney.
Looking for some general comments and concerns here, I'd like the insert to provide primary heat in the winter and I have already stockpiled a respectable amount of wood for this winter. I'm not a big fan of forced air heating.
If I've left off some critical info let me know and I'll try and add what I can. Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments
Regards
Steve A
PS - been lurking here for a while and I have to say this is one of the best sources of knowledge regarding wood burning in the home.