Newbie in need of advice!!!

[Swedge]

Went to the Hampton dealer today. They have an offer on a free blower. The dealer also recommended against the enamel finish as he said it tends to develop hairline cracks in the finish after a few years. He said I could do the installation myself and save a grand using the higher quality stainless pipe and recommended insulating and cementing. If I do this myself, I'm looking at about $3,250.

 

[Swedge]

Also, this purchase is dependent on whether or not the 3 or so cord of wood I have is ready to burn. As mentioned, I have about 1/2 or so stacked the rest is split and piled. It is chestnut oak. I'm burning a fire tonight in the fireplace to see how it burns. Is there something I should be looking for as an indicator that the wood still has too much moisture?

 

[Swedge]

The questions are endless:

I noticed when starting the fire that the metal damper in the fireplace is "bricked in" for lack of a better term. I don't think I could get it out without some chiseling of brick? can I run the new liner through the damper opening or does this whole thing need to come out?

Do I need to get the chimney swept before relining?

 

[Swedge]

The oak doesn't seem to be burning all that well and there is moisture bubbling out the cut ends. I assume this wood isn't properly seasoned yet.

 

[rideau]

You are correct. Probably not dry. Would not expect oak to be if cut last year, even had it been split and stacked. oak takes at least two years. It seems to me you indicated this wood had simply been piled on the ground, not split or stacked? Likely too wet to burn. If it all has water sizzling out the end and is slow to burn, good indication it is wet,

When was the chimney swept, and how much has it been used since? If not swept immedaitely before or since your purchase, yes I'd get it checked and swept.

 

[Swedge]

Yeah it was cut and split last year, but the trees had been dead for quite a while. I let the fire burn itself out and there were two small chunks left that didn't burn. I'm going to probably pass on the stove this year, get some stacks ready for next year and purchase the unit in the off season.

 

[ColdNH]

I know it's been said and you are more interested in an insert, but that fireplace would look great with a freestander sitting on the hearth.

I agree, just look at my avatar, its almost an identical hearth.

I was able to get a "Used" but never "used" oslo for 1500$ on craigslist. had it installed with a liner for another 600$.

 

[David Tackett]

I am new to this site, but not wood burning. 5000?? for an insert and install, what, is it made of Gold? Look around and you can find a lot cheaper. I was looking on Craig'sList where I live and I saw a King stove that retails for 2400 for 600 bucks. There are deals to be found, just look around.

 

[begreen]

Finding a great bargain during peak season is hard. Timing is everything. Good deals often go within minutes, so you really need to stay on it and you really need to know what you are buying or you might end up with a boat anchor. As an alternative, there are some new, ~2 cu ft inserts for around $1000 that will do a reasonable job of heating the fireplace area. With a self install you can be heating for under $2K. Given how well insulated your home is, I think this would cover maybe 90% of your heating needs and would have a much faster payback. Here are a couple examples. You can skip the surround if you want to recoup a bit more heat from the stove using a block-off plate above it .

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442426_200442426
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577755_200577755