Thanks for all the info received so far from exploring this forum. I would like to purchase a wood insert for my existing fireplace. I am trying to decide between the VC Montpelier and the Xtrodinair 33. 2 dealers recommend the Xtrodinair and 1 recommends the VC. I have a ranch with a pretty open floor plan. Maybe about 2000 sq feet on the main floor. I do have cathedral ceilings in the kitchen. Should I install a ceiling fan for better circulation?
- Both inserts about the same install price (about $4200), both equal quality?
- My wife's big concern is the smell of smoke. We went to a friends house for him to show us his and the house smelled like smoke. Not the nice wood burning chimney smell but smoke. He did have his doors open to demonstrate. Is that a big concern?
- How important is the block off plate and/or insulation if the top of the chimney is completely sealed off? None of the 3 dealers mentioned these items, but I didn't ask yet either.
Thanks in advance!
Mantle and surround was a DIY project.
Not to scale....
- Both inserts about the same install price (about $4200), both equal quality?
- My wife's big concern is the smell of smoke. We went to a friends house for him to show us his and the house smelled like smoke. Not the nice wood burning chimney smell but smoke. He did have his doors open to demonstrate. Is that a big concern?
- How important is the block off plate and/or insulation if the top of the chimney is completely sealed off? None of the 3 dealers mentioned these items, but I didn't ask yet either.
Thanks in advance!
Mantle and surround was a DIY project.
Not to scale....