Hello everyone! I recently purchased a new home with two, large fireplaces. I have zero experience with wood stoves, but I consider myself relatively handy and a quick learner. I've been reading pretty much non-stop the last few weeks and feel like I have a good understanding of the basics.
A little context - I just purchased a 4000 sqft split level with a large internal chimney running through the center of the home. I'm not looking to heat the home entirely by wood, but I'd like to create as much heat as possible since the home is all electric otherwise and will be very expensive to heat (electric baseboards currently). Upstairs has a large two-sided fireplace, and downstairs has a regular fireplace. I'm planning to install downstairs since two sided stoves don't seem to really exist in this country, and heat rising will radiate better throughout the house.
I've also learned that inserts are inherently less efficient than standalone stoves, but for space and aesthetics, I'm willing to settle. I also know that for pure efficiency, cat stoves are the way to go. Again, I'm willing to sacrifice efficiency here for something that makes prettier flames.
Anyways, after extensive research, I'm leaning towards going with a Lopi large flush hybrid insert. If this sounds like a bad idea, please feel free to suggest something else. I'm also looking for a high-quality installer. There are a couple of installers in the Baltimore area with decent reviews, but none seem to work with Lopi products. I've also had the chimney inspected and it's luckily in great condition. Are there any installers out there that work with Lopi and do high quality work in the Baltimore - Washington area? I am willing to pay a premium to have this done correctly by someone who knows their chit. Thanks in advance!
A little context - I just purchased a 4000 sqft split level with a large internal chimney running through the center of the home. I'm not looking to heat the home entirely by wood, but I'd like to create as much heat as possible since the home is all electric otherwise and will be very expensive to heat (electric baseboards currently). Upstairs has a large two-sided fireplace, and downstairs has a regular fireplace. I'm planning to install downstairs since two sided stoves don't seem to really exist in this country, and heat rising will radiate better throughout the house.
I've also learned that inserts are inherently less efficient than standalone stoves, but for space and aesthetics, I'm willing to settle. I also know that for pure efficiency, cat stoves are the way to go. Again, I'm willing to sacrifice efficiency here for something that makes prettier flames.
Anyways, after extensive research, I'm leaning towards going with a Lopi large flush hybrid insert. If this sounds like a bad idea, please feel free to suggest something else. I'm also looking for a high-quality installer. There are a couple of installers in the Baltimore area with decent reviews, but none seem to work with Lopi products. I've also had the chimney inspected and it's luckily in great condition. Are there any installers out there that work with Lopi and do high quality work in the Baltimore - Washington area? I am willing to pay a premium to have this done correctly by someone who knows their chit. Thanks in advance!
