I was wondering if anyone can help me in making my decision to take the plunge into buying a wood insert. I currently have a masonry fireplace with a rough opening, no doors or anything. I have a 8" flue tile going up to the top of my chimney which is about 25ft high. I am considering getting a wood burning insert installed to utilize the fireplace. We dont not use the fireplace as it sits because I am concerned with the shape of the flue liner, being the home was constructed in the 20's. I have burned wood in it about twice and my problem is that I do not have the control of the fire that I would like to have. I am thinking with a wood insert I would not have to be right next to it all the time and it is a safer burn environment and increased efficency as a heat source. I got a estimate on the the Lopi Declaration Plus insert with installation and I am looking at around $4600 for the insert, 25' flue liner, and installation. This is a drastic amount of money and I just want to make sure I am making the right choice. Please let me know what your thoughts are on this situation. Thanks