Fireplace Pellet Stove Insert

[VWandDodge]

Not for the garage, but for the living room. I stopped using the fireplace in my house over 10 years ago because they are inefficient, awkward to use, and a maintenance PITA. My living room is 19'x23' with a 15' vaulted ceiling. I'd like to install a pellet insert. My oldest brother had a pellet stove in his house, when he lived in Nevada, that could keep the entire house warm for several days in extremely cold weather.


Just wondering if anyone here has been here before or can offer up some advice. Were I not planning to move in a few years I'd rip out the fireplace and completely rework that wall with a better window layout.

 

[VWingman]

I have a wood burning insert and heated practically my entire house last winter. What I would have done differently is gotten just a wood stove instead of an insert and basically have a hearth stove vs an insert. I didn't put the surround on anyway and made a block off plate for it. If you are going to rework everything, you could probably save money by finding a pellet stove vs. an insert. In my case, I am saying this because the model insert I have is more expensive then the stove in the same model family.
Check out hearth.com for everything you want to know about heating with wood, pellets boilers etc... Very awesome site filled with very knowledgable people and great info.

 

[VWandDodge]

Awesome. Thanks for that information.

 

[930dreamer]

I want a pellet insert for the house also, but my shop is next door to a cabinet shop so the lure of free hard wood is strong. I already collect a bunch of wood, but I'm not that thrilled about hauling it to the house. If I had a wood stove at the shop, life would be good. Sorry a little OT.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[VWandDodge]

Went to hearth.com and found the Timberwolf TP135 that burns both pellets and corn. Seems like a good starting point and I'll go from there. I'll post some pics of the current fireplace insert, which I think could cause issues with installation.