Wood burning stove insert question

[GT350Mike]

We're looking for an insert to install in an existing fireplace. The current fireplace is a basic pre-fab that has a brick mantle. Our home is a two stories (3400 sq ft) and I know that installing an insert will not heat the whole house. Most of the inserts that I have considered will heat 1800 to 2200 sq ft, but bigger units wouldn't hurt as long as we're staying in the $1200 range.

Here are a few links of stoves that we've found so far:
www.drolet.ca/index-en.aspx

http://www.harmanstoves.com/specifications.asp?id=8

http://www.drolet.ca/product.aspx?CategoId=7&Id=428&Page=spec

http://www.cherokeestove.com/FIREPLACE PAGES/fireplace wood lopi revere insert.htm

http://www.homeclick.com/showpage.a...s-236904&cid=F0CADB25D5A914FCBDDF73F605330C4A

Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[89vert]

You should to see if you are allowed by your building code to install an insert in your fireplace.If you have a metal Zero clearance fireplace , you may have a problem with approvals/ insurance.

 

[vinculum]

I have a Kodiak 1700 insert and LOVE IT! The gas co. HATES it.

Its made in Canada, where they know a little bit about the cold. 74,000 BTUs and 75% effiecient.

Thought I'd like a pellet stove, but last year the stores ran out of pellets, but nature keeps making logs! It looks more natural than pellets burning in a little box. I'm 100% satisfied with mine. Heres a link to check it out...

http://www.enviro-fire.com/fireplace-products/wood/fireplace-insert.html

 

[ponjohn]

I have a Lopi pellet insert. Works great heats our small 1500 sf ranch fine. Kept it at 70 last season and used 4.5 tons at 260/ton.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

"I have a Kodiak 1700 insert and LOVE IT! The gas co. HATES it."

Actually, we don't care. Not even a little bit.

Signed.

The Gas Co.

 

[vinculum]

Dear Gas Co.

No, You really do. You told me so in private! In public however, I am but a small fish in a big sea... You have nightmares of more fish like me!

Your displeasure is because, my new heating fuel is...

Cheaper to heat my home by 300%,
Renewable,
Better looking,
Better smelling,
Supports locals instead of Arabs!

WooD... Coming to a log near you....

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Supports locals instead of Arabs!

Not a whole lot of Arabs in Louisianna and Texas where most of your gas comes from, if you're talking about natural gas.

Honestly, I'm in the business and my philosophy is people should use just as little gas as they need. People that burn wood or conserve help the market. When prices get high, they cut their consumption, that drives prices down and that's good for my business.

No, the one's that annoy me are the people that have a 25 year old furnace, little insulation, leaky ducts, cracked windows, and do nothing but ***** about the cost of energy, like it's MY FAULT their bills are through the roof.

You my friend, would be one of my favorite customers. Likely you'll need to move several hundred miles though.

Phil

 

[vinculum]

No chance... I love the rolling hills and changing seasons here in central pa!

Actually I have propane... which is a refined component of natural gas. I dunno geographically where its coming from.

I just bought this house not long ago, and it still had the original oil boiler from '78. complete with domestic hot water loop and a huge repair log. Replaced it with a propane boiler. I don't use it much.. and in hindsight, I should have just had a heat pump installed when I had central AC put in. Live and learn... I did get a seperate propane hot water heater. It hardly uses any gas at all and I never run out of water. I know what you mean about the insulation. I'm good up in the ceiling, but I bet I only have R11 in the walls? My garage is not only bigger, but probably better insulated.. Still no heat installed out there. I'm mulling the options for next winter. I found your posts on unvented heaters interesting. I knew they threw off moisture, just didn't know how bad it really was! I'm going to use a "stump" sized propane blaster and 20lb bottle this winter, and install something permanent before next. I'm leaning towards vented infrared units, but still undecided.

Later Gas Man!