Wood burning insert

HGM · Oct 3, 2005

I'm looking into adding an insert to my existing masonry fireplace. A friend of mine has a used 36"x25" Silent Flame insert with blower in very good shape that he will make me a deal on. Do you guys have an idea what it would be worth?

Secondly, there was no flue adaptor or pipe on it when he removed it. I was told that you had to have at least a couple of feet of pipe to make sure it flowed properly. My next question is, do I need a manifold and pipe or can I just run it open to the chimney? My chimney has a tera cotta 10-12" flue.

Thanks for the ideas guys, I appreciate it.

Egon · Oct 3, 2005

Can't make any comment on the insert price.

Would suggest you consult with your insurance company and local building codes to make sure all is in compiance.

The chimney may require an insert for codes and proper draft for the insert. With too large a chimney the flue gas velocity is too low to get proper draft.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

beenthere · Oct 3, 2005

Along with what Egon said, I would not try to adapt a used insert, after having put a new one in several years ago. At least go look at a new one, and read the manual and installation guide. Likely the new ones have the latest for code (and insurance). Every fireplace seems to be a bit different and requires some custom alterations to make the stove fit and work properly. Not a good thing to have a big opening for the smoke to go, and not be connected to the chimney flue, as the draft is messed up that way. I think you are on the right track with thinking there should be a flue adaptor and the lack of one may be a reason that this one has been removed i.e. it didn't work well. Inserts that work well are not often removed IMO /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Your 10-12" flue is a big flue, and also may limit good draft. Some things to consider.
I wouldn't want to deal with a used insert. Too messy and too 'risky' for getting a good install.
But do wish you luck if you go ahead with it.

HGM · Oct 3, 2005

Apparently, the wife half of the previous owners, didnt like the hassle of wood anymore. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif This looks to be in as good of condition as the new ones I looked at a couple of weeks ago. By the way, the store I went to wanted between $3-4,000 for a new stove this size with all hardware. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I realize the cost of a new house and the danger to my family and so forth. I just cant justify the high price of a new one. If this turned out to be a bad idea, I would probably get a reflector for the existing fireplace. It does get cold at times, but I only use about 130gal of propane to heat the house each year.

I'm thinking I can get this stove and the pipe if needed for $4-500. By no means am I knocking your advice, I would like to get as many opinions as possible. Thanks for the replies guys, please keep them coming.

HomeBrew2 · Oct 3, 2005

Any possibility the mfg of the used insert is still in business and you can get manuals either off their website or by fax or mail? At least then you'd know what you have and what you might be missing ...

woodchuckie · Oct 3, 2005

Many years ago before I decided that the work and trouble and time with the firewood just wasn't worth it, I had an insert. No installation it just pushed against the fire place and sealed with strips of fiberglass insulation. No flue adapter or anything. It worked great. I gave it to a neighbor who is still using it.

rswyan · Oct 4, 2005

Like woodchuckie, we have an older insert. It was located in the upstairs living room fireplace - nice to keep the living room warm (usually too warm) but it made it an absolute pain to use ..... since there was no good route to bring in wood. Last fall I relocated it to the basement fireplace in the family room after cleaning the chimney flue myself and then having it inspected. The basement is a walkout with a sliding glass door in the family room.

The insert is an older one, with no flue adapter and the chimney is a masonary (tile-lined) 11" x 11" which is inside the house (not on an outside wall) ..... I would guess it is at least 25' or 30' tall. It worked great, plenty draw .... in fact, more than enough. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I did use insulate and seal the cover plate that goes around the insert with fiberglass as woodchuckie described.

I'd say, given the relatively small investment you mentioned, go for it and save yourself some $$$ on your heating bill.

JimR · Oct 4, 2005

I have a wood stove in both of our houses hooked into fireplaces. Both have a pipe running up thru a flue plate. Both work excellent. I'm sure a fireplace insert would work just fine if you seal off the outside against the fireplace. I would run a very short pipe up into the flue.

Varmintmist · Oct 5, 2005

No reason you cant take the model # and a good description of what you have to the stove dealer, or any stove dealer and get some info.

arthr31 · Oct 5, 2005

I use a fireplace wood insert to heat nearly my entire house (about 1500 sq. ft).

You need to know what the draft requirements of your unit will be, and what the length of the chimney is. Without the proper sized draft, the unit won't work properly. For instance, I had a 12" chimney, but the insert/stove required max of 7". I installed a 6" steel liner and the stove runs great. My old wood stove, with a smaller firebox used the 12" chimney and never got the right draft, thus never burned right and never heated as much as possible (but, i did get it red hot occassionaly ! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif )

Get the draft /chimney size right, it'll make a differnce. Get a carbon monoxide monitor, get a stove temp guage, get GOOD dry wood and then enjoy sunlight heat on a cold day.

As far as the price you quoted, i paid like 3K for a new jotul insert a few years ago. PM for more details, i'll look 'em up for you! Keep warm! -art