woodstove/fireplace insert? (how much, house, live)

[maestramommy]

I just heard of these today. At first I didn't see much point to them since you still burn wood and it doesn't go to your heating ducts. But I was told that they burn wood much more efficiently than a regular fireplace, and you can safely leave it burning all night.

Anyone use these? Do you find it pays for itself in terms of cutting down oil costs?

Here is the one I saw:

EPA certified Solution 1.8-I wood insert 65000 BTU by Enerzone

[Ken E]

Originally Posted by maestramommy

I just heard of these today. At first I didn't see much point to them since you still burn wood and it doesn't go to your heating ducts. But I was told that they burn wood much more efficiently than a regular fireplace, and you can safely leave it burning all night.

Anyone use these? Do you find it pays for itself in terms of cutting down oil costs?

Here is the one I saw:

EPA certified Solution 1.8-I wood insert 65000 BTU by Enerzone

I used to have a fireplace insert made by Ashley. It had a blower and did a good job heating a small area. It wouldnt hold a fire overnight but was better than using a open fireplace.

[jmking]

Yes I use one and love it. If you get one make sure it has a blower built in. It does burn wood better because you have control in how much air to let into the stove, causing the wood to burn slower and hotter. My stove is an insert and the length of the wood is approx. 18"-no longer. Also mine has a glass front which allows you to see the fire however, I found that within a couple of burnings the glass fogs over, unable to see the fire. I think there might be a treatment application out there that may help to provent this. Also it would be a good idea to get a ceiling fan also to help spread the heat around. Mine is made by Squires.

[Valerie C]

We also are in the market for a fireplace insert this year. I don't think they're the most attractive things in the world, but these days it's all about saving some money... If you don't go with the insert this year, at least put some glass doors on your open fireplace, and leave them closed. It's a good 1st step, as an open fireplace even with the flue closed will let some of your heat up and out...

DH added a blower to our present woodstove in the basement family room, made all the difference in the world. Cooler in summer, and warmer in winter--with the heat set at 65 maxin the rest of the house (60 overnight) we tend to spend more time downstairs in the wintertime

maestramommy, that insert looks very similar to one that DH was looking at a couple of weeks ago. If we get it I'll post here about it, and you can do the same

[maestramommy]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

We also are in the market for a fireplace insert this year. I don't think they're the most attractive things in the world, but these days it's all about saving some money... If you don't go with the insert this year, at least put some glass doors on your open fireplace, and leave them closed. It's a good 1st step, as an open fireplace even with the flue closed will let some of your heat up and out...

DH added a blower to our present woodstove in the basement family room, made all the difference in the world. Cooler in summer, and warmer in winter--with the heat set at 65 maxin the rest of the house (60 overnight) we tend to spend more time downstairs in the wintertime

maestramommy, that insert looks very similar to one that DH was looking at a couple of weeks ago. If we get it I'll post here about it, and you can do the same

Dh refuses to do anything about it this year. We already got too many house related issues to take care of on the docket. But I'm doing the research now, so next year we can act if we want. Currently, one fireplace is completely open, and the other has those draw strings screens. I'm not sure what we're going to do except that we need a strong enclosure to keep my little toddler away.

Please post pics when you get yours installed, I'd love to see it!

Now, how does the insert keep your house cooler in summer?

[Valerie C]

Originally Posted by maestramommy

Now, how does the insert keep your house cooler in summer?

OH, LOL it doesn't... I typed that before coffee I *think* my point was that the basement where the wood stove is located is naturally warmer in the winter, cooler in summer. However, if I had more time, I'm sure I could make something up about how I reverse the fans to bring the cool air close to the foundation into the house

[notdancingqueen]

We're about 2 clicks away from ordering a wood stove and an EPA-rated high efficiency word burning fireplace. DH has done tons of research - I can ask him for help if anyone has specific questions...

[MtnFlyer]

We have an family room that is about 20X25 and our insert will run you out of the room if you continue to let it run. I bought a thermostat for it last year as the room would hit 90 degrees easily when temperatures outside were in the teens.

[futurecruiser]

We love it....definitely get the blower. Will keep our whole house pretty warm with good dry hardwood, blower running and ceiling fans on very low.

[Valerie C]

FutureCruiser, thanks for posting the picture! (Beautiful room, BTW!)

It's always good to see something like this in a "real" situation instead of as a catalog picture. While I really dislike the look of a woodstove in a fireplace, that insert looks like something I could live with! How far does the insert stick out of the fireplace? Your fireplace and hearth appear very similar to mine. TIA!