If you want a nice insert, go with one that uses ceramic glass that stays
closed when used. Some are 85 percent efficient like a furnace. Get one
with stainless steel vents that go up your chimney. They are flexible pipes
and are easy to install. One is for intake and the other is exhaust.


"Terry" wrote in message
...
Request some opinions/advice re alternatives for our existing fireplace
which lives in an imposing rock wall in our family room.

A recent insurance survey identified that the open grate fireplace with a
hanging metal curtain in front of it, should have an 18 inch hearth in
front of it. The 22 inch high and 23 inch wide fireplace opening is about
12 inches up from the floor with a rock 'lip' projecting about 8 inches.
We do have a semi-non combustible plastic shield laid on the carpet in
front of it, which has prevented ash and cinders melting the floor carpet.
The 'damper' originally operated by a turn-screw device has rotted away
over some 25 years. The flue is presently blocked to prevent heat loss.
The fireplace chimney has a 6 by 8 inch rectangular masonry flue in good
condition.
Such a fireplace while cheery when it was used is very inefficient and
creates dirt/ashes and heat loss etc. There is no possibility of an ash
dump because the back of the chimney is in a storeroom with same floor
level.
Chimney construction also provides a separate 6 inch by 6 inch flue which
goes further down and is connected to a wood stove in the basement below
this room. Insurance has approved that installation.

Alternatives may be;

1) Add hearth 18 inches out at floor level or very slightly above it.
Repair or replace damper etc. Continue to burn wood etc.

2) Convert by adding a propane gas fireplace insert. This would require a
gas line, large gas bottle to be located outside (with certain
clearances), with regulator, ice snow protection, access for refilling
etc. Also certain regulations may require a different flue and/or a
special stainless steel flue liner? Propane heat with the use of the small
electric blower in such a fireplace is nice and would add local warmth to
the room .

3) Install an electric fireplace. Have never liked these because of their
'artificiality' etc. But since rest of house with exception of the
basement wood stove is 'all-electric' anyway it would be easiest to
install and with no combustion involved cleanest. While I have the skills
to maintain most items electric would probably be simplest (and cheapest)
to maintain, myself (aged 70+).

4) Although some interesting oil stoves are available fuel becoming more
expensive? And the regulatory precautions for oil tank and fuel line are
considerable and a concern; insurance against environmental damage would
be another ongoing expense. So I omit this option.

Opinions/ideas welcome.